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President Tinubu To Embark On Paris Trip Aboard New Presidential Jet—-President Bola Tinubu is set to depart Abuja for a visit to Paris, France, on Monday, marking his first journey aboard Nigeria’s newly acquired presidential jet.

The announcement was made by the President’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, on Sunday night. However, details regarding the duration of President Tinubu’s stay or the nature of his engagements in France were not disclosed. The President is expected to return to Nigeria after what has been described as a “brief work stay.”

This trip will be President Tinubu’s inaugural flight on the newly acquired Airbus A330, which has now become Nigeria’s Airforce One, bearing the registration number 5N-NGA. The jet arrived at the presidential wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, on Sunday evening, and was received by officials of Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet, led by Air Vice Marshal Olayinka Olusola.

The acquisition of this aircraft, a significant upgrade from the 19-year-old B737-700 (BBJ) previously used by Nigerian presidents, has sparked considerable debate. The Airbus A330 was repossessed from an indebted oil sheikh who had used the plane as collateral for a loan from a German bank. The deal, brokered by the American aviation firm L & L International LLC, saw Nigeria purchase the aircraft for over $100 million, significantly below its estimated market value of $600 million. A presidency official described the deal as highly beneficial, considering the aircraft’s advanced VIP configuration and overall value.

The decision to acquire a new presidential jet stemmed from recommendations by the House of Representatives’ National Security and Intelligence Committee, which had expressed concerns about the safety and cost efficiency of the ageing presidential fleet. Following an investigative hearing, the committee advised replacing at least two of the fleet’s outdated and unserviceable aircraft to reduce operational expenses and ensure the safety of the country’s top officials.

In June, the House Committee formally recommended that the federal government procure two new aircraft for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. However, the recommendation faced criticism from some Nigerians who questioned the rationale behind purchasing new jets during a period of severe economic challenges. Despite the backlash, the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence endorsed the House’s recommendation.

To finance the new acquisitions, the government initially planned to sell three of the older aircraft in the Presidential Air Fleet. Additionally, the National Assembly approved a request from President Tinubu to extend the lifespan of the 2023 supplementary budget to December 31, enabling the government to tap into the N180 billion contingency fund to cover the cost of the new jet.

Despite ongoing debates about the prudence of purchasing a new presidential jet in the current economic climate, officials within the presidency have defended the acquisition. According to an unnamed official, the new Airbus A330 represents a “prudent investment” for Nigeria, offering enhanced safety, comfort, and efficiency while projecting a positive image of the country on the global stage.

As President Tinubu prepares for his Paris trip aboard the new jet, discussions about the broader implications of this acquisition on Nigeria’s economy and global standing are likely to continue.

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Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

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Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant—-Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has thrown his weight behind his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election—an early move that is already stirring quiet conversations within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement did not come in the open. Instead, it followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat reportedly informed key stakeholders of his intention to run. Present at the gathering were members of the State Executive Council, party leaders, and influential figures within the Governor’s Advisory Council.

Among those in attendance were former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and former senator Ganiyu Solomon—names that signal the weight of the political bloc involved in the discussions.

Speaking afterwards, Sanwo-Olu described the decision as “unanimous,” framing it as a consensus among party stakeholders. But the speed and timing of the endorsement—well ahead of party primaries—have raised eyebrows about how firmly the succession plan may already be taking shape behind the scenes.

“We just received Mr Deputy… to inform us of his intention,” the governor said, adding that those present agreed he is “fit and well-prepared” for the role.

Sanwo-Olu leaned heavily on Hamzat’s track record and their long-standing working relationship, portraying him as a loyal and capable hand ready to take over. He went further, suggesting that Hamzat has effectively been groomed for the position from the outset.

“This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one,” he said.

In a remark that may further fuel speculation, the governor also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s enduring influence in Lagos politics, hinting that the current development could be part of a longer-term political vision.

Observers note that describing the gathering as a “family meeting” may reflect the tightly knit nature of decision-making within the state’s political structure—where major alignments are often settled before they reach the public stage.

While Hamzat has long been regarded as a key player in Lagos politics, the early endorsement positions him more clearly at the centre of succession discussions, even before a formal campaign has begun.

With more than a year to go before party primaries, the move is already reshaping conversations within the APC, where control of Lagos—Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre—remains one of the most strategic political prizes.

Whether this early alignment holds or faces internal pushback in the months ahead is a question many party watchers are now quietly asking

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2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option

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Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress

2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option—-Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will prioritise a consensus approach in selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, but may conduct primaries if internal talks fail.

Speaking on a prime-time programme on Arise TV, Atiku explained that party leaders are working to avoid internal disputes by rallying around a single candidate through dialogue and agreement.

He expressed confidence that stakeholders would reach a common ground, noting that experienced politicians within the party understand the importance of unity.

According to him, the ADC is focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, with members committed to managing differences without causing division.

Atiku also reiterated his willingness to support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer, regardless of the selection method.

He further stated that he is open to stepping aside for any aspirant, including Peter Obi, if they emerge as the preferred choice, emphasizing that unity within the party remains the top priority ahead of the 2027 elections.

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