Nigeria News (Standard)
Former Military Spokesperson Dies in Bandits’ Custody in Kaduna State
Security agencies intensify search as family confirms death; incident highlights ongoing abductions in North-West
Security agencies intensify search as family confirms death; incident highlights ongoing abductions in North-West
A former military spokesperson has died while being held by suspected bandits in Kaduna State, his family has confirmed. The tragic incident occurred after the retired officer was abducted from his residence, adding to the growing list of security challenges facing communities in the North-West region.
Sources said the ex-military official was taken captive by armed men who invaded his home and transported him to an undisclosed location. Despite efforts by security agencies and relatives to secure his release, the family announced his death on Saturday, 13 June 2026. Details regarding the precise circumstances of his passing remain unclear as at press time.
The abduction and subsequent death of a high-profile former security official underscores persistent insecurity across Kaduna and neighbouring states, where kidnappings for ransom have become rampant. Residents in affected communities continue to express concern over repeated attacks that target both civilians and public figures.
Efforts to reach police authorities in Kaduna for comment were unsuccessful as at time of filing this report. The family, speaking on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisal, appealed for intensified action from government and security agencies. “We urge authorities not to relent until those responsible are brought to justice,” a relative said.
Security analysts warn that the incident may further erode confidence in protection measures for both ordinary citizens and prominent individuals. Humanitarian groups have also called on government to prioritise intelligence gathering and rapid response operations across the North-West to stem the tide of abductions.
Nigeria News (Standard)
ADC Refuses to Confirm Reports on Atiku’s Running Mate Selection
Party officials decline comment amid mounting speculation over Atiku Abubakar’s vice-presidential pick ahead of 2027 elections
Party officials decline comment amid mounting speculation over Atiku Abubakar’s vice-presidential pick ahead of 2027 elections
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declined to confirm widespread reports regarding the selection of a running mate for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is expected to contest in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Party officials, when contacted on Saturday in Abuja, refused to provide details or comment on the matter, despite growing public interest.
Rumours have circulated in recent days across political circles that Atiku, a prominent figure from Adamawa State and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, may have reached an agreement with the ADC concerning his running mate. The uncertainty has fuelled speculation about new political alliances and potential defections ahead of the next general elections.
The choice of a running mate is considered a critical factor in Nigeria’s presidential race, as it can influence regional support and party strategy. Atiku’s previous selections for vice-presidential candidate have drawn attention due to their impact on voting patterns in key geopolitical zones. With the next poll less than a year away, Nigerians are closely watching for any indication of new alignments among major political parties.
Despite repeated enquiries from journalists, ADC leaders maintained their silence and did not issue any official statement on the reported selection. Efforts to reach Atiku’s media aides also yielded no response as at press time. Without confirmation from either party or candidate, uncertainty remains over whether an agreement has indeed been finalised.
As the 2027 election season gathers momentum, further announcements from both Atiku Abubakar and ADC are expected to shape the evolving political landscape. Stakeholders say clarity on his choice of running mate could influence other parties’ strategies and realignments across Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Restores Labour Party on Ballot for Enugu Senatorial By-Election
Electoral commission reverses earlier exclusion, clearing LP to contest Enugu East poll after legal review
Electoral commission reverses earlier exclusion, clearing LP to contest Enugu East poll after legal review
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reinstated the Labour Party (LP) as a recognised contestant for the upcoming Enugu East senatorial by-election. The decision was announced in Enugu on Saturday, 13 June 2026, following a period of uncertainty over the party’s eligibility.
INEC’s move comes after weeks of legal consultations and pressure from LP stakeholders, who had protested the party’s initial omission from the list of approved candidates. The electoral commission stated that its latest review confirmed that Labour Party met all necessary requirements to participate in the scheduled by-election.
The development holds significant weight for Enugu East Senatorial District, where political competition between major parties—including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Labour Party—remains intense. Observers note that Labour Party’s restoration could alter voter dynamics and increase turnout, given the party’s recent gains in South-East Nigeria.
In a statement, INEC said: “After due consideration of court orders and compliance documents submitted by Labour Party, we have updated our register to include LP among qualified parties for the by-election.” However, opposition figures from PDP and APC have raised concerns about the timing of INEC’s reversal. A PDP spokesperson said their party will closely monitor all developments to ensure transparency throughout the electoral process.
With this decision, campaigning is expected to intensify in Enugu East as all recognised parties mobilise supporters ahead of election day. Political analysts believe INEC’s resolution may set a precedent for future cases involving party eligibility disputes during Nigeria’s electoral cycle.
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Flags 469 Polling Units as Flashpoints Ahead of Ekiti Governorship Election
Electoral commission moves to deploy security agencies after identifying high-risk locations across Ekiti State for June 13 poll
Electoral commission moves to deploy security agencies after identifying high-risk locations across Ekiti State for June 13 poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified 469 polling units across Ekiti State as potential flashpoints ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 13. The commission said these locations were marked due to intelligence reports and previous incidents of electoral disturbance.
INEC officials revealed that the flagged polling units are spread across several local government areas, with a concentration in communities previously affected by ballot snatching, voter intimidation, and violence. The decision to highlight these flashpoints followed a series of stakeholder engagements and risk assessments conducted by the commission in collaboration with security agencies.
The move is aimed at preventing disruptions and ensuring a peaceful voting process for over one million eligible voters in the South-West state. INEC noted that previous elections in Ekiti had witnessed isolated cases of violence and intimidation, leading to calls from civil society groups and opposition parties for stronger preventive measures this year.
A senior INEC official, who asked not to be named because they were not authorised to speak publicly, stated that the commission had already communicated its findings to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies for immediate action. “We have shared our risk analysis with security stakeholders so they can deploy adequate personnel to these areas,” the official said.
As at Friday evening, security agencies had reportedly intensified patrols around identified flashpoints while local INEC offices began dispatching election materials under armed escort. The commission urged political parties and candidates to caution their supporters against any acts capable of disrupting the process. Voting is expected to commence at 8:30 a.m. in all 2,445 polling units statewide.
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