Fubara Withdraws from APC Governorship Primary, Coup Trial Takes New Twist

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress governorship primary election ahead of the 2027 polls.

In a statement personally signed on Wednesday, Fubara said his decision came after consultations with family members, friends, and political associates. He added that he would support whichever candidate eventually emerges as the party’s flagbearer in the state.

The governor’s withdrawal has sparked fresh political discussions in Rivers State as preparations for the next election cycle continue.

Meanwhile, the ongoing coup trial involving 36 military officers and personnel took a dramatic turn after one of the accused, Col. Mohammed Ma’aji, challenged the authority of the military tribunal handling the matter.

Ma’aji, through a preliminary objection filed before the Defence Headquarters Garrison General Court Martial sitting in Asokoro, Abuja, argued that the court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the charges against him.

The case, filed under charge number DHQ/GAR/ABJ/49/ADM, involves allegations of mutiny and an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In another development, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, signed Executive Order 001 of 2026 regulating associations and groups involved in security and allied services across the state.

Makinde said the directive was aimed at ensuring vigilante groups and community-based security outfits operate within a proper legal framework that supports peace, public order, and the rule of law.

Also, the Lagos State Government arraigned a National Union of Road Transport Workers chieftain, Shamsudeen Oladiti, also known as “Shamelon,” before a Lagos High Court over the alleged killing of a dispatch rider, Ramon Imam.

The defendant is facing charges bordering on involuntary manslaughter, conspiracy, and attempted murder.