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Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has said that the adoption of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2023 general election has worsened perceptions of religious exclusion and contributed to what he described as increased persecution of Christians in parts of Nigeria. Lawal made the assertion on Channels Television’s Politics Today, […]

Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, has blamed their exit from the Champions League on key refereeing decisions.

Paul Cubarsi was dismissed for a last-man tackle as Atletico Madrid won the first leg at the Nou Camp.

Although Barca took a two-goal lead in the second leg, Ademola Lookman pulled one back for Atletico.

Hansi Flick’s men saw Ferran Torres’ second goal chalked off, before Eric Garcia was red-carded.

Laporta said: “In the first leg, we didn’t get a clear penalty and we got a red card when it had to be red on Pau Cubarsi’s foul.

“Then last night, the red card to Eric García was wrong. Koundé was there ready to win the ball. He wasn’t the last man.

“Also, it was wrong decision to disallow Ferran’s second goal and there was a penalty on Dani Olmo. Fermín got a big cut on his face… and not even a yellow card.”

UCL: Laporta lists five refereeing decisions that cost Barcelona against Atletico

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he is willing to step aside for Peter Obi if the latter emerges as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Atiku made this known during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Wednesday. When asked if he would step down for Obi if he […]

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government would be unable to conduct a free and fair election in 2027 under a competitive multi-party system, insisting that the ruling party is structurally inclined to manipulate the electoral process to its advantage. Lawal made […]

The Edo State Government has issued a 21-day ultimatum to members of the Hausa community residing around

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that his bid for president saying 2027 will be his final attempt to lead Nigeria.
He had contested in 2011 under the Action Congress of Nigeria, losing to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and contested the 2019 presidential election, where he lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In 2023, he again emerged PDP candidate but lost to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku made his latest declaration on Wednesday while speaking in an exclusive interview with ARISE TV.

Responding to a question on whether turning 80 by 2027 would make the stakes higher for him, Atiku said it would likely be his last outing.

“Certainly yes, because the stakes are higher and I believe that will be my last outing,” Atiku said.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain said his decision is driven by a mix of experience and urgency, arguing that Nigeria needs tested leadership to navigate its current challenges.

“I represent both the past and the future,” he said, adding that while younger leaders have emerged across the country, many still require guidance and experience to succeed in governance.

He maintained that leadership, particularly at the highest level, often requires hands-on experience, noting that his time as vice president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo provided him with insights he could not have gained outside government.

Addressing criticisms that he represents the old political order, Atiku argued that governance failures at various levels, particularly among some younger leaders, highlight the need for a balance between experience and innovation.

According to him, Nigeria’s leadership challenges are both individual and systemic, stressing that weak leadership at the top often translates into poor governance outcomes at subnational levels.

On party politics, Atiku revealed that he played a leading role in initiating the current opposition coalition, insisting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could not regain power without forming alliances.

“I don’t see a future for PDP unless there is a coalition, a broad-based coalition or alliance,” he said, noting that the party leadership initially rejected his position.

He explained that his stance was informed by Nigeria’s political history, where alliances have played decisive roles in electoral victories.

Speaking on the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku said the coalition is driven by both a shared vision and the determination to unseat the ruling APC, which he described as underperforming.

“Bola has been a very bad president, to be honest with you… it’s a disappointment,” he said.

He further alleged that democratic institutions are being weakened, warning against what he described as the concentration of power within the presidency.

On the possibility of a consensus candidate within the coalition, Atiku said he is open to supporting whoever emerges through an agreed process.

“If we don’t get consensus, then we go for elections. I will support anybody who emerges,” he stated, adding that he would step aside for any candidate who wins fairly, including former Anambra State governor Peter Obi.

Atiku also expressed confidence in his political base in the North, insisting that the region remains largely united and continues to be his strongest support base.

On the contentious issue of zoning, he argued that the principle is not constitutionally binding outside the PDP and should not be rigidly applied, although he admitted that he once opposed constitutional rotation of the presidency — a position he now considers a mistake.

“If it was in the constitution, we wouldn’t be having these arguments about who should run,” he said, pledging to support constitutional reforms that would institutionalise rotational leadership.

Taking aim at the current administration, Atiku said he is dissatisfied with its economic management and overall performance.

“Everything is wrong with President Tinubu… perhaps this is the worst administration I’ve seen,” he said.

On security, he identified it as a top priority, stressing that no meaningful development can occur without law and order. He called for better training, funding, and welfare for security personnel, alongside stronger institutional accountability.

Responding to concerns about corruption allegations, Atiku dismissed them as politically motivated, insisting that past investigations found no evidence against him.

“My corruption perception only arose through allegations which were not proved,” he said.

Atiku urged Nigerians to vote out the APC in the next election, warning of dire consequences if the current administration remains in power.

“They should vote out APC if they want their future… I don’t see a pathway to a brighter future for Nigeria in APC,” he said.

‘My Last Attempt’ – Atiku Confirms 2027 Presidential Ambition is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Akwa United are optimistic of securing promotion ticket to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

The Promise Keepers trail Nigeria National League, NNL, Conference A leaders Sporting Lagos with one point.

Akwa United will do battle with Solution FC in the last game of the season, while Sporting Lagos will face Osun United.

“Hope Alive. We keep pushing ahead of the final game of the NNL season on Thursday,” Akwa United wrote on the social media ahead of the showdown, coming up on Thursday (tomorrow).

“Every challenge is an opportunity to rise, we go for victory and glory.”

DAILY POST recalls that Akwa United were relegated to the NNL at the end of the 2024-25 NPFL season.

NNL: Akwa United hopeful of NPFL return ahead of final-day decider

A man whose identity had yet to be established as of the time of filing this report was rescued after reportedly attempting to jump into the Lagos Lagoon from a bridge.

Eyewitnesses said the individual had parked his vehicle on the bridge before entering the water, prompting alarm among passersby.

The situation was, however, swiftly brought under control as local fishermen in the area intervened and pulled him out of the lagoon, preventing what could have resulted in a fatal outcome.

A video capturing the rescue surfaced on social media on Wednesday, shared by Isaac Fayose, who expressed concern over the incident and called on Nigerians to pay closer attention to the well-being of those around them.

“Please, check on your family and friends. This just happened today. Who knows what went wrong,” he wrote.

As of the time of this report, the circumstances leading to the incident remain unclear, while authorities have yet to provide an official account.

The Lagos State Police Command had also not issued any confirmation regarding the development.

Man rescued after attempting to jump into Lagos lagoon

Security operatives in Zamfara State said they have disrupted a suspected supply route used by bandits in Maru Local Government Area.

The Zamfara State Community Protection Guard reportedly arrested a driver found carrying 98 explosive devices believed to be en route to criminal groups.

According to security analyst Bakatsine on X, the operation also led to the recovery of a large sum of cash and other items linked to the suspected network.

“Authorities also recovered N13,352,500 in cash and two new motorcycles believed to support the operation. Officials describe the seizure as a significant breakthrough in efforts to curb banditry in the region,” he shared on X.

No further details about the suspects were made public; however, Bakatsine described the action as decisive.

It is believed this could help weaken the terrorist network operating along the Zamfara axis.

Zamfara guards intercept explosives meant for bandits

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said Nigeria’s worsening insecurity can only be addressed through strong and decisive leadership.

He stressed that the issue should not be treated lightly.

Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on Arise TV Prime Time, Atiku described security as a fundamental and highly sensitive matter.

He cautioned against discussing it without due seriousness.
“It is not a topic that you begin to discuss at this level. Security is a very fundamental and very sensitive issue,” he said

Reflecting on the early days of insurgency in the North-East, Atiku said the extremist group Boko Haram emerged in 2002 while he was in office, but was swiftly brought under control through coordinated leadership.

“Let me remind you, Boko Haram started in 2002 when we were in office. And the president and I met and decided that we would put it down decisively. And we did,” he said.
“By the time we left, there was no Boko Haram. Boko Haram was on the surface after we left.”

He, however, argued that tackling insecurity in Northern Nigeria requires more than regional efforts, noting that the challenge exceeds the capacity of the region alone.

“I think Northern Nigeria doesn’t have the capacity to do it. But it requires leadership,” he said.

Nigeria’s insecurity demands strong, decisive leadership – Atiku