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)
MSF Investigation Uncovers Exploitation of Women, Girls in Chad Refugee Camps
Aid group reports widespread sexual violence and abuse in camps near Nigeria’s border, urges urgent international response
Aid group reports widespread sexual violence and abuse in camps near Nigeria’s border, urges urgent international response
A recent investigation by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has revealed alarming levels of exploitation and sexual abuse targeting women and girls living in refugee camps in Chad, close to Nigeria’s North-East border. The findings were released on Saturday, highlighting the urgent need for protection measures as humanitarian agencies continue to respond to the ongoing crisis in the region.
According to MSF, the situation in these camps has deteriorated significantly due to overcrowding, lack of security, and insufficient resources. The report documents multiple cases where women and adolescent girls were subjected to sexual violence, including rape and forced transactional sex, as they attempted to access basic needs such as food and water. Many victims reportedly suffered both physical injuries and severe psychological trauma.
The camps house thousands of people who have fled violence and instability from neighbouring countries, including Nigeria’s Borno State, where Boko Haram attacks have displaced millions over the past decade. Humanitarian workers say that the majority of refugees are women and children who remain especially vulnerable due to breakdowns in social structures and limited law enforcement presence within the settlements.
MSF called on local authorities, international donors, and United Nations agencies to scale up interventions focused on security, mental health support, and provision of essential services. “It is crucial that all stakeholders act now to prevent further exploitation,” the organisation stated in its findings. There was no immediate response from Chadian officials or Nigerian authorities regarding the report as at press time.
Aid groups warn that without increased funding and coordinated action from governments across the Lake Chad Basin—including Nigeria—risks faced by displaced women and girls will persist. MSF said it plans to expand medical outreach programmes while continuing advocacy for stronger protection mechanisms in all affected areas.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-FIFA President Sepp Blatter Warns Against Exclusion of African Referee from 2026 World Cup in USA
Blatter urges FIFA to defend football’s universality after Somali referee denied entry by US authorities despite valid credentials
Blatter urges FIFA to defend football’s universality after Somali referee denied entry by US authorities despite valid credentials
Former President of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Sepp Blatter, has cautioned the world football governing body not to undermine the universality of the sport following the exclusion of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. Blatter issued this warning on Saturday through a post on his official X account, insisting that all qualified officials must be granted safe and unrestricted entry by host countries, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The incident occurred when Artan, who was named the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s top referee for 2025 and is the first Somali ever selected for a World Cup, was refused entry at Miami Airport despite holding valid travel documents and official FIFA credentials. US authorities cited unspecified vetting and security concerns as grounds for denying him access, resulting in his removal from officiating duties at the tournament.
Blatter described Artan’s experience as a violation of football’s principle of universality and called on FIFA to ensure that no qualified official is barred based on nationality or other non-sporting criteria. He stated that such incidents threaten to erode the inclusive spirit that has defined international football for decades. “Football belongs to everyone, and its governing bodies must protect its openness,” Blatter wrote in his statement.
There has been no official reaction yet from FIFA or US immigration authorities regarding Artan’s removal. However, stakeholders across Africa have expressed concern over what they described as a setback for African representation at global sporting events. The development comes as Nigeria and other African nations prepare their teams and officials for participation in major international tournaments.
Observers say FIFA may face growing pressure to clarify protocols with host governments ahead of future competitions to prevent similar occurrences. The matter is expected to feature prominently in discussions among football administrators worldwide as preparations for the 2026 World Cup continue.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/football/fifa-must-never-compromise-footballs-universality-sepp-blatter/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Group Threatens Legal Action Against Protesters Over Headquarters Occupation
Organisation warns demonstrators to vacate premises immediately, citing security concerns after recent Abuja protest
Organisation warns demonstrators to vacate premises immediately, citing security concerns after recent Abuja protest
A prominent group in Abuja has issued a stern warning to protesters who recently occupied its headquarters, threatening to take legal action if the demonstrators do not vacate the premises without delay. The incident took place at the organisation’s Abuja office on Saturday, 13 June 2026, drawing attention to rising tensions around property rights and protest activities in the Federal Capital Territory.
Witnesses reported that a number of protesters stormed the group’s headquarters in Abuja, staging a sit-in and making various demands. Security personnel were seen monitoring the situation as the demonstration continued for several hours before dispersing. The group, whose name was not disclosed at press time, described the occupation as unlawful and disruptive to its operations.
The group’s management stated that such actions pose significant risks to staff safety and could escalate into further confrontations. They emphasised that while peaceful assembly is a constitutional right, trespassing on private property violates Nigerian law and would not be tolerated. The leadership called on relevant authorities to intervene if the protesters refuse to leave voluntarily.
In a statement released after the incident, group officials said they were prepared to pursue all available legal remedies to protect their interests. “We will not hesitate to seek redress in court if this illegal occupation persists,” the statement read. Efforts to reach representatives of the protest group for comment were unsuccessful as at press time.
The Abuja police command has yet to issue an official response regarding possible investigations or enforcement measures. The situation highlights ongoing debates about balancing civic activism with respect for legal boundaries in Nigeria’s capital city.
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