Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Ivory Coast has dissolved the body responsible for organising elections following persistent criticism from opposition parties over its management of the country’s electoral process.

The decision was announced on Wednesday after a cabinet meeting, months after President Alassane Ouattara secured a controversial fourth-term victory in the October presidential election, a poll from which several prominent opposition figures were excluded.

Government spokesperson and Communications Minister, Amadou Coulibaly, confirmed that the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) had been dissolved.

“In view of the reservations expressed about this institution, as well as the criticism it has faced, the Council of Ministers has decided to dissolve it,” he stated.

Coulibaly, however, did not disclose what structure would replace the electoral body, noting that discussions on a new mechanism would be handled by the government at a later stage.

“I cannot tell you at this stage what this new mechanism will be, which will certainly be discussed and put in place at the government level,” he added.

According to him, the move is aimed at strengthening public confidence in the electoral process and ensuring the conduct of peaceful elections in the future.

Former Prime Minister Pascal Affi N’Guessan welcomed the development and called for broader consultations involving political parties and civil society groups to rebuild the country’s electoral framework.

In a post on X, he urged authorities to “open a dialogue with political and civil society organisations to rebuild the electoral system, in the name of peace and stability.”

Major opposition parties, including the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast led by Tidjane Thiam and the African Peoples’ Party-Ivory Coast headed by former president Laurent Gbagbo, did not immediately react to the announcement.

Both Gbagbo and Thiam were barred from contesting the last presidential election due to legal and nationality-related issues.

Opposition groups in the country have repeatedly accused the electoral commission of lacking independence, alleging bias in the management of elections and oversight of the electoral register.

Ivory Coast dissolves electoral commission after opposition criticism

The National office of the Accord Party has announced that it would not field a governorship candidate in Abia State during the 2027 polls.

The party has also directed the executive and members of the party in the State to work for the victory of Governor Alex Otti in 2027.

The National Chairman of the party, Professor Christopher Imumolen and the National Secretary, Mukhtar Abdullah Djungo announced this on Wednesday when they visited Governor Otti in his country home, Nvosi Isialangwa South LGA.

According to Professor Imumolen, the performance of the Abia State Governor earned him the support of the AC national office.

The Chairman said that opposition parties should not only exist in Nigeria as instruments of criticism but should also acknowledge the areas they did well.

Also speaking, the National Secretary of Accord Party, Malam Mukhtar Abdullah Djungo, said:

“On behalf of our party, I want to assure your Excellency that no candidate from our party will be contesting for the Governorship position in Abia State.

“The National Working Committee has directed the State Executive of the party to join hands with the Labour Party and work for the good of the people of Abia State. Let the good work continue,” the National Secretary stated.

Responding, Governor Alex Otti, who thanked the National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee of the Accord Party for their understanding, said he would also work with them.

“The whole essence of politics is about the welfare of our people and security of our people,” Governor Otti said.

Accord Party withdraws from Abia 2027 guber race, backs Otti

Former Rangers winger, Ejike Uzoenyi has backed his former club to win the 2025-26 league title.

Uzeonyi believed that with fair officiating the Flying Antelopes will clinch their ninth NPFL title.

The Enugu-based sit at the top of the NPFL table with 62 points with two matches remaining in the season.

Rangers are one point adrift of Rivers United on the table.

“Let both teams play their games and let the officiating be seen to be free and fair,”the former Rangers forward told Completesports.

“Whether they play at home or not, or whoever they face, makes no difference. What matters is fair officiating and with that, Rangers will win.”

Rangers will to battle with Bendel Insurance and Ikorodu City in their last two fixtures while Rivers United will play Wikki Tourists and Katsina United, respectively.

NPFL: Uzoenyi backs Rangers to beat Rivers United to title

Bayern Munich manager, Vincent Kompany, has explained why Paris Saint-Germain eliminated his team from the Champions League.

The Belgian watched as the Bavarians played 1-1 with the Parisians in the Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday at the Allianz Arena.

Kompany’s side crashed out of the competition on a 6-5 aggregate defeat, having lost 5-4 in the first leg in Paris.

Speaking at his post-match interview after the game, Kompany said Luis Enrique’s side defended well against Bayern Munich.

He added that the visitors were active during the encounter and made sure the Bundesliga giants didn’t convert their chances in front of goal.

“It’s obviously tough to take; we lost narrowly. We matched PSG, these games are decided by small details,” Kompany said.

“Our first half was good, I felt that we were the better team and often got into the areas where we are dangerous, but PSG defended the crosses very well.

“They were very active. Although we got into dangerous situations, they made sure we didn’t get the final shot off. The Champions League is over for us for now.”

UCL: Why PSG eliminated us – Bayern Munich manager, Vincent Kompany

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Chairman, Buba Marwa, has stated that smuggling illicit substances through Murtala Muhammed International Airport has become extremely challenging due to heightened security and anti-narcotics operations.

Marwa described the Lagos airport as one of the most tightly monitored airports globally in the fight against drug trafficking.

He made the remarks on Tuesday at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja while hosting a delegation from Narcotics Control Commission led by its Director-General, Maxwell Obuba Mantey, during a study visit focused on the agency’s operational strategies.

According to Marwa, stronger collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana is essential in addressing the rising threat posed by drug trafficking and related criminal activities across the West African region.

“We recognize that by coming together to share expertise in intelligence-led operations and interdiction strategies, we are effectively narrowing the space for criminal cartels to operate within our sub-region,” he said.

He noted that the visit goes beyond a routine study tour, describing it as part of efforts to deepen strategic cooperation between both anti-drug agencies.

Marwa said the engagement would enable both sides to exchange ideas on intelligence gathering, digital forensics and institutional best practices.

He added that enhanced collaboration would boost efforts to dismantle illicit drug networks, curb the production of psychotropic substances and tackle money laundering linked to narcotics trafficking.

During the visit, NDLEA and NACOC signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, aimed at formalising cooperation between the two agencies.

Marwa described the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening coordinated actions against drug syndicates operating within the region.

“This agreement on combating the illicit production of psychotropic substances, their precursors, and related money laundering activities provides us with a legal and operational roadmap. It moves our relationship from informal consultation to a structured, aggressive, and unified front against drug barons,” he said.

In his remarks, Mantey stated that the visit was intended to reinforce the existing relationship between both countries and improve operational collaboration.

“For us therefore, this visit is not about beginning a new chapter, but about strengthening an already solid foundation, deepening trust, exchanging experiences, and making our collaboration even more practical and impactful,” he said.

He further observed that drug trafficking operations across the region are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making stronger cross-border partnerships necessary to effectively combat emerging threats.

Smuggling drugs through Lagos airport extremely difficult – Marwa

Former Chelsea defender, Glen Johnson, has urged the Blues to make Como boss Cesc Fabregas their next permanent head coach.

According to Johnson, Fabregas would instantly earn the respect of Chelsea’s current squad because of his history as a former player at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have been hunting for a full-time manager since parting ways with Liam Rosenior last month.

Johnson told Metro, “Chelsea have had both experienced managers who won everything, young, promising managers and sacked them.

“Both Andoni Iraola and Cesc Fabregas have credentials; having Premier League experience as a manager is huge, whereas Fabregas knows the club a lot better and, as a former player, would definitely get the players’ respect,” he said.

EPL: Players will respect him – Glen Johnson names manager Chelsea should appoint next

Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has stated that the final decision on the ongoing Kano emirship dispute rests with the Supreme Court and the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Ganduje made the clarification while responding to reports suggesting that he had endorsed Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.

His former Commissioner for Information and Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba, noted that the former governor said his reference to Sanusi by his traditional title during the swearing-in ceremony of the deputy governor was purely out of respect and protocol.

“It is important to clarify that what happened was simply an expression of respect in a public gathering. It should not be misconstrued as an endorsement,” the statement noted.

Ganduje stressed that the emirship case is still before the courts and warned against comments or actions that could amount to contempt of court.

He recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier directed all parties involved in the dispute to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case by the Supreme Court.

According to him, the current legal position recognises Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano, while Sanusi remains recognised as the 14th Emir, pending the apex court’s judgment.

The former governor further stated that he has no constitutional authority to endorse or reject any claimant to the emirship throne, insisting that the matter lies entirely within the jurisdiction of the judiciary and, ultimately, the state government.

Ganduje also expressed concern over what he described as exaggerated media interpretations of his remarks, saying a routine acknowledgment based on established protocol had been blown out of proportion.

He urged all parties to remain calm and await the Supreme Court’s final verdict on the matter, which is expected in April next year.

Supreme Court, Gov Yusuf Will Decide Emir Sanusi’s Fate — Ganduje is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Paris Saint-Germain winger, Ousmane Dembele, is now the new favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or prize.

Dembele has been in sensational form for the Ligue 1 giants, as they reached the final where they will play Arsenal.

The 28-year-old scored three times against Bayern as they won their semi-final tie 6-5 on aggregate.

PSG are also on track to retain their title in France, which would lead to Dembele winning the Ballon d’Or back-to-back.

Based on recent performances and betting market indicators, Dembele is ranked ahead of a mix of established superstars and rising talents across Europe.

Another of the Frenchman’s team-mate, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, is another hot favourite for the award.

Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane has seen his chances drop after their elimination, while Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid is still in the running.

The top 5 contenders:

1. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)

2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)

3. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

4. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

5. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)

Ballon d’Or 2026: Top 5 players to win award ahead of UCL final

The United States lawmaker representing the West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, Riley M Moore has called on President Donald Trump to take forceful action towards ending the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria.

The lawmaker made the call in a statement he issued on Wednesday while reacting to the unending activities of terrorists in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

He lamented how Christians, who were gathered for a mass burial of victims that were killed in a previous attack were attacked in Plateau and “viciously murdered by radical Islamic terrorists”.

The US lawmaker pointed out that the Nigerian government could root out the “terrorism and stop the martyrdom of its own citizens”, but decided to look the other way despite warning signals.

He recalled how the Nigerian government responded swiftly to quell a coup in Benin last year, stating that Nigeria was willing to step in to stop a violent attack in another country but “stand by as their own Christian citizens are brutalized”.

“Despite receiving early warnings of impending attacks, they are nowhere to be found as Christians are murdered for their faith, like lambs led to slaughter.

“Enough is enough. I am grateful the Trump Administration specifically identified protecting Christians in Nigeria in the administration’s new Counterterrorism Strategy.

“Now, I am asking the Trump Administration to take forceful action to defend our innocent brothers and sisters in Christ in the Middle Belt of Nigeria, the epicenter of an ongoing Christian genocide”, he said.

‘Nigeria govt quelled coup in Benin, can’t end Christian genocide’ – US lawmaker

Reports say Police have arrested two persons including the Bayelsa State sender of the barretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition that led to the killing of Oghenemine Ogidi by ASP Nuhu Usman in Effurun, Delta state.

A source said two suspects were moved into the Effurun Area Command under the Delta State Police Command Wednesday night, as investigations continues towards apprehending all persons connected with movement of the gun and bullets, and the death of 28 year old Mine.

While the Police authorities keep mum on the development, a source said, “It’s confirmed. 

They just brought in two suspects Wednesday night.

“It’s not been announced who is who yet, but I can tell you for free that one of them is the person who sent the gun through a transport line from Yenagoa to Effurun, from where Mine picked it to send to a Sapele owner at the Effurun Motor Park where he was caught and extrajudicially killed by ASP Nuhu and accomplices.

“Like I sad, it’s not clear if the other person among the two could be the driver who brought the parcel from Yenagoa. But it’s clear that the sender is among the duo just apprehended. And the trail continues for the other suapects.”