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Atiku’s Independence Day claims: What the facts show

Nurudeen Akewushola
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Atiku’s Independence Day claims: What the facts show

On 1 October 2026, former Nigerian vice president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, delivered an Independence Day address at the party’s headquarters in Abuja.

In his address, Atiku made several claims about Nigeria’s economy, insecurity, governance and other developments under president Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He made the claims while assessing the state of the country and the performance of the current administration, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In this report, The FactCheckHub examines some of the verifiable claims made by Atiku, comparing them with official records, statutory reports, government data and other credible sources.

CLAIM 1

“N30,000 minimum wage could buy about 118 litres of petrol in April 2023.” 

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is TRUE.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that the average retail price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, was N254.06 per litre in April 2023.

At that price, a N30,000 minimum wage could buy approximately 118 litres of petrol. The calculation is N30,000 ÷ N254.06 = 118.08 litres

This means Atiku’s estimate of about 118 litres is consistent with the NBS data for April 2023.

VERDICT

The claim that the N30,000 minimum wage could buy 118 litres of petrol in May 2023 is TRUE. At the NBS average price of N254.06 per litre, the minimum wage could indeed purchase about 118 litres.

CLAIM 2

“…While a N70,000 minimum wage buys just 50 litres today.”

FINDINGS

The NBS has since recorded a substantial increase in the average retail price of petrol. The latest available NBS Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch, available as at the date of publication, covers May 2026 and puts the national average price of petrol at ₦1,596.25 per litre.

At the latest NBS national average price, a ₦70,000 minimum wage would buy approximately 44 litres of petrol, not 50 litres. The calculation is ₦70,000 ÷ ₦1,596.25 = 43.85 litres.

The NBS figure is a national average based on prices collected from outlets across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Actual pump prices can therefore differ by location and filling station.

The continued rise in petrol prices has reduced the amount of petrol that can be bought with the minimum wage.

Petrol price
Petrol prices vs minimum wage

VERDICT

The claim that N70,000 minimum wage buys just 50 litres today is PARTLY TRUE. At N1,596.25 per litre, N70,000 would buy about 44 litres, meaning the claim overstates the purchasing power of the current minimum wage by approximately 6 litres, or 14 per cent.

CLAIM 3

“Nigeria’s public debt stood at N166.79 trillion at the end of June 2026.”

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is TRUE.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) published Nigeria’s total public debt position as of 30 June 2026, on 25 September 2026. According to the report, Nigeria’s total public debt stood at N166.79 trillion at the end of June 2026.

The figure represents the combined debt of the federal government, the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The DMO data show that domestic debt accounted for N91.59 trillion, representing 54.91 per cent of the total public debt, while external debt stood at N75.20 trillion, or 45.09 per cent.

In dollar terms, Nigeria’s total public debt stood at $120.93 billion, comprising $66.41 billion in domestic debt and $54.52 billion in external debt. The DMO noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official exchange rate of N1,379.1842 to US$1 as of 30 June 2026 was used to convert the external debt component into naira.

The June 2026 figure represented an increase from N159.35 trillion recorded at the end of March 2026. It also marked an increase from N152.40 trillion in June 2025, according to figures reported from the DMO data.

The chart below shows Nigeria’s public debt in June each year from 2023 to 2026.

Nigeria’s public debt

VERDICT

The claim is TRUE, the DMO’s official debt statement confirms that Nigeria’s total public debt was ₦166.79 trillion as of 30 June 2026.

CLAIM 4

“…While the government was discussing another $1.5 billion in World Bank loans.”

FINDINGS

The Punch reported on 28 September 2026 that the federal government had opened discussions with the World Bank for three proposed loans totalling $1.5 billion. The proposed facilities were each valued at $500 million and were intended to support climate resilience, social protection and early childhood development.

One of the proposed facilities is an additional $500 million for the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project. The World Bank was expected to consider the proposed additional financing on 29 October 2026. If approved, the additional financing would increase ACReSAL’s total financing from $700 million to $1.2 billion. The Punch reported that the proposed facility was at the preparation stage and had been scheduled for consideration by the World Bank’s board on 29 October 2026. The details are also reported by Nairametrics.

Another proposed $500 million facility is for the Household Prosperity and Empowerment-Social Protection Project (HOPE-SP). The project was still at an earlier stage of preparation, with its technical design review expected on 30 October 2026, and an estimated World Bank approval date of 16 March 2027. The Punch reported these timelines based on documents from the World Bank. TheCable also reported that the project was scheduled for technical design review on 30 October 2026, with board approval expected on 16 March 2027.

The third proposed $500 million facility is for the Nigeria Early Childhood Development programme, with an estimated approval date of 15 March 2027. Its technical design review is also scheduled for 30 October 2026. The proposed programme would cover all 36 states and the FCT and seek to improve access to an integrated package of services, including health, nutrition, early learning, childcare, water and sanitation, for children aged zero to five. The Punch reported these details from the World Bank documents. TheCable also reported the proposed programme’s scope and approval timeline.

VERDICT

The claim is TRUE, reports based on World Bank documents confirm that the federal government was in discussions for three proposed World Bank facilities worth a combined $1.5 billion.

CLAIM 5

“The 2025 budget has been extended until 31 December 2026, while the 2026 budget also exists.

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is TRUE.

On 30 September 2026, president Bola Tinubu signed the Appropriation (Amendment) (No. 4) Bill, 2025 into law, extending the implementation period of the 2025 budget from 30 September to 31 December 2026.

According to the State House announcement, the extension followed the passage of the amendment by both the senate and the house of representatives on 29 September 2026.

The presidency said the extension would give ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) additional time to complete ongoing capital projects and ensure that funds already appropriated are fully utilised.

The latest extension is the fourth amendment to the 2025 budget’s implementation period. The extension means that some projects and spending authorised under the 2025 Appropriation Act can continue to be implemented until the end of 2026, rather than ending on 30 September 2026.

At the same time, Nigeria also has a 2026 budget. president Tinubu assented to the 2026 Appropriation Bill in April 2026, bringing the 2026 Appropriation Act into force from 1 April 2026. The 2026 budget provides for total expenditure of N68.32 trillion.

The existence of the 2026 budget is also confirmed by the Budget Office of the Federation, which published the details of the 2026 Appropriation Bill and lists the 2026 Appropriation Act among its budget documents.

Therefore, the two statements in the claim refer to two separate appropriation frameworks operating during the same calendar year. The 2026 Appropriation Act governs the 2026 budget, while the latest amendment allows the implementation of outstanding components of the 2025 budget to continue until 31 December 2026.

VERDICT

The claim is TRUE. The official records support both parts of the claim. The president signed the latest amendment to the 2025 Appropriation Act on 30 September 2026, extending its implementation period to 31 December 2026. Separately, the 2026 Appropriation Act is already in force, having received presidential assent in April 2026.

CLAIM 6

“More than 10 million Nigerians received N75,000 each in cash transfers, amounting to at least ₦750 billion.”

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is TRUE.

On 26 September 2026, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, said that more than 10 million Nigerians had received ₦75,000 each through the Federal Government’s conditional cash transfer programme.

Yilwatda made the statement while speaking to journalists after a three-day retreat of the APC national executive council in Maiduguri, Borno State. He said the beneficiaries were poor and vulnerable Nigerians who, in many cases, did not have mobile phones or access to social media.

If 10 million beneficiaries each received ₦75,000, the total would amount to ₦750 billion. This arithmetic is correct.

VERDICT

The claim that more than 10 million Nigerians benefited from the programme is TRUE. 

CLAIM 7

“Some tertiary institutions raised their fees by more than 400 per cent.”

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is TRUE.

There is evidence that some Nigerian tertiary institutions substantially increased tuition and other institutional charges. In October 2025, The Guardian reported that a document from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) identified fee increases ranging from 20 per cent to 521 per cent at several tertiary institutions.

The institutions identified in the report included the University of Ilesha, Ekiti State University, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Edo State University, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), and David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences.

According to the report, the increases covered tuition and other institutional charges, with the magnitude varying across institutions and programmes. The highest increase identified in the NELFUND document was 521 per cent, which exceeds the 400 per cent threshold in the claim.

A 400 per cent increase means that a fee becomes five times its original amount. For example, if a fee was ₦100,000 and increased by 400 per cent, the new fee would be ₦500,000. A 521 per cent increase would take the same ₦100,000 fee to ₦621,000.

The NELFUND figures therefore provide evidence that the claim is not referring merely to modest increases in school charges. At least one institution recorded in the document had an increase exceeding five times the previous charge.

The Guardian reported that NELFUND expressed concern about the scale of some of the increases and their potential effect on students and the student loan scheme. The fund also raised concerns about institutions increasing fees after students had already applied for or received loans based on earlier fee levels.

NELFUND subsequently continued to caution tertiary institutions against arbitrary increases in tuition and other institutional charges. In June 2026, Channels Television reported that the fund warned institutions against arbitrary fee increases and the withholding of tuition refunds.

VERDICT

The claim that some institutions increased their fees by more than 400 per cent is TRUE. 

CLAIM 8

“Five young Nigerians were arrested in Borno after wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription ‘Tinubu Must Go’.”

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is TRUE.

On 30 September 2026, Premium Times reported that police in Borno State had charged five men to court after arresting them over T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”

The men were accused of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbing public peace and thuggery, according to the report. The allegations were not proof of guilt; they were charges that would have to be determined through legal proceedings.

The report supports Atiku’s claim that five men were arrested in connection with the T-shirts. However, whether they should be released, and whether their detention or prosecution violated their rights, are legal questions requiring examination of the court proceedings and the applicable law.

VERDICT

The claim that five men were arrested and charged in Borno over “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts is TRUE.

Nigeria at 66: Fact-checking Tinubu’s Independence Day economics

Nurudeen Akewushola
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Nigeria at 66: Fact-checking Tinubu’s Independence Day economics

IN his Independence Day address on Thursday, 1 October 2026, Nigerian president Bola Tinubu highlighted what he described as improvements in the country’s economic performance, including growth in gross domestic product (GDP), declining inflation, reduced oil theft and record non-oil export earnings.

Nigeria celebrates its Independence Day every 1 October to mark its independence from British colonial rule in 1960. The annual address provides the president an opportunity to reflect on the country’s progress, highlight government achievements and outline its economic and security priorities.

In this report, The FactCheckHub examines four economic claims made by Tinubu using official statistics and other verifiable sources.

CLAIM 1

Tinubu says, “Our economy has grown by over 4 per cent this year.”

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is TRUE.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) estimated that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.43 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, according to its latest GDP report published in August 2026. This represents an improvement from the 3.89 per cent growth recorded in the first quarter of 2026.

The second-quarter growth means that economic activity expanded at a faster pace than in the preceding quarter. It also represents an increase from the 3.13 per cent growth recorded in the second quarter of 2025, indicating that the pace of economic expansion strengthened year-on-year.

According to the NBS quarterly GDP series, the 4.43 per cent growth recorded in Q2 2026 was the highest quarterly growth rate since Q3 2024, when the economy grew by 3.86 per cent.

Infographic showing GDP growth.

The NBS data therefore support president Tinubu’s claim that Nigeria’s economy has grown by more than four per cent in 2026, although the figure refers specifically to year-on-year real GDP growth in the second quarter of 2026, rather than growth for the entire year.

VERDICT

The claim that Nigeria’s economy has grown by over four per cent this year is TRUE.

CLAIM 2

Tinubu says, “Inflation has fallen substantially from its peak.”

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is TRUE.

Inflation measures how much the prices of goods and services have risen over time, typically over a year. It is measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks changes in the cost of goods and services commonly purchased by households.

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate fell to 15.39 per cent in August 2026, from 23.14 per cent in August 2025, according to the NBS. The August 2026 figure was calculated using the rebased CPI, which uses 2024 as the base year.

The decline means that the rate at which the average prices of goods and services increased was considerably lower in August 2026 than a year earlier. The headline inflation rate fell by 7.75 percentage points between August 2025 and August 2026.

On a month-on-month basis, headline inflation stood at 0.71 per cent in August 2026, meaning that average prices continued to increase during the month, although at a slower rate than the annual inflation figure might suggest. Month-on-month inflation measures the change in prices from one month to the next, while the year-on-year figure compares prices with those recorded in the same month of the previous year.

The moderation was also recorded in food inflation, although food prices continued to rise faster than the overall inflation rate. Food inflation stood at 19.57 per cent year-on-year in August 2026, compared with the headline inflation rate of 15.39 per cent, according to the NBS. (Note: Food inflation is the year‑on‑year percentage increase in the prices of food and non‑alcoholic beverages, typically measured using a country’s food CPI).

However, a fall in the inflation rate does not mean that the prices of goods and services have fallen or returned to their previous levels. Inflation measures the rate at which prices are changing. Therefore, if inflation falls from 20 per cent to 15 per cent, prices are still increasing, but at a slower rate than before.

The NBS data support the claim that the rate of inflation has fallen substantially. This, however, does not mean that the cost of living has returned to the levels recorded before the period of high inflation.

VERDICT

The claim that inflation has fallen substantially from its peak is TRUE. Official figures show a marked decline in the annual inflation rate, although the cost of goods and services remains a concern for households.

CLAIM 3

Tinubu says, “Oil theft is down.”

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is TRUE.

Data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) show a substantial decline in reported crude oil losses attributed to theft and metering issues between 2021 and July 2025.

According to the commission, Nigeria recorded average crude oil losses of 9,600 barrels per day in the seven months to July 2025, the lowest level recorded since 2009. NUPRC said this represented a decline from an average of 11,300 barrels per day in 2024.

The commission’s figures show that average daily crude oil losses fell from 102,900 barrels per day in 2021 to 57,200 barrels per day in 2022, before declining further to 11,900 barrels per day in 2023 and 11,300 barrels per day in 2024.

NUPRC also reported that between January and July 2025, Nigeria lost 2.04 million barrels of crude oil, equivalent to an average of 9,600 barrels per day. This was about 50.2 per cent lower than the 4.1 million barrels recorded over the whole of 2024. The commission said the 2021 figure represented the highest level of crude oil losses recorded in nearly 23 years.

The commission attributed the decline to a combination of security operations and regulatory measures. These included collaboration with security agencies, oil producers and host communities, as well as measures to improve the measurement of production and exports. NUPRC also said it had introduced metering audits and approved 37 new crude oil evacuation routes to help address oil losses.

VERDICT

The claim that oil theft is down is TRUE. Official data show a substantial reduction in reported crude oil losses.

CLAIM 4

Tinubu says that “in 2025, Nigeria recorded its highest revenue from non-oil exports in its history, exceeding $6 billion.”

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is TRUE.

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) reported that Nigeria’s non-oil exports generated $6.1 billion in receipts in 2025, representing an 11.5 per cent increase from the $5.46 billion recorded in 2024.

In a report published on 24 February 2026, the council described the 2025 performance as the highest formally documented non-oil export value in Nigeria’s history.

The NEPC also reported that non-oil export volumes increased from 7.29 million metric tonnes in 2024 to 8.02 million metric tonnes in 2025, representing a 10 per cent increase.

The figures indicate that Nigeria earned more from exports outside the oil sector in 2025 than in any previous year covered by the council’s records.

However, the $6.1 billion figure refers to the value of non-oil export receipts, rather than government revenue collected from those exports. The distinction matters because export earnings accrue to exporters, while government revenue generally refers to taxes, duties and other public-sector receipts.

Infographic showing non-oil export

 

VERDICT

The claim that Nigeria recorded more than $6 billion in non-oil export earnings in 2025, the highest formally documented value in its history, is TRUE.

 

Viral photo claiming Tinubu is ‘Nkoyo Nazebi’ lacks evidence

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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Viral photo claiming Tinubu is ‘Nkoyo Nazebi’ lacks evidence

A POST circulating on social media claims that a photograph depicting a man arriving in Lagos from Paris does not show president Bola Tinubu, but rather an individual named “Nkoyo Nazebi” from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The post, shared by a verified X user @EleluAyoola on 30 September 2026, features a close-up photograph of a man wearing a dark patterned kaftan, dark round sunglasses, and a branded native cap.

The caption reads:

“I have examined the picture closely. That man that landed in Lagos from Paris last night is not President Tinubu, that’s Nkoyo Nazebi from Congo DR.”

As of 1 October 2026, the post has garnered over 39,000 views, 700 likes and more than 200 comments.

READ: This Kano rally was for Tinubu, not against him

CLAIM

Post claims that the man pictured arriving at the Lagos airport from Paris is not president Bola Tinubu, but a Congolese national named “Nkoyo Nazebi”.

screenshot of the viral claim

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is UNPROVEN.

Searches across public registries, international news databases, and reverse image search done by The FactCheckHub revealed that the name “Nkoyo Nazebi” belongs to no known public figure, political official, or real person.

A forensic visual analysis of the image in question shows several noticeable physical discrepancies when compared to official video footage of Tinubu’s actual arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on 29 September 2026. Official news footage recorded during the arrival shows Tinubu wearing a plain kaftan without front buttons, while the kaftan worn by the man in the viral photograph has visible metallic buttons along the chest.

Furthermore, the individual in the viral picture is wearing dark-tinted sunglasses, which does not match public appearance records or video of the president or any images of him at all.

While automated AI-detection tools returned inconclusive or real-image scores for the photo, the visual inconsistencies and physical differences between the subject in the photo and president Tinubu’s live appearance at the airport leave the authenticity and exact source of the image unverified.

READ ALSO: INEC chairman welcoming Tinubu? No, it’s Ibrahim Masari

Because the entity Nkoyo Nazebi does not exist and the origin of the manipulated or enhanced photo cannot be independently verified against official records of the Tinubu’s return, the claim cannot be substantiated.

VERDICT

The claim that the viral photograph shows a Congolese national named “Nkoyo Nazebi” instead of president Bola Tinubu is UNPROVEN. The referenced name belongs to no real person, and the photo contains visual inconsistencies that do not match official footage of the president’s arrival in Lagos State.

This Kano rally was for Tinubu, not against him

Nurudeen Akewushola
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This Kano rally was for Tinubu, not against him

A video showing a large crowd marching with what appears to be messages against president Bola Tinubu has been shared on social media as evidence of a recent demonstration against the Nigerian president.

The video shows a large gathering, with a prominent “TINUBU MUST GO!” graphic attached to the footage.

An X account, Robinsongodwin (@Robinsondollar) posted the video with a caption:

“A large crowd is seen taking part in a public demonstration, with banners and messages expressing opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The video captures the scale and atmosphere of the gathering.”

The video has generated over 1000 reposts and more than 3000 likes as of 30 September 2026.

CLAIM

Video shows a recent public demonstration in which a large crowd gathered to express opposition to president Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Screenshot of the viral post

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING.

A reverse search of the video led to an earlier post by Bashir Ahmad, former aide to late Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari on X on 5 September 2026.

In the post, Ahmad said the gathering comprised APC stakeholders and supporters in Kano who had been mobilised “in numbers” to demonstrate where the political momentum in the state lies.

He specifically said the mobilisation was intended to counter the belief among supporters of Peter Obi that the choice of former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as Obi’s running mate would change the political equation in Kano.

Reports from the same day provide further context about the gathering.

The event was the inauguration of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) structures in Kano and was held at the Sani Abacha Stadium. The gathering attracted APC leaders and thousands of supporters as the party intensified mobilisation for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Similarly, Punch reported that more than 136,000 people were received into the APC during the event and that the new members pledged to mobilise support for Tinubu and the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

The video therefore does not show an anti-Tinubu demonstration. It shows a large pro-Tinubu political mobilisation in Kano. The “TINUBU MUST GO!” wording attached to the circulating version changes the context of the original footage and makes the event appear to be the opposite of what it actually was.

VERDICT

The claim that the video shows anti-Tinubu protest is. MISLEADING.  The video shows an APC/Tinubu support mobilisation held in Kano on 5 September 2026, not a demonstration against president Bola Tinubu. 

INEC chairman welcoming Tinubu? No, it’s Ibrahim Masari

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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INEC chairman welcoming Tinubu? No, it’s Ibrahim Masari

A POST circulating on social media claims that the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, was filmed welcoming president Bola Tinubu at the airport.

The post, shared by a verified X user @arinzecajet001, features a video clip showing president Tinubu arriving on the tarmac, greeting officials, and shaking hands with an individual wearing a cap and traditional attire.

The caption reads:

“This is the supposed an independent man, like chairman independent national electoral commission Professor Amupitan, so tomorrow now you expect him to be independent?”

As of 30 September 2026, the post has accumulated over 64,000 views, 200 likes, and over 200 retweets, sparking reactions and speculation among online users regarding the neutrality of the electoral body.

The claim also surfaced here.

READ: INEC’s claim on ‘impossible timestamp’ in Amupitan’s X account controversy is false

CLAIM

Post claims that the video shows INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, receiving president Bola Tinubu at the airport.

Screenshot of the viral post

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE.

A detailed review of the video’s audio and visual evidence reveals that the individual receiving Tinubu is Ibrahim Masari, special adviser to the president on political affairs, not Amupitan.

In the audio accompanying the video clip, Tinubu can be clearly heard addressing the official directly by name, saying “Ibrahim Masari,” as he shakes his hand on the reception line.

On 29 September 2026, Tinubu returned to Nigeria following a four-week working leave. His aircraft landed at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where government officials and dignitaries gathered to receive him.

READ ALSO: Old footage falsely shared as Tinubu returns from annual leave

photo collage of Ibrahim Masari (above) and Prof Joash Amupitan (below)

While both officials have the same rounded facial structure, a physical comparison by The FactCheckHub confirms that the person circled in the footage is Masari, a presidential aide appointed to handle political affairs, and not the electoral commission boss.

VERDICT

The claim that the video shows INEC chairman Prof Joash Amupitan welcoming Tinubu is FALSE. The person in the video is Ibrahim Masari, special adviser to the president on political affairs, and not Amupitan.

Old footage falsely shared as Tinubu returns from annual leave

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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0
Old footage falsely shared as Tinubu returns from annual leave

A VIRAL video circulating on social media claims that president Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria following his annual leave.

The video, shared on X by a verified user, @AmodaOgunlere, shows President Tinubu disembarking from a presidential aircraft late at night, where he is greeted by security personnel and officials.

The caption accompanying the video reads: “My President is back !!!!!”

As of 29 September 2026, the post has garnered over 65,000 views, 1,000 likes and more than 240 reposts.

READ: AI-generated video falsely shows alleged attack on Tinubu campaign vehicle

CLAIM

Video shows president Bola Tinubu returning to Nigeria from his recent annual leave.

Screenshot of the viral post on X

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING. The video shared online is old and unrelated to Tinubu’s current return.

A reverse image search of keyframes extracted from the video done by The FactCheckHub revealed that the footage has been online since earlier this year.

TheCable published similar images of the arrival on 31 January 2026, when Tinubu arrived in Abuja after an official state visit to Turkey. The same footage was also published on social media by official communication channels, including Aso Villa TV and State House Digital.

President Tinubu departed Abuja on 30 August for a three-week working vacation in Europe, with London, as his first destination. The trip was announced as a working retreat, with his return initially scheduled for 21 September. However, his stay was later extended by a few days.

According to the statement released by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu’s aircraft was expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, September 29.

READ ALSO: ‘APC Supporters Filling Station’ image is AI-generated

By 7:30 p.m. that day, Onanuga had posted footage showing Tinubu’s arrival in Lagos. The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was also seen in the footage.

However, the video being recirculated to announce his arrival is old footage from his return from Turkey in January.

VERDICT

The claim that the viral video shows president Bola Tinubu returning from his recent annual leave is MISLEADING. While Tinubu returned to Nigeria on 29 September, the video circulating online is old footage of his arrival in Abuja in January 2026, following his official visit to Türkiye.

No, Obi, Kwankwaso didn’t travel to France to bring Tinubu back

Nurudeen Akewushola
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No, Obi, Kwankwaso didn’t travel to France to bring Tinubu back

A video showing Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, at an airport has surfaced on social media with a claim that the politicians travelled to France to bring Nigerian president Bola Tinubu back to Nigeria.

The video was shared on X by an account with the caption:

“Obi and Kwankwaso arrive France to carry Tinubu back to Nigeria”

The post had generated over 400 reposts and more than 1,900 likes as of 29 September 2026.

However, a separate video posted by an X user, Esther Umoh, on 28 September, identified the two politicians as being in Abuja before their trip to Sokoto State.

CLAIM

Video shows Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso arriving in France to bring president Bola Tinubu back to Nigeria.

screenshot of the viral post

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING.

A review of the video and other posts about the politicians’ movements shows that Obi and Kwankwaso were travelling to Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria, not France.

On 28 September 2026, an X user, Esther Umoh, shared a video showing the two politicians at an airport in Abuja.

The post was captioned:

“The NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, alongside his vice-presidential candidate, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, this morning in Abuja.”

Further checks by The FactCheckHub found that the politicians travelled to Sokoto State on the same day for political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Tribune Online, Kwankwaso confirmed their arrival in Sokoto in a Facebook post, saying he accompanied Obi on a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.

The report identified the visit as part of the politicians’ engagements ahead of the 2027 elections.

Similarly, Vanguard reported that Obi and Kwankwaso visited Sokoto on 28 September, where they held a town hall meeting with party delegates, leaders and supporters.

The meeting, held at Sokoto Guest Inn, was part of the NDC’s nationwide consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The report also noted that Obi identified education, security and national unity as priorities of his proposed administration.

Additionally, Gaskiya Cast reported that the politicians arrived at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto, where they were received by the NDC governorship candidate in the state, Aliyu Shamsudeen, and other party members.

Before proceeding to the town hall meeting, Obi and Kwankwaso paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto.

These reports establish that the politicians went to Sokoto State, where they participated in political engagements and met with traditional and community leaders.

The reviewed reports contain no evidence that Obi and Kwankwaso travelled to France to bring Tinubu back to Nigeria.

VERDICT

The claim that Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso arrived in France to bring president Bola Tinubu back to Nigeria is MISLEADING. The politicians travelled to Sokoto State on 28 September 2026, for political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections. During the visit, they also paid a courtesy call on the Sultan of Sokoto.

AI-generated video falsely shows alleged attack on Tinubu campaign vehicle

Nurudeen Akewushola
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AI-generated video falsely shows alleged attack on Tinubu campaign vehicle

A video showing a badly vandalised campaign vehicle branded with Nigeria’s president Bola Tinubu’s name and the All Progressives Congress (APC) logo has surfaced on social media with a claim that the vehicle was destroyed by an angry mob.

The video was shared on X by Hon. Nwafor Richard Nwali (@MarvelousNwafor) on 25 September 2026, with a caption stating:

“The reported destruction of the campaign vehicle of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by an angry mob is a deeply troubling and unfortunate development. It is a frightening reflection of the anger, frustration and despair that many Nigerians feel after years of hardship, rising costs and worsening living conditions…”

The post had generated about 393 reposts and 623 likes as of the time of the screenshot.

CLAIM

A video shows an APC campaign vehicle belonging to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu that was destroyed by an angry mob.

screenshot of the viral post

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING.

An analysis of the video using Hive Detect, an AI detection tool, classified the media as 99.9 percent likely to be AI-generated. The analysis also identified several generative-AI models among the possible sources of the media.

Screenshot of the result of Hive detect

A separate analysis using ZeroGPT also indicated that the video was likely AI-generated.

The results from the two detection tools, alongside visual inconsistencies observed in the video, indicate that the footage is synthetic and does not constitute genuine video evidence of a vandalised Tinubu campaign vehicle.

The FactCheckHub also searched for reports of the alleged incident around the time the post was published on 25 September.

While there have been previous reports of attacks involving APC campaign vehicles, no credible report was found showing that a Tinubu campaign vehicle had been destroyed by an angry mob in a recent incident corresponding to the video shared by Nwali.

The video shared by Nwali therefore creates the impression that a recent attack on a Tinubu campaign vehicle had occurred, when the footage itself is AI-generated and no credible report confirming the alleged incident was found at the time of the post.

VERDICT

The claim that the video shows an APC campaign bus being vandalised is MISLEADING. The video is AI-generated and does not show a genuine incident.

‘APC Supporters Filling Station’ image is AI-generated

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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A VIRAL post circulating on Facebook claims that a new petrol station chain named “APC Supporters Filling Station” has opened nationwide across Nigeria.

The post was shared on 15 September 2026, by Facebook user @Tamarapreyenews, featuring an image of a branded filling station with the All Progressives Congress (APC) logo, display boards showing discounted fuel prices, and an overlay of Isaac Fayose, a political commentator.

The caption urged users to drop their state and city in the comment section to find local branches, while alleging that Isaac Fayose was making a mockery of APC supporters nationwide.

“APC Supporters Filling Station ⛽ Now Open Nationwide. Looking for branches close to you, drop your state and City in the comment section. Share for other APC faithful supporters ~ lsaac Fayose is making mockery of APC supporters nationwide”

As of 28 September 2026, the post has generated over 170 likes, 65 comments, and nearly 80 shares on Facebook.

READ: Video of security drill falsely shared as Asaba Airport attack

CLAIM

Post claim that an “APC Supporters Filling Station” has opened nationwide selling discounted fuel.

Screenshot of the viral post

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE.

The FactCheckHub did a forensic analysis of the image using Hive Detect, because reverse image search done revealed no source. The analysis revealed a 99.9 percent probability that the image is AI-generated, specifically identifying generative AI models as the source of the visual.

screenshot of the analysis using Hive Detect

Visual inspection further reveals key structural anomalies typical of synthetic media, including distorted typography on the gas station signage, unaligned pump canopy structures, and an unrealistically low price display board showing fuel priced between ₦225 and ₦250 per liter, which does not reflect the current economic realities of fuel pricing in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: AI-generated image falsely claims former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan visited Nnamdi Kanu in prison

Additionally, a search across Isaac Fayose’s official and verified social media accounts, including his Facebook page, revealed no record of him publishing or broadcasting any such image or announcement regarding an APC fuel station. Searches across official government directories, energy sector registries, and credible news platforms also yielded no evidence or announcement of a licensed fuel station operating under the brand name “APC Supporters Filling Station.”

VERDICT

The claim that an “APC Supporters Filling Station” has opened nationwide selling discounted fuel is FALSE. Technical analysis confirms the image is 99.9% AI-generated, and no such post exists on Isaac Fayose’s official handles.

 

Video of security drill falsely shared as Asaba Airport attack

Nurudeen Akewushola
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Video of security drill falsely shared as Asaba Airport attack

A Facebook user, Yemi Akintunde, has claimed that gunmen attacked Asaba International Airport in Delta State, southern Nigeria, and attempted to kill people.

The video shows armed security personnel moving through an airport lobby, while some people lie face down and others watch. Shouting can also be heard in the background.

He posted the claim with a caption :

“Gunmen reportedly invade Asaba airport, army, Police engage them in fierce battle.”

The post has generated more than 50 shares and 100 likes as of 26 September 2026.

CLAIM

Gunmen attacked Asaba International Airport in Delta State.

Screenshot of the viral post

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE.

The video does not show an actual attack on Asaba International Airport. It shows a planned crisis-response simulation conducted by security agencies.

The Airport Police Command dismissed reports of a terrorist attack at the airport in a statement issued on 14 September 2026.

According to the command, the security operation seen in the video was part of a simulation organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to assess the preparedness and response capabilities of security and emergency-response agencies operating at the airport.

The exercise was part of the 2026 Rapid Response 3 (RR3) Crisis Response Exercise, which took place in Asaba from 7 to 11 September.

The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation reported that the exercise was the first time the national multi-agency crisis simulation was conducted outside the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the ministry, the exercise involved security and emergency-response organisations and was designed to test Nigeria’s preparedness and capacity to respond to complex emergencies and security-related incidents.

The exercise included two simulated crisis scenarios, with the first conducted at Asaba International Airport and the second along the Benin-Asaba Expressway.

The Radio Nigeria report on the exercise also reported that participants were directed to treat all incidents as simulated and respond according to established operational procedures.

The Airport Police Command subsequently clarified that there was “no terrorist attack or security breach” at the airport and described the operation as a controlled and authorised activity.

The video circulating online therefore captures security personnel participating in a planned simulation of an airport security incident, rather than responding to an actual attack by gunmen.

There is no credible evidence that gunmen attacked Asaba International Airport or attempted to kill people during the incident shown in the video.

VERDICT

The claim that gunmen attacked Asaba International Airport is FALSE. The video shows a planned security simulation conducted as part of the 2026 Rapid Response 3 crisis-response exercise, not an actual attack. The Airport Police Command and the Federal Ministry of Information confirmed that the operation was a controlled exercise designed to test the response of security and emergency agencies.

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