NEWS

APM Opens, Closes Case In Petition Against Tinubu’s Presidential Victory

Published

3 years ago

June 21, 2023

On Wednesday, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) opened and concluded its case in the petition it filed contesting the declaration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the victor of the presidential election held on February 25.

The party in the petition numbered CA/PEPC/04/2023 seeks the nullification of Tinubu’s election on the ground of the double nomination of the vice presidential candidate of the APC, Kashim Shettima.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, after a futile attempt by President Tinubu and the APC to shut out the petition, the petitioner called its lone witness, Aisha Abubakar, who gave evidence in aid of the petition.

Led in evidence by the lead counsel to the APM, Gideon Idiagbonya, the witness identified and tendered the five witness statements on oath she deposed to at the registry of the court.

The witness, who is the Assistant Welfare Officer of the APM, also tendered her membership card as evidence in the matter.

Other documents tendered by the petitioner and admitted as exhibits by the court are the declaration of results sheet (Form EC8E), a notice of withdrawal of Kabiru Masari as vice presidential candidate of APC, and Kashim Shettima’s notice of withdrawal as Borno Central senatorial candidate of APC (Form EC11C).

Also tendered are the letter of voluntary withdrawal written to APC by Shettima as senatorial candidate of APC for Borno Central senatorial district, an affidavit in support of personal particulars for nominations of Shettima as the vice presidential candidate of APC (Form EC9), an affidavit of personal particulars for nominations of Ibrahim Kabiru Masari as Vice Presidential candidate of APC (Form EC9), and an affidavit in support of personal particulars for nominations of Lawal Kaka Shehu as Borno Central Senatorial candidate of APC.

Following a subpoena, INEC, through its Deputy Director, Legal Drafting, Joan Molle Arabs, produced two documents, Certified True Copies of an online temporary acknowledgement of Kashim Shettima’s profile of Thursday, July 14, 2022, and an online temporary acknowledgement of Lawal Kaka Shehu’s profile of Friday, July 15, 2022, which were tendered and admitted as exhibits by the court.

At the end of the cross-examination of the witness by INEC, APC, Tinubu, Kashim Shettima, and Kabiru Masari, who are respondents in the petition, counsel to the petitioner announced the closure of the case.

The respondents, through their counsel, did not call evidence in the petition but relied on the May 26, 2023, judgement of the Supreme Court and a letter notifying INEC of the withdrawal of Shettima as a senatorial candidate of the APC for Borno Central senatorial district tendered by counsel to INEC, Dr Kemi Pinhero (SAN).

The Supreme Court judgement, which was tendered in evidence by counsel to the APC, Lateef Fagbemi, dismissed a suit by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the February 25 presidential election on the ground of the double nomination of his running mate for lacking merit.

The petitioner raised objections to the admissibility of the said judgement, but the court admitted it as evidence, and after the conclusion of the cross-examination of the witness, the court gave the petitioner 10 days within which to file and serve its final written address and gave the respondents seven days to file and serve their final written addresses in the petition.

The court then fixed July 14, 2023, for the adoption of the final written addresses of the parties in the petition.

Meanwhile, the court could not hear the petition filed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging Tinubu’s election because the 10 am scheduled for the petition was encroached upon by the APM petition, which was the first matter called on Wednesday.

Consequently, the five-member panel of justices of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) headed by Justice Haruna Tsammani adjourned further hearings of Atiku Abubakar and PDP’s petition until July 22.

NEWS

Focox AT Officially Signs with Lucky Lisiano Records in Landmark Deal That Redefines Artist Empowerment

Published

5 days ago

August 11, 2026

Baba Blow

In a move that is already sending shockwaves through the Afrobeats and global music communities, rising force Focox AT has officially signed with Lucky Lisiano Records (LLR). The contract is being widely described as one of the most artist-favorable deals ever put on paper — a rare, heavily enriched agreement that prioritizes the artist’s long-term ownership, creative control, and financial upside in ways rarely seen in modern label partnerships.

Based in Warri, Nigeria, Focox AT brings a distinctive sound and unfiltered energy that has been building momentum across the continent. Lucky Lisiano Records, headquartered in the United States, recognized the unique opportunity and moved decisively. The resulting partnership is being called “promising and unique” by both camps — a genuine bridge between Warri’s raw creative fire and LLR’s international infrastructure.

Under the new agreement, Focox AT will begin the partnership with two singles, followed by a full EP scheduled for release in the new year. Both artist and label have expressed strong excitement about the road ahead, describing the union as a true meeting of vision rather than a standard transactional signing.

There has also been growing talk of Lucky Lisiano Records establishing a physical headquarters in Nigeria, though no official timeline has been confirmed. Industry observers note that such a move would mark a significant expansion for the U.S.-based label and further solidify its commitment to African talent. With the first single expected August 14th 2026 and the EP locked in for mid 2027, both sides are already looking ahead. The consensus is clear: this partnership is built for impact. 2027 is shaping up to be a year of serious momentum.

About Focox AT

Focox AT is an emerging Nigerian artist from Warri whose music blends street authenticity with forward-leaning Afrobeats energy. His signing to Lucky Lisiano Records marks a major new chapter.

About Lucky Lisiano Records

Lucky Lisiano Records is a U.S.-based independent label focused on developing distinctive global talent with strong emphasis on artist-first partnerships.

NEWS

Agwu Taiwo Uchechi “Babypearl” Emerges Winner of AFROMAICA 3.0 July Edition Reggae Dancehall Queen

Published

1 week ago

August 8, 2026

Baba Blow

Agwu Taiwo Uchechi “Babypearl” Emerges Winner of AFROMAICA 3.0 July Edition Reggae Dancehall Queen

Nigeria’s vibrant dancehall scene has recorded another remarkable milestone as Agwu Taiwo Uchechi, popularly known as Babypearl, emerged the winner of the highly anticipated AFROMAICA 3.0 July Edition Dancehall Queen Competition.

Representing Nigeria with confidence, charisma, and electrifying stage presence, Babypearl outshined other contestants from different backgrounds to clinch the prestigious Reggae Dancehall Queen crown at the just-concluded edition of AFROMAICA, Nigeria’s leading monthly urban reggae and dancehall party.

Her exceptional performance captivated both the judges and the audience, showcasing impressive dance skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of reggae and urban dancehall culture. Her victory not only earned her the coveted title but also further established her as one of Nigeria’s fast-rising reggae dancehall entertainers.

AFROMAICA 3.0 once again lived up to its reputation as a premier platform dedicated to celebrating urban reggae and dancehall music, culture, fashion, and dance while discovering and empowering emerging talents across Africa. The success of the July edition was further strengthened by the invaluable support of TM Luxury Apartments and Cove Apartments, whose partnership played a vital role in delivering another memorable and well-organized event. Their commitment to supporting entertainment and youth-driven initiatives contributed significantly to the overall success of the event.

Babypearl’s triumph marks a proud moment for Nigeria, reinforcing the country’s growing influence in the African urban reggae and dancehall community. Her success is expected to open new opportunities for collaborations, performances, and greater recognition within the entertainment industry.

As congratulations continue to pour in from fans, colleagues, and industry stakeholders, Babypearl’s victory stands as an inspiration to aspiring dancers and performers, proving that dedication, consistency, and passion remain the keys to success.

AFROMAICA continues to cement its status as Nigeria’s foremost platform for urban reggae and dancehall culture, bringing together outstanding talents and passionate supporters to elevate the genre across the continent.

See Exclusive photos below

For sponsorship, partnership, and brand collaboration opportunities with AFROMAICA, interested organizations and individuals are encouraged to get in touch with the organizers on +2347067054190 +2348178599854 +2348023241089 to become part of Nigeria’s fastest-growing reggae and dancehall movement.

(more…)

NEWS

SOUNDOUTTV in Collaboration with COBYL CITY – Unveils SOUNDOUT LIVE Edition 2 with Over ₦900,000+ in Career-Boosting Prizes for emerging artists.

Published

3 weeks ago

July 23, 2026

Baba Blow

Aspiring artists across Delta State have another opportunity to showcase their talent as SOUNDOUTTV officially unveils SOUNDOUT LIVE Edition 2, the second edition of its online music talent competition.

View this post on Instagram

With over ₦900,000+ in career-boosting prizes, industry exposure, and artist development opportunities up for grabs, this year’s edition is set to spotlight some of the state’s most promising emerging talents.

COBYL CITY joins this second edition as the official production partner behind the competition beat and select artist development rewards. The official competition beat, produced by Berry IV for COBYL CITY LTD, will be released on August 1, 2026, officially opening the competition.

Known for its growing commitment to talent development and creative excellence, COBYL CITY’s contribution extends beyond the competition itself, giving contestants access to professional production opportunities that reward not only performance but also artistic potential.

A Platform for Emerging Talent

Participants are invited to record either a freestyle or an original song using the official competition beat, giving artists a platform to showcase their creativity, originality, and performance skills before a wider audience.

Prize Packages

The SOUNDOUT LIVE Champion will receive an outstanding artist development package, including:
• Official Champion Award
• Professional Performance Session
• Artist Interview and Introduction Video
• Professional Photo Session
• Short Visualizer by P-YoungsMedia
• Exclusive Beat License by COBYL CITY LTD
• Professional Studio Recording Session by COBYL CITY
• Free 24-Hour Hotel Accommodation
• Customized Champion Merchandise
• Additional Gifts from Sponsors

The second-place winner will receive a professional performance package, customized merchandise, and an official Certificate of Achievement, while the third-place winner will receive a performance session and featured artist interview.

How to Participate

Eligible artists in Delta State can enter by:
• Downloading the official competition beat on August 1, 2026
• Recording a freestyle or original song
• Creating a performance video
• Posting the video on Instagram or TikTok, tagging @soundouttv
• Submitting the same entry through the official SOUNDOUT WhatsApp Group

Only one official entry is permitted per contestant.

Fair Competition. Real Opportunities.

Voting will be conducted exclusively through the official SOUNDOUT LIVE voting platform. Each supporter may cast up to 33 votes per contestant, while any attempt to manipulate votes or violate the competition rules will result in immediate disqualification.

More than just a competition, SOUNDOUT LIVE Edition 2 is designed to spotlight emerging talent and create genuine pathways into the music industry. As part of its collaboration, COBYL CITY powers the official competition beat, produced by Berry IV, and contributes exclusive production rewards for the competition’s eventual winner.

Important Dates
• Official Beat Release: August 1, 2026
• Submission Deadline: To Be Announced
• Public Voting: Opens After Submissions

With the official beat dropping on August 1, anticipation is building for another exciting edition of SOUNDOUT LIVE. Artists are encouraged to follow @soundouttv, prepare their entries, and seize the opportunity to gain valuable exposure, professional development, and industry recognition.

Let the Talent Shine. Let the Fans Decide.