BBNaija Season 11 housemates Aikou and Flora, who were previously guaranteed places in the finale but barred from winning the grand prize as Gambits, have been reinstated as full housemates and are now eligible to compete for the ₦160m prize.

The development was announced on Monday, following Sunday’s “Operation Release the Gambit” twist, which gave viewers the power to decide whether one or both housemates would be released from the special status.

“Flora and Aikou are officially out of Gambit mode. Biggie has reinstated them as full #BBNaija housemates, making them eligible to compete for the prize money,” the organisers announced.

The organisers added that the two housemates could now face eviction if nominated.

“If nominated, their fate now rests with the voting public,” they said.

Recall that Aikou and Flora became the first Gambits of the season after viewers voted them into the special positions. Flora emerged as the female Gambit with 29.38 per cent of the votes, while Aikou secured the male position with 9.10 per cent.

Their selection guaranteed them places in the house until the grand finale but meant they were ineligible to compete for the ₦160m grand prize.

However, during Sunday’s live show, host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced the “Operation Release the Gambit” twist, handing viewers the power to decide whether one or both housemates should be reinstated into the main competition.

“Big Brother has one more twist for you tonight. Operation Release the Gambit begins immediately after the live show. The polls will open, and you will decide whether to release one or both of the Gambits, giving them the opportunity to play for the prize. The power is in your hands,” Ebuka announced.

With their Gambit status removed, Aikou and Flora will now compete alongside the other housemates, with their eligibility for the ₦160m prize restored. If nominated for eviction, however, their continued stay in the competition will be determined by the voting public.