NEWS

Tinubu To PEPT: Nullifying The Election Over 25% FCT Could Cause Anarchy, Chaos

Published

3 years ago

July 17, 2023

President Bola Tinubu has warned that nullifying the February 25 election that produced him as president, on account of the fact that he did not score 25% of the lawful votes cast during the election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) could “lead to absurdity, chaos, anarchy and alteration of the very intention of the legislature.

Besides, Tinubu told the Presidential Election Petition Court (PREPEC) that the two petitions filed by candidates of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi and his counterpart of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, seeking the nullification of his victory at the February 25, presidential election are not only novel but not familiar with the country’s electoral laws.

Tinubu’s submissions were contained in his final written address against the two petitions pending at the PREPEC. The five-member panel had on July 5, given the respondents in the two separate petitions 10 days to file their written address, while the petitioners were given seven days to reply.

The panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani gave the order shortly after, Tinubu, Shettima and the All Progressive Congress (APC) closed their defence in the two petitions as it would be recalled that the Independent National Eelctoral Commission had closed its case a day earlier.

Both Atiku and Obi, alongside their respective parties, had dragged INEC before the PREPEC for declaring Tinubu and the APC winner of the presidential election.

Amongst the reliefs they seek is the nullification of Tinubu’s election on the grounds that INEC did not substantially comply with the guidelines and regulations for the conduct of the 2023 general elections and relevant electoral laws. INEC’s Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, had on March 1, returned Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 elections with 8,794,726 votes while Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of were said to have scored 6,984,520 votes and 6,101,533 votes, respectively.

Besides faulting the figures which they claimed were incorrect because the collation of results was still ongoing when Mahmood returned Tinubu as the winner, the petitioners also claimed that Tinubu cannot be said to have won the election having not scored 25% of the lawful votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Besides, the two petitioners argued that Tinubu ought not to be on the ballot because of an alleged United States District Court judgment that ordered his forfeiture of 460,000 US dollars suspected to be proceeds of drug trafficking.

Another ground they are seeking his disqualification regards the alleged double nomination of Shettima, who according to them was already a senatorial candidate for the APC in the Borno Central senatorial district election conducted the same day and time with the presidential poll.

While Atiku before closing his petition called 27 witnesses including INEC’S Presiding Officers and experts, Obi on the other hand called in 13 and tendered a plethora of documents including over 18,000 blurred results sheets on which INEC based its declaration of Tinubu as the winner.

Although, INEC, Tinubu, and the APC had interrogated the validity of the witnesses and documents to the petitions and asked the court to discountenance them, however, Tinubu, Shettima, and the APC in the individual written final address have asked the court to dismiss the two petitions because the grounds upon which they are built are not familiar with the country’s electoral laws.

“The petition in issue in this address is very novel in the sense that it is not a petition stricto senso, familiar to our electoral jurisprudence, as the petitioners are not, this time around, complaining about election rigging, ballot box snatching, ballot box stuffing, violence, thuggery, vote buying, voters’ intimidation, disenfranchisement, interference by the military or the police, and such other electoral vices.

“The crux of their grouse this time around is that while the presidential election was peacefully conducted all over the country (as corroborated by their primary witnesses) and the results accurately recorded in the various Form EC8As, some unidentified results were not uploaded electronically to the INEC Election Result Viewing (IREV) Portal.

“The other remote contention of the petitioners is that the 2nd respondent did not score 25% (or one-quarter) of the votes recorded in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (FCT); while the petitioners have also alluded to the respondent’s non-qualification, without any fact known to law”, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, counsel to Tinubu had pointed out in the final address dated July 14. Both Atiku and Obi claimed INEC breached Section 134 of the Constitution when he announced Tinubu who did not score up to 25% of votes cast in the FCT in line with the law.

Section 134(2)(b) of the Constitution provides that:“A candidate for an election to the office of President shall be deemed to have been duly elected where there being more than two candidates for the election- (a) he has the highest number of votes cast at the election; and (b) he has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election each of at least two-thirds of all the States in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.”

Source:- Thisdaylive

NEWS

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

Published

4 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.

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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.

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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.