A mysterious new AI model called Ox Alpha has driven certain corners of the internet into a frenzy of speculation about who actually built it.

The free model was released on OpenRouter on Thursday, where it was described as “a reasoning model designed for coding, sustained agentic work, and production workload.” On X, Stripe CEO Patrick Collison (whose company is acquiring OpenRouter) described Ox Alpha as “very impressive.”

So who’s actually behind Ox Alpha? The OpenRouter listing described it as a “stealth model” and said it was “developed and operated by a third-party provider who has chosen to remain anonymous during this preview.”

Unsurprisingly, much of the speculation has revolved around China. AI analyst Andrew Curran posted on Friday that the initial speculation focused on the GLM models developed by Chinese company Z.ai, but “this morning people seem less sure of anything.”

Similarly, an article on Wccftech first suggested that the evidence pointed to GLM, but an update suggested that Ox Alpha could be an unreleased version of Microsoft’s MAI. And on Reddit, there’s at least one post declaring that Ox Alpha “can’t be the Chinese,” while another expressed “high confidence” that it is, in fact, Chinese.

The presidential running mate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said the 2027 election is between oppressed Nigerians and those responsible for their oppression.

Kwankwaso made the remark while faulting the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

In a statement he signed, the former Kano State governor wondered if members of the council signified a new beginning or the continuation of hardship for Nigerians.

According to Kwankwaso, “I have taken note of the recently constituted APC Presidential Campaign Council, whose composition offers Nigerians a clear picture of the choice before us in the 2027 general election.

“The council brings together many of the same political actors who have supported, defended or participated in the present administration.

“Their coming together raises a fundamental question: what exactly are they asking Nigerians to vote for in 2027: a new beginning or the continuation of the same system that has brought severe hardship to our people?

“The truth is, I see the 2027 election as a struggle between the oppressed Nigerian masses and those who have benefited from, defended and sustained the system responsible for their hardship.

“It is concerning to all well-meaning Nigerians that across the country, families are struggling with the rising cost of food and basic necessities.

“Young Nigerians face unemployment and diminishing opportunities. Farmers and businesses are struggling to survive, while millions continue to live with insecurity. Our education, healthcare and other essential public services remain under enormous pressure.”