he first of two off cycle governorship elections for 2022 will be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ekiti State, on June 18, 2022. The election is the seventh in the state since the return of the current democratic dispensation in 1999.
FACT CHECK: Was a Network Shutdown Planned in Abuja Ahead of the FCT Area Council Elections?
An X (formerly Twitter) user claimed that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, alongside telecommunications service providers, intended to shut down and jam network services ahead of the FCT Area Council Elections. The post, which garnered over 70,000 interactions, suggested the shutdown was designed to demonstrate the impossibility of electronic transmission of election results. Claim: FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and telecommunications providers planned to shut down network services ahead of the FCT Area Council Elections. Verification CDD War Room investigated the claim by checking the official portals and public statements of both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Communications...
FACT CHECK: Are Registered Voters Being Excluded from Voting at PU 004, Wuse Zone 2?
Claims that registered voters are being prevented from voting at polling unit (PU) 004 in Wuse Zone 2 during the ongoing FCT Area Council Elections have circulated on social media. Allegations include voters’ names not appearing on the register despite being duly registered, and polling unit changes being made without prior notice. Verification CDD War Room observers on ground at the polling unit confirmed that out of 751 registered voters accredited to PU 004, Wuse Zone 2 Primary School, only 504 names were displayed on the voters register. Since INEC protocol requires that only voters whose names appear on the...
FACT CHECK: Does APC Candidate Zakka Have “No Certificate” as Claimed by ADC’s Ogidi?
The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Paul Moses Ogidi, via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Zakka Christopher did not have a certificate. Ogidi made the claim while responding to a post from an X user on “Why Academic Pedigree Matters for AMAC.” The post featured a photo of the incumbent Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairman, Zakka Christopher. Responding to it, Ogidi wrote: “So this man no even get certificate.” incumbent Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairman, Zakka Christopher. Responding to it, Ogidi wrote: “So this man no even get...
BanditryFact CheckHuman RightsPeace & Conflict
FactCheck: Did Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters pass through military checkpoints without intervention?
A widely shared video appeared to show armed militants travelling through a military checkpoint without resistance. The footage raised serious concerns about national security and the conduct of security personnel. Claim: Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters were reportedly seen moving in armoured vehicles through military checkpoints, while soldiers looked on without intervening. Verification: The video is not real evidence of militants moving freely through a Nigerian checkpoint. Reverse image and content analysis showed it was filmed on a movie set, not during an actual security breach in Nigeria. Verdict: FALSE Byline: Hannatu Mohammed
FactCheck: Was a man killed three days after his wedding in Katsina?
A disturbing report surfaced alleging that a newlywed man was killed shortly after his wedding ceremony in Katsina State. The incident drew strong emotional reactions across social and traditional media platforms. Claim: A man was killed just three days after his wedding in Tashar Buja Quarters of the Local Government Area. Verification: In November 2025, a newlywed groom, Abubakar Abdulkarim, popularly known as Dan Gaske, was allegedly stabbed to death by his wife just three days after their wedding in Jibia town, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State. The news was published by Daily Trust and confirmed by the...
FactCheck: Did Katsina State Government approve the procurement of 30 hybrid CNG buses?
Information circulated regarding a major transportation initiative reportedly approved by the Katsina State Government. The claim suggested a significant investment in hybrid Compressed Natural Gas buses to enhance public mobility. Claim: Katsina State Government approved the procurement of 30 hybrid CNG buses for transport services in the State. Verification: In December 2025, the Katsina State Government approved the purchase of thirty (30) hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as part of efforts to strengthen public transportation across the state. Verdict: TRUE
FactCheck: Did Bello Matawalle give out five of his daughters in marriage?
Viral reports alleging that the Minister of State for Defence conducted a large wedding ceremony involving several of his children. The claim attracted public attention due to the scale of the reported event. Claim: Bello Matawalle gave out five of his daughters in marriage Verification: During a recent multiple wedding ceremony, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, gave out five of his daughters, Maryam, Safiyya, Farida, Nana Firdausi and Aisha, in marriage, while five of his sons, Ibrahim, Abdul Jalal, Surajo, Bello and Fahad, also got married. Verdict: TRUE Byline: Agaju Madugba
FactCheck: Did Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf defect from NNPP to APC?
Viral reports circulating suggest that the Governor of Kano State had abandoned his political party for another. Given the implications of such a move, the claim sparked debate among party supporters and the broader public. Claim: The Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, dumped his party, NNPP, to APC Verification: In January 2026, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, announced the development in a statement on Friday. Verdict: TRUE
FactCheck: Was Sheikh Ahmed Gumi arrested by the US Military?
Viral posts and images shared across social media platforms claimed that prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmed Gumi had been taken into custody by United States military personnel operating in Nigeria. The claim quickly generated widespread attention and speculation. Claim: Sheikh Ahmed Gumi has been arrested by the US Military Verification An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, has dismissed viral reports and images on social media alleging that he was taken into custody by United States military operatives in Nigeria, describing the image as Artificial Intelligence, AI. Verdict: FALSE
FactCheck: Did Katsina State Government close all public primary and secondary schools until further notice?
Reports began circulating that the Katsina State Government had issued a directive affecting all public primary and secondary schools across the state. The alleged order raised concerns among parents, students and education stakeholders regarding safety and continuity of learning. Claim: Katsina State Government has ordered the shutdown of all public primary and secondary schools in the state till further notice. Verification In November 2025, the Katsina State Government ordered the immediate, indefinite closure of all public primary and secondary schools, including day and boarding institutions, due to rising security concerns and banditry threats. The directive was confirmed by the state...