Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Prince Adewole Adebayo has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He emerged through a unanimous decision by delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory during the party’s national convention held on Saturday at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Memorial Stadium, Bauchi.

The delegates adopted a voice vote conducted by state chairmen, in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

Adebayo was the sole aspirant for the presidential ticket and was returned unopposed.

DAILY POST reports that the convention also produced new national officers of the party in line with its constitution.

Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe emerged as National Chairman, while Senator Ugochukwu Uba was elected Deputy National Chairman (South), and Dr Olu Agunloye became National Secretary.

Other elected officials include Hajiya Mariam Maggie Batubo as Treasurer, Barr. Joseph Achile Abu as National Organising Secretary, Anaba Rufus Aiyenigba as National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Aderemi Abimbola as Legal Adviser, and Mallam Bello Ado Hussaini as Financial Secretary.

Others are Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi as Women Leader, Hon. Daniel Ibe as Youth Leader, Rosemary Effiong as Welfare Secretary, and Chief Lekan Alabi as Leader of Persons with Disabilities.

Adewole Adebayo emerges SDP 2027 presidential candidate

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has paid the ₦90 million fee for the presidential nomination form of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general election.

The party made the disclosure on Saturday in a statement posted on its official X account, accompanied by a copy of the payment receipt issued to the former vice president.

Confirming the development, the party stated: “A new chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey. H.E. Atiku Abubakar, GCON, has officially received his payment receipt to contest under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 Presidential Election.”

But Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is challenging the legitimacy of the David Mark-led ADC leadership, has called for the immediate suspension of the sale of nomination forms, pending the determination of a suit he filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Gombe, speaking through the Secretary of his faction’s Board of Trustees, Rufus Akanni,
warned that anyone purchasing nomination forms of the ADC risked losing their money.

“All parties concerned are directed to immediately suspend the sale/purchase of such forms pending the final determination of the matter presently before the Federal High Court,” Akanni said.

“It is expressly stated that any person who proceeds to purchase the said forms does so at their own risk, and the African Democratic Congress shall not accept any liability or responsibility for consequences arising therefrom.”

The Mark-led leadership however described the purchase of form as a major step in what it termed a growing political movement focused on “national renewal, democratic inclusion, and people-driven leadership.”

“This development marks another significant moment in the growing movement for national renewal, democratic inclusion, and people-driven leadership within the ADC,” it stated.

The opposition party also reiterated its commitment to providing what it described as a credible alternative platform for Nigerians.

“As Nigerians continue to seek credible alternatives, the ADC remains committed to providing a strong platform built on unity, competence, economic recovery, security, and national progress,” it added.

According to the party, the formal presentation of the nomination forms is scheduled to take place on Monday, May 11 at the ADC National Secretariat in Abuja.

“The movement is growing. Hope is rising. Expect more,” the party stated.

THE WHISTLER reported that another ADC presidential aspirant, Dr. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen had also purchased his nomination form on Friday.

Atiku Obtains ADC Presidential Nomination Form, Gombe Kicks is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has successfully completed the screening exercise conducted by the All Progressives Congress Governorship Screening Committee in Abuja ahead of the party’s 2027 governorship primary election in Lagos State.

Hamzat, who spoke after the exercise on Saturday, described the screening process as comprehensive, transparent and consistent with the democratic principles of the APC.

According to the deputy governor, the exercise was aimed at verifying the credentials, records and experiences submitted by aspirants seeking to contest on the party’s platform.

“The screening was designed to verify the credentials, records, and experiences submitted by aspirants seeking to fly the APC flag. The essence of the screening is to ensure that everything submitted is accurate and verifiable.

“We submitted all required documents and the committee asked questions based on the information provided. It is basically to confirm that what you wrote is truly reflective of your experience and service,” he said.

Hamzat explained that members of the committee thoroughly examined his documents and requested further clarification on aspects of his professional background and years in public service.

He noted that the panel also sought more insight into the various responsibilities he had handled while serving in government.

The deputy governor expressed confidence in the APC primary process and reaffirmed his commitment to the continued growth, development and prosperity of Lagos State.

“I am very comfortable with my party and confident in the democratic process. Ultimately, the decision rests with party members and the people. Our responsibility is to continue offering our best in service to the state and the country,” Hamzat stated.

He further reiterated his belief in Lagos State’s ability to maintain its position as a leading model of innovation, governance and development in Nigeria, stressing that leadership must remain focused on improving the lives of citizens.

Lagos 2027: Hamzat cleared for APC governorship primary

Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed excitement on Saturday as 12 of the girls abducted from their secondary school in Chibok in 2014, but who eventually regained freedom, formally completed their university education at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, also celebrated the graduation of the 12 girls, remarking that adversity is not the end of life when the right corrective steps are taken.

The 12 were among hundreds abducted from Chibok 12 years ago, but were later freed and subsequently enrolled at AUN with sponsorship from the Federal Government.

Vice President Shettima, during AUN’s 17th Commencement (Convocation) of the Class of 2026 in Yola, said that although the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls remains a wound on the conscience of the nation, some measure of redemption is being achieved as 12 more of the girls complete their university education.

Represented at the occasion by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, Shettima commended AUN, a private university owned by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for holding the girls to the same academic standards as other students.

“To the girls, I assure you that your country has not finished its obligation to you,” Shettima said, while the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development noted that the Federal Government has further plans for the graduates.

The minister, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Esuabana Nko Asanye, said the government has invested heavily since the recovery of the first set of abducted schoolgirls and would not abandon the fresh graduates.

Although hundreds of students graduated during the convocation on Saturday, attention centred on the 12 Chibok girls, two of whom, in separate interviews, expressed their joy at becoming graduates.

The President (Vice Chancellor) of AUN, Professor DeWayne Frazier, said in his commencement address that the 12 Chibok girls would walk across the graduation stage in a sacred moment of triumph over fear, resilience over trauma, and hope over everything that once sought to silence their future.

12 Chibok girls graduate from American University of Nigeria

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has assured the commitment of the state government to a strategic partnership with Mutual Commitment Company Ltd, China, to establish a three-million-tonnes-per-annum limestone-to-cement industrial complex aimed at the economic transformation of the state.

The governor made the commitment in a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, following a courtesy visit to him by the Group Managing Director of the company, Mr Liu Long, who led a management team to the state.

According to the statement, the partnership marks a major step in the state’s industrialisation agenda for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

“The industrial complex initiative project is to be driven by the Yobe Mining Development Company Limited (YMDCL), to strengthen local value addition, support infrastructure development, attract further investment, and to position the state as an emerging hub for cement production in Nigeria.

“The Group Managing Director of MCC Ltd, Mr Liu Long, commended the proactive political will and governance environment, upon which the company will anchor its operations to partner with Yobe State in achieving the mutually beneficial, sustainable development objective”, the statement noted.

Yobe to partner Chinese firm on three-million-tonne cement complex

Chelsea interim head coach, Calum McFarlane, is expecting two of his players, Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto, to be back to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final next weekend.

McFarlane stated this while speaking at his post-match interview after Chelsea drew 1-1 with Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday at Anfield.

Asked about whether Garnacho and Neto will be fit for the FA Cup final, McFarlane said, “Yeah, we are very hopeful. You have to take these things day by day.

“We are hoping that they will be available, but we don’t know at this moment in time.

“They are going to get back into training, see how they feel, see how it looks. So, fingers crossed.”

FA Cup final: McFarlane expecting two Chelsea stars to be back against Manchester City

American rapper and singer Alyssa Michelle Stephens, popularly known as Latto, has announced her retirement from music at just 27.

The Atlanta-born star said her forthcoming album, which is scheduled to arrive May 29, would be her last music project. 

“5/29 My retirement album. Thank you for everything,” she wrote via her X, alarming her fans. 

Latto became a rap sensation after winning the first season of the reality television series The Rap Game in 2016.

She gained prominence with the release of her 2019 single ‘Bitch from da Souf,’ which was certified  double platinum by RIAA and marked her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

Since then, she has scored multiple platinum and Billboard Hot 100 hits.

She has has won two BET Awards, a MTV Video Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, a BET Hip Hop Award, and two Grammy nominations.

Latto is yet to disclose the reason for her abrupt retirement from music despite concerns from fans.

American rapper Latto announces retirement from music at 27

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has zoned its presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single 4-year term.

The motion was moved at the National Convention of the NDC by the member representing Ogbaru Constituency of Anambra State in the 10th National Assembly, Afam Victor Ogene and was adopted by the delegates.

It was also resolved that after the four years single term, the Presidential ticket will be automatically zoned to the north.

This decision has cleared the way for the former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi and other Southern aspirants to process and purchase the presidential form of the party.

The Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Usman Bugaje, on Saturday accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plunging Nigerians into poverty and using state institutions to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

Bugaje made the remarks while speaking at the SDP National Convention and Presidential Primaries held in Bauchi.

He alleged that the APC had “stolen the country high and dry” while Nigerians continue to battle insecurity, rising fuel prices, unemployment and poor electricity supply.

According to him, many Nigerians now return to homes without electricity and struggle to afford food despite enduring severe economic hardship.

The SDP chieftain also criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that “national institutions like the judiciary and democratic institutions like INEC have become tools in the hands of unscrupulous politicians.”

Bugaje further accused the ruling party of attempting to suppress opposition voices and shrink the democratic space.

He likened the current political atmosphere to the era of former military ruler Sani Abacha, saying past attempts to silence dissent in Nigeria ultimately failed.

The SDP leader said his party was offering Nigerians a fresh alternative, insisting that unlike established parties allegedly dominated by “big men and deep pockets”, the SDP would present competent and energetic candidates.

He urged Nigerians to support the party’s vision of “Building a People’s Coalition to Secure Our Homeland and Defeat Poverty,” which is the theme of the convention.

Bugaje added that meaningful change would require sacrifice, courage and determination from ordinary Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

SDP’s Bugaje accuses APC of deepening poverty, undermining opposition

Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, has explained why his team failed to beat Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.

Slot watched as goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Enzo Fernandez ensured both teams drew 1-1 at Anfield.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Slot admitted that his team struggled against the Blues during the encounter, adding that the hosts also conceded a set piece.

“I think we started really well, scored a goal, got a big chance from a set piece where we were close to scoring a 2-0,” Slot said.

“Then, in quite a large phase of the game, we struggled to control their sixes; they were constantly able to find them and set up an attack.

“Unfortunately, like last week, we conceded a set piece. That makes it really hard in a top game to win a game of football if you have a negative balance in set pieces. Especially if you look at it, and it’s such a sloppy goal.”

EPL: Why we failed to beat Chelsea – Liverpool manager, Arne Slot