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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

The endorsement was made on Monday at Lagos House, Marina.

In recent weeks, Hamzat has gained increasing support from political stakeholders and community leaders across Lagos during a series of consultative visits ahead of the upcoming election cycle.

JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu Backs Deputy Hamzat For 2027 Lagos Guber is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernández, has named five teams that can win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on Romario’s YouTube channel, Xavi named Brazil, Spain, France, Portugal and Argentina as the countries that can win the World Cup this year.

This year’s World Cup will begin in the summer, and Argentina is the defending champion after winning it in 2022.

“They [Brazil] can be champions. First, because Ancelotti is their coach who brings out the best in players and second, because Brazil dominates at the World Cup. They have good players. Ancelotti always competes,” Xavi said

“The other favorites are Spain, Argentina, France, and Portugal. I see Germany as less of a favorite. England could make a run as well,” he added.

World Cup 2026: Xavi names five favourites to win trophy

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

Sanwo-Olu announced the endorsement after a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat officially declared his intention to run for the governorship seat before members of the State Executive Council and key party leaders.

The meeting was attended by members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, including former Minister of State of Defense, Musiliu Obanikoro, and Ganiyu Solomon, among others.

Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu said the endorsement was a unanimous decision reached by stakeholders present, describing Hamzat as prepared and capable of leading the state.

“We just received Mr Deputy, who had come with a very powerful delegation of our leaders in the state to inform us of his intention to contest for the seat of the governorship position of the state.

“It was unanimous with all of us to say that Mr Deputy Governor is a man who is fit and well-prepared for this job. He is a man who knows where all the rooms in the house are,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, who, according to him, is instrumental to the discovery of himself and Hamzat, as well as their working relationship.

BREAKING: 2027: Sanwo-Olu endorses Hamzat as preferred successor

Former 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, (AAC), Omoyele Sowore on Monday confronted former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, in an exchange that has since sparked widespread reactions online.

The encounter, captured in a now-viral video, showed Sowore directly addressing Malami over his current legal battles, drawing parallels between the former minister’s present situation and his role during the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) are suing former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on charges of money laundering, unlawful possession of firearms, and unlawful acquisition of assets.

He is then contesting an order for the temporary confiscation of his possessions, arguing that they were acquired lawfully.

In a pointed remark, Sowore said, “You see how it feels now to be persecuted. When you were with Buhari, you were bragging. We warned you then that there was failure in the justice system, but you didn’t listen, and now the system is dealing with you.”

The confrontation which, unfolded within the court premises, drew attention from lawyers, litigants, and observers, many of whom appeared to slightly laugh it off.

Sowore also urged the former Attorney General of the Federation to join his Revolution Now movement by offering him an orange beret, stating, “I want to give you my cap. This is a revolutionary cap.”

However, the activist acknowledged Malami’s composure amid the situation.

“At least I’m glad that you are strong. We are not all on the same side ; even the oppressors are oppressing you now. As far as the Nigerian project is concerned, no matter how powerful you people are, we will never support you. We are resilient till tomorrow”, he said.

In response, Malami offered a brief but composed defense of his situation, maintaining confidence in his legal standing.

“I can never be down. Well, I have been attending all my court sittings. I will keep attending. And I remain strong”, he responded.

‘You See How It Feels’, Sowore Mocks Malami Over Trial is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua will make his comeback against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 25 July.

It will be his first appearance in the ring since he survived a fatal car crash in Nigeria in December.

Joshua, who was a passenger in the car, was injured, while two members of his team were killed.

The British fighter’s most recent appearance in the ring was against Jake Paul earlier that month.

The 36-year-old attended Tyson Fury’s recent comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov and was called out by his British rival immediately after he secured a comfortable decision win.

Talks are under way for the long-awaited bout to take place later this year, but first Joshua will face 35-year-old Albanian Prenga, who has a 17-1 record.

Joshua To Have First Fight Since Car Crash is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian military has unveiled plans to formally engage retired personnel in efforts to address rising violent conflicts across the country through mediation, conflict resolution and community-based peacebuilding.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, disclosed this at the flag-off of a mediation and conflict resolution skills training for veterans in Abuja.

The training was organised by the Retired Members of Nigeria Armed forces (REMENAF), in collaboration with Mediation Training Institute and Defence Headquarters.

The training is aimed at equipping retired military personnel with modern skills in mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution.

Oluyede said the initiative reflects a strategic shift towards strengthening non-kinetic approaches in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, where violent conflicts are increasingly driven by local disputes and community tensions.

He stressed that military operations alone cannot guarantee lasting peace, noting that early intervention, dialogue and structured mediation remain critical to preventing escalation of violence.

“This initiative reflects the understanding that sustainable security requires both kinetic and non-kinetic responses.

“Veterans possess the experience, discipline and credibility needed to intervene in community disputes and help prevent violence before it escalates.

“They understand the cost of conflict and are uniquely positioned to promote dialogue, restraint and reconciliation at the grassroots level,” he said.

The CDS explained that the initiative would also strengthen early warning systems and improve information flow from communities to security agencies, while remaining non-operational and complementary to existing security structures.

The President, Coalition of Concerned Veterans Association, Isaac Oguntuyi, described the programme as a continuation of national service, urging beneficiaries to cascade the training to other veterans across the country.

He said retired personnel remain committed to national stability and must continue contributing to peacebuilding efforts.

Similarly, National Coordinator of Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces (REMENAF), Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, said veterans were well placed to support intelligence gathering, community engagement and conflict prevention due to their operational experience.

The initiative signals a growing emphasis within the military on preventive security strategies aimed at reducing pressure on frontline troops by addressing conflicts at their root.

The training is expected to enhance grassroots mediation capacity and strengthen national efforts to reduce violent conflicts through non-kinetic means.

Military Unveils Plans To Engage Veterans In Tackling Rising Violent Conflicts is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A leadership tussle has emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu both laid claim to the party’s leadership in the state, citing directives from President Bola Tinubu.

The competing claims, made via separate Facebook posts on Monday, have stirred fresh debate over the party’s structure and control ahead of future political contests in the state.

Benjamin Kalu, in his post, suggested that President Tinubu had reaffirmed a leadership model that places responsibility for state party affairs on top-ranking political office holders like himself.

He wrote: “Thank you, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for insisting that governors should handle the issues of the party in the states with APC governors, while the highest-ranking political office holders like the Deputy Speaker take care of the affairs in Abia State.”

Kalu added that the President reiterated this position during a recent engagement, noting that the arrangement had historically strengthened the party’s internal cohesion.

“You have always worked with this model all through the ward, local government and state congresses and it has brought us great success. It has united the party more than ever before and we are ready to win elections in Abia State,” he stated.

He further expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, saying: “Abia APC has never been this united and forward-looking thanks to your support. We will deliver Abia votes overwhelmingly.”

However, in what appeared to be a direct counter, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu – who represents Abia North and is a former governor of the state – also claimed to have received a mandate from the President to coordinate party activities in the state.

In his own Facebook post, the senator wrote: “I sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in me and the marching order to coordinate activities in Abia State in respect of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

Emphasising his political experience, Orji Uzor Kalu described himself as “the most senior governor in the state” and pledged to work with stakeholders to strengthen the party.

“I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders, in line with the President’s directive, to ensure that the APC in Abia produces candidates who are widely acceptable, united in purpose, and well-positioned to secure victory in the state for the President’s re-election,” he added.

The parallel assertions have created uncertainty within the party’s Abia chapter, with both leaders invoking presidential backing to justify their roles.

Orji Kalu, Deputy Speaker Clash Over Who’s Abia’s APC Leader is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Shola Adegun is in pole position to be appointed new head coach of Nigeria’s U-17 men’s team, the Golden Eaglets, DAILY POST reports.

Adegun, who is one youngest coaches in the domestic scene in Nigeria will replace Manu Garba.

Garba failed to qualify the Golden Eaglets for the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

Adegun’s first major job was with newly promoted Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, club, Sporting Lagos.

The young tactician has also worked with top academies in Nigeria including Clique Academy, Barcelona Academy and AS Roma.

He handled Plateau United in the first half of the current season, before he was sacked with the Jos club fighting against relegation.

Shola Adegun favoured to lead Golden Eaglets

Residents of the Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have received assurances of inclusive and effective representation at the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This assurance was given by an aspirant for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency seat, Sarah Ivie Adidi, during a courtesy visit to the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the weekend, where she formally declared her ambition and congratulated the newly elected party executives.

Sarah was received by the party chairman, women leader and other key executives, who pledged their support and emphasized the need for unity and collective progress within the party.

Speaking during the visit, Sarah noted that her engagement with party stakeholders and supporters in Bwari was informed by “a commitment to grassroots politics and inclusive governance”. She stressed the importance of “collaboration in addressing the developmental challenges facing the constituency”.

Sarah assured residents that, if elected, she would “work closely with the area council leadership, community stakeholders and relevant agencies to drive sustainable development and improve the overall standard of living for constituents”.

Describing Bwari Area Council as a critical and strategic component of the FCT’s political landscape, she said its relevance in shaping electoral outcomes and governance priorities cannot be overstated.

Sarah outlined her vision to transform the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency through people-oriented programmes which will focus on infrastructure development, quality education, skills acquisition, youth empowerment and improved healthcare delivery.

She promised to amplify the voices of the people and ensure their needs are adequately addressed at the national level.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bwari Area Council, Joshua Ishaku Musa, said the party would work to support Sarah in achieving her aspirations.

Reps aspirant pledges collaboration with area council leadership, stakeholders

Ibom Air has warned that it may be forced to reduce its flight frequency in the coming days as the rising cost of aviation fuel pushes operations to the brink.

In a statement issued on Monday, and signed by its Group Manager of Marketing and Communication, Aniekan Essienette, the airline described the current pricing regime as an “unprecedented crisis” that is no longer financially sustainable for domestic carriers.

According to the airline, the cost of fuelling a single flight has surged dramatically within a short period.
It said that while it spent an average of N2.1 million per flight in January, the figure had climbed to about N7.6 million as of April 26, representing an increase of over 350 per cent in just seven weeks.

The Airline operator expressed concern over what it termed a pricing contradiction, noting that despite increased local supply of Jet A1 fuel—largely attributed to operations of the Dangote Refinery—domestic prices remain significantly higher than global benchmarks.

“Domestic airlines are baffled at why the price of aviation fuel in Nigeria has ballooned to this level, far above what is obtainable in other parts of the world,” the statement said.

The airline added that while international carriers typically adjust capacity in response to relatively modest fuel price increases, Nigerian operators have continued to absorb higher costs to keep airfares stable and services running.

However, Ibom Air said the situation has reached a breaking point, warning that it may be compelled to scale down operations.

“It is clear to us that the current conditions are unsustainable. We will have to take whatever ameliorating actions we can in the days ahead, including reducing our capacity if necessary,” Essienette stated.

The company urged fuel marketers to review their pricing structure and cautioned that if the current trend persists, airlines may soon find themselves operating solely to cover fuel expenses, with little margin for other operational costs.

Ibom Air Faces Capacity Cuts Over Jet Fuel Surge is first published on The Whistler Newspaper