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Finally, Lagos political palaver simmers as TInubu pardons Sanwo-Olu in GAC brokered deal
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The political storm cloud hanging over Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was swept away yesterday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave him a public endorsement, dispelling lingering speculations of a rift between them.
At a high-stakes reconciliation meeting held at the President’s private residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, Tinubu, long regarded as Sanwo-Olu’s political mentor and benefactor, reportedly declared: “All is over. There is no need to beat around the bush or go into unnecessary talk. Continue with your work.”
The remarks were made before key members of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, led by its chairman, Tajudeen Olusi. The council had accompanied Sanwo-Olu to plead for forgiveness and reaffirm political loyalty.
This dramatic intervention followed days of swirling rumours and public tension. Since Tinubu’s arrival in Lagos last week, Sanwo-Olu had been visibly sidelined from major public engagements. The situation reached a climax when Tinubu appeared to snub the governor by refusing a handshake during a public event, an act that set off a firestorm of speculations over a fallout ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources told The Guardian that the reconciliation meeting was facilitated after behind-the-scenes efforts by influential GAC members, who were alarmed by the escalating political drama. Olusi, in particular, was said to have appealed to Tinubu to forgive the governor, acknowledging that the President had been visibly unhappy with certain developments in Lagos.
Chairman of the GAC, Alhaji Olusi, reportedly told the President: “We know you are not pleased with some of us, especially the governor. We ask for mercy.”
In response, Tinubu, according to multiple sources present at the meeting, said: “It’s all over now. All is forgiven.”
The President also told Sanwo-Olu and the GAC members to go ahead with the planned local government elections scheduled to be held on July 12, saying, “I am too busy for council matters. Go ahead and ensure the right thing is done. Give fair opportunities to everyone.”
At that moment, Sanwo-Olu and members of the council were said to have prostrated before the President in a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and loyalty.
Though neither Sanwo-Olu nor Tinubu publicly confirmed a dispute, APC insiders at national, zonal, and state levels had hinted at growing friction. Sources cited Sanwo-Olu’s alleged attempts to assert greater independence by marginalising Tinubu loyalists within the state’s political structure.
One flashpoint, insiders said, was the perceived attempt to weaken the influence of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa—a close Tinubu ally. These moves, reportedly involving strategic reshuffling of appointments, did not sit well with the President.
Before the GAC-led visit, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, had also visited the President in Ikoyi. The monarch later told journalists that he was on a courtesy visit for the Sallah break and to debrief the President on his recent trip to Kazakhstan. However, palace insiders suggest that royal intervention was also part of the mediation efforts.
After the GAC meeting, Sanwo-Olu departed the residence in a white Coaster bus alongside other council members, visibly relaxed and smiling. Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, also left the venue shortly after, waving to onlookers.
Emerging from the closed-door meeting, Sanwo-Olu dismissed reports of any feud with the President. He told journalists: “Do you see any discord? Can’t you see when you are smiling, I’m smiling? There’s none. He’s my father, he’s my leader.”
He described the meeting as a routine festive visit by the GAC to the President, saying it was an opportunity to pray with him, extend well-wishes, and reaffirm support for his leadership.
On rising media narratives around the alleged conflict, Sanwo-Olu quipped: “People are crying more than the bereaved. The stories are baseless and misleading.”
The governor also seized the opportunity to back Tinubu’s economic policies, citing recent improvements. “The economy has made a positive bend. What will be the basis of any protest? Give this President more time,” he said, referring to calls by some groups for protests on June 12.
Sanwo-Olu credited Tinubu’s federal backing for recent milestones in Lagos, including the Blue Line rail expansion, fuel price stabilisation, and food interventions.
He reaffirmed his loyalty and that of the GAC to the President and the party, promising a united front ahead of upcoming local government elections.
Sources disclosed to The Guardian that GAC members had reached out to traditional rulers across Yorubaland to mediate before the situation became politically irreparable. While Tinubu has a long-standing reputation for political tolerance, insiders say the President expected strict loyalty, especially from his Lagos base.
Atiku’s ally Sowunmi visits Tinubu as Lagos PDP members set to defect to APC
Segun Sowunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, paid a Sallah homage to President Bola Tinubu yesterday.
In a brief post on his X account, Sowunmi wrote: “I spent quality time with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu. It was engaging and nostalgic.”
The visit has fuelled speculation of Sowunmi’s possible defection from the PDP.
Political analysts suggest that this development marks a strategic weakening of the core team around Atiku, as the presidency has reportedly co-opted former Atiku allies, including Daniel Bwala and Reno Omokri.
Meanwhile, members of the Lagos State Working Committee (SWC) of the PDP, a former deputy governorship candidate from the 2015 general elections, and candidates from the 2023 Lagos House of Assembly elections are expected to announce their defection to the All Progressives Congress today.
A source close to one of the defecting members disclosed that the announcement would take place at a meeting at the Lagos4Lagos Movement secretariat in Ikeja. The group is led by Dr Olajide Adediran (Jandor), the 2023 PDP governorship candidate who defected to the APC earlier this year, citing indiscipline within the PDP.
It was also gathered that a former deputy governorship candidate, who hails from Badagry, and another prominent PDP chieftain would be joined by their supporters in defecting to the APC today.
Former A’Ibom gov insists on non-interference after Eno’s political shift
Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has spoken out following the recent defection of his successor, Governor Umo Eno, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
Eno, who was widely believed to have been handpicked and supported by Emmanuel during the 2023 gubernatorial elections, surprised political observers on Friday when he formally joined the APC at an event in Uyo. The defection has sparked speculation about Emmanuel’s stance on the move.
In a statement issued yesterday by his media assistant, Stephen Abia, Emmanuel clarified his decision not to comment on the political development, reiterating his commitment to non-interference in the current administration’s affairs.
Titled “Why Udom Emmanuel Will Not React to the Political Development”, the statement dismissed reports circulating on some online platforms alleging that Emmanuel had made public remarks about Eno’s defection.
“The immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, CON, has neither issued a statement nor granted an interview in response to political developments in his home State. This is in line with his decision to allow the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, of the state a free hand to run the state without interference,” the statement said.
Abia added that Emmanuel has fully transitioned to private life since leaving office in 2023 and has deliberately avoided political commentary as part of his post-office principles.
“As you have observed, he is keeping to his promise of returning to his private practice, and allowing the governor to take full charge of moving the state forward,” Abia stated.
The statement also challenged any media outlet or individual claiming that Emmanuel had commented on the matter to provide credible evidence.
“The general public is hereby urged to discountenance a news report, emanating from an obscure online news platform, purporting a reaction from him,” the statement read. “Anyone who claims the immediate past governor has granted a recent interview should publish a video or audio clip of the said conversation.”
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a strategic reshuffling of senior officers across command, training, and staff positions in the Nigerian Army.
The appointments were announced on Saturday, June 27, 2026, by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who said the move was to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen national security.
New GOCs for 3 and 6 Divisions–
Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace. He replaces Major General EF Oyinlola.
Major General EI Okoro takes over as General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe, replacing Major General EE Emeka.
–Key command and staff changes–
Other major postings include:
– Major General JR Lar: Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison
– Brigadier General OM Oyekola: Acting Military Secretary (Army)
– Brigadier General IB Buhari: Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade
– Brigadier General K Rabiu: Commander, Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade
– Major General SA Emmanuel: Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command
– Major General O Adegbe: Director, Intelligence and Security, Defence Headquarters
Brigadier General I Waziri remains Chief of Staff in the Office of the COAS.
Training and institutional appointments—
To deepen force readiness, Major General KE Chigbu was appointed Deputy Commandant, National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant, Nigerian Army Armour School. Africans& Diaspora
Major General SO Adejimi is now Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport. Major General FS Etim will serve as Chief of Training, TRADOC NA. Brigadier General U Ahmad takes over as Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
Major General KO Ukandu and Major General AI Allison were named Managing Director/CEO of Post Housing Development Limited and Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited, respectively.
–“Justify the confidence”–
Anele said Shaibu urged the new appointees to demonstrate “exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment” to the Army’s mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting civil authority.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its transformation drive and commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force,” Anele stated.
Leader of the National Democratic Party, NDC Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has vowed that NDC will challenge court directive.
Dickson in a statement he e-signed stated that the order lacked legal merit and their team of legal experts have been kept on standby to rubbish the move.
He said : “This morning, I, like several other leaders, officials, candidates of the NDC, and members of the public, was jolted by the order issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja and presided over by Honourable Justice Isah Dashen.
“All I can say is that the order lacks legal merit and is intended to affect the foundational credibility and efforts of our party. The order is illegal and will not stand. It is against multi-party democracy, anti-democratic in nature, and aimed at narrowing and stifling the democratic space.
” It will be resisted by all of us and by all lovers of democracy in Nigeria.
“We have assembled our team of lawyers, and they are taking appropriate steps to set the order aside and restore normalcy. I call on all members, supporters, and candidates of the NDC to remain calm and continue with their normal political activities.
“This is only the first test of our commitment and resilience, both of which are not in doubt. Even this shall pass, and the NDC and all our candidates shall cruise to victory.
“We are not naive to expect that the tremendous progress we have achieved in the last five months would go without attack, but this particular development came from a very unlikely source.
“The application by an unregistered association, which is not a registered political party and has no exclusive right to any logo under the law, is shocking.
“Moreover, it was not a necessary party to the suit because it had no interest in the subject matter. It did not apply for registration in 2025, it was not one of the 171 associations that applied, nor was it among the 21 associations shortlisted for registration.
“So, we know where this is coming from. It is coming from those who are shocked by the progress the NDC has made within such a short period as a result of our hard work and commitment to deepening multi-party democracy.
“We will not allow this to slow us down or break our spirit. The struggle must continue.
“We will use appropriate judicial channels to correct the judicial anomaly that occurred under the watch of Honourable Justice Dashen. He has clearly erred in law, and we will take steps to correct it.
“All our candidates, supporters, and teeming voters across the country and beyond should hold on firmly and keep the faith. This development shows that our efforts have not gone unnoticed.
“I would also like to refer to my favourite quote on struggles “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you, then you win.”
“We are under attack, as I have repeatedly said we should prepare for challenges such as this. But thereafter, we shall win.
“Even with today’s development, thousands of Nigerians are joining us in solidarity. In fact, thousands of Nigerians across the country registered as NDC members today to show their solidarity, sympathy and support for our party. All things work together for good.
” Men may act with evil intentions, but if it is not the will of God, He turns it around for our good.
“I sincerely thank Nigerians for the confidence they continue to repose in the NDC. Your support, encouragement, and belief in our vision only strengthen our resolve to continue the struggle to deepen multi-party democracy in Nigeria.
OpenAI on Friday launched a US-only preview of its latest powerful AI model series to a limited group of partners at the request of the US government, the company said.
The release comes two weeks after the White House took Silicon Valley by surprise by ordering OpenAI’s rival Anthropic to ban all foreign nationals from accessing its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models, citing national security concerns.
Anthropic swiftly shut down all access to those models, saying it could not reliably comply with the restriction on foreign nationals.
The latest models from leading AI companies, such as Anthropic’s Mythos series and now OpenAI’s GPT-5.6, have drawn major concerns over their reportedly unprecedented ability to identify software vulnerabilities — weaknesses in code that hackers can exploit.
Under pressure over the novelty of their capabilities, Trump earlier this month signed an executive order setting up a voluntary federal review of national security risks in advanced AI models before their release.
The White House has communicated little about how it will enforce its executive order — in which companies are understood to be participating voluntarily — and what models would fall under its review rules.
The intervention was striking for a White House that has otherwise pushed to loosen AI oversight — even moving to block states from writing their own rules.
The strong action against Anthropic has drawn accusations of government overreach, and OpenAI said it was uncomfortable with the process it was required to follow for its new models.
OpenAI said it briefed the US government on its new models’ capabilities ahead of the launch and, at the government’s request, is beginning with a limited preview for a select group of trusted partners whose identities have been shared with authorities.
The partners are US-based, but OpenAI said overseas employees at those companies or entities would also have access to the new models.
“We don’t believe this kind of government access process should become the long-term default,” OpenAI said in a blog post.
“It keeps the best tools from users, developers, enterprises, cyber defenders, and global partners who need them. We are taking this short-term step because we believe it is the strongest path to broader availability in the coming weeks.”
When Anthropic was initially targeted, some believed the safety-focused company was being unfairly singled out by the Trump administration for political reasons.
In an earlier clash with the White House, Anthropic angered Trump’s team by refusing to allow its technology to be used for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, leading the Pentagon to cancel its contracts with the company.
That feud is now being litigated in two separate lawsuits.
– Three new models –
OpenAI’s GPT-5.6 series comprises three new models: Sol, the company’s new flagship; Terra, a mid-range model for everyday work; and Luna, a fast, low-cost option.
Once broadly available, Terra would be priced at half the cost of its predecessor GPT-5.5, the company said, as it seeks to lock in customers amid fierce competition from Anthropic and Google.
Both OpenAI and Anthropic have filed confidential IPO documents with US regulators and are targeting public listings at valuations approaching $1 trillion, raising the commercial stakes of the AI arms race between them.
AFP
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