News
Real Reason Tinubu Canceled AFCON Trip To Côte d’Ivoire, Delegates Vice President To Lead Nigerian Delegation
President Bola Tinubu has cancelled plans to watch the Africa Cup of Nations final live in Abidjan between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and host country Côte d’Ivoire.
Tinubu, who has come under fire since news filtered from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that he was billed to attend the final match on Sunday, has now delegated his vice, Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead the presidential team in support of the Super Eagles on Sunday.
Shettima’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed the decision of the president on Saturday in a release.
Naija News House had reported that the President, Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, had confirmed that Tinubu would be present at the stadium on Sunday to watch the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Motsepe, who disclosed this during a Media briefing shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday afternoon, had also urged Nigeria to bid for the FIFA World Cup.
Motsepe had said. “If you haven’t been to Lagos, you have never been in Africa… The President of Nigeria (Bola Tinubu) is coming to watch the final on Sunday I was told. I would have a conversation with him about it.”
Motsepe’s statement had elicited reactions from Nigerians, as many criticised the president for failing to show up to console victims of Plateau Christmas Eve massacre that claimed the lives of over 200 citizens and recent Bodija explosion in Ibadan that killed five and destroyed several houses.
An X user, @holusojy70, said, “He didn’t deem it fit to visit the people of plateau during their grieving period, Ibadan blast and the victims werent of importance to Him but AFCON final is of great importance to him.”
“I hope our goals won’t be gone like SUBSIDY. He should please stay in Aso Rock and watch from there. The team will bring the trophy home for him. Let him be in charge of the economy and Shetima in charge of security. We would appreciate Obi to be with the supporters,” @oladare_ayod said on X.
@Paledian, however, queried why Nigerians are optimistic and promote the country.
He wrote: “I don’t understand why many Nigerians don’t have a confidence in Nigeria hosting.
“This will promote your country in so mang ways. 2010 changed South Africa in so many ways.
Bolaji Adedotun Olanrewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji, a Nigerian gospel singer, is died.
His family confirmed the unfortunate news in an official statement on Saturday.
Reports indicated that Big Bolaji slumped and died at the age of 50 at an event last night during a concert.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as ‘Big B,’ a cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the church community, an ordained Pastor in the RCCG and a giant in the music industry and our community. Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness,” the statement read.
“His departure leaves a void in our hearts that can not be filled.
“Bolaji’s life was a testament to his passion for music, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to uplifting those around him. His legacy is not only in the melodies he created but in the lives he touched and the unquantifiable joy he spread.”
They added, “We take solace in knowing that his absence with us is his presence with the Lord, and the indelible mark he left on all who had the privilege of knowing him will not be erased.
“As we navigate through this time of loss, we kindly request privacy to mourn as a family. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.”
The family also noted that funeral arrangements would be communicated at a later date.
“Details regarding the obsequies will be shared in due course as we come together to celebrate Bolaji’s remarkable life and legacy.
“Thank you for respecting our wishes during this incredibly difficult time.
“With gratitude,
“The Family of Bolaji Olarewaju,” the statement added.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate, has urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider seeking re-election in 2027, claiming it would be politically unwise.
Speaking on News program, Baba-Ahmed said Tinubu should “throw in the towel” if he is truly the savvy politician many believe him to be. He argued that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost credibility, predicting their defeat in the next election.
Mocking Tinubu’s political maneuvers, Baba-Ahmed recounted how he backed various presidential candidates since 2007—culminating, in his words, in an “electoral heist” in 2023.
“If he’s that smart, it’s clear he’s going to lose in 2027,” he said, while suggesting that at least two candidates could defeat the president in the next poll.
He added that Tinubu, like former President Buhari, would fail to deliver on campaign promises. “Buhari didn’t develop Nigeria, didn’t provide security, didn’t fight corruption. Neither will Tinubu,” he asserted.
Baba-Ahmed expressed confidence that Nigerians will rise to reject bad leadership in 2027, uniting to bring genuine democracy to the country.
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