Nigeria News (Standard)
ADC Names Amaechi as Atiku’s Running Mate Ahead of 2027 Polls
Opposition party moves to strengthen ticket, signals realignment in Nigeria’s pre-election landscape
Opposition party moves to strengthen ticket, signals realignment in Nigeria’s pre-election landscape
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has named former Minister Rotimi Amaechi as the running mate to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 presidential election. The announcement, made on Monday, marks a significant step in the party’s efforts to position itself strongly ahead of the next general polls.
The decision was reached following consultations among ADC leaders and key stakeholders across different geopolitical zones. Party officials said the choice of Amaechi, a prominent political figure and former Governor of Rivers State, was aimed at boosting the ADC’s national appeal and balancing its ticket for maximum electoral impact.
This development comes at a time when Nigeria’s political environment is witnessing increased realignments among parties and influential politicians. With the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expected to remain dominant, ADC’s move signals its intention to challenge the two major parties by fielding familiar national figures on its platform.
According to ADC chieftains who spoke after a meeting in Abuja, the selection of Amaechi is part of the party’s broader strategy to attract support from both southern and northern regions. They described the pairing as “a formidable team capable of delivering good governance,” adding that consultations would continue with other groups ahead of formal campaign activities.
As at press time, Atiku Abubakar has not issued a formal statement on his nomination as presidential candidate under ADC, nor has Rotimi Amaechi commented publicly on his reported selection as running mate. Political observers say more announcements are expected as alliances take shape in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Deregisters ADC, Others in Abuja as Opposition Parties Vow Court Action
Move sparks backlash from opposition, who describe the decision as undemocratic and threaten to challenge INEC in court
Move sparks backlash from opposition, who describe the decision as undemocratic and threaten to challenge INEC in court
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has deregistered the African Democratic Congress (ADC) along with several other political parties in Abuja on Monday, 15 June 2026, a decision that has drawn sharp reactions from opposition figures who say they will seek redress in court. The electoral body announced the move citing non-compliance with registration requirements and poor performance during recent elections.
According to INEC officials, the affected parties failed to meet constitutional criteria including winning a minimum number of seats in legislative assemblies and scoring sufficient votes in national elections. The commission said this step is aimed at streamlining Nigeria’s crowded political space and ensuring that only viable parties remain active participants.
The deregistration has immediate implications for the country’s political landscape, especially as Nigeria approaches another round of key elections. Many opposition leaders argue that such actions undermine multiparty democracy and restrict voter choice. In previous cycles, similar decisions by INEC have faced legal challenges, some of which resulted in reinstatement of affected parties.
Reacting to the announcement, leaders of deregistered parties described INEC’s decision as arbitrary and vowed to contest it in court. “This is a deliberate attempt to silence alternative voices,” one opposition figure said. Another chieftain warned that the action could set a dangerous precedent for future elections. Meanwhile, supporters of the move insist it will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy by encouraging more serious contenders.
The next steps will likely involve protracted legal battles between deregistered parties and INEC, with broader implications for political participation across all six geopolitical zones. Observers say the outcome could shape how Nigeria regulates party registration ahead of upcoming polls.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Cross River Police Arrest 49-Year-Old After Fatal Knife Attack in Calabar
Suspect allegedly pursued and stabbed unidentified youth following altercation; police launch investigation into incident
Suspect allegedly pursued and stabbed unidentified youth following altercation; police launch investigation into incident
Police in Cross River State have arrested a 49-year-old man, Idris Abdullahi, over the alleged killing of a young man during a knife attack in Calabar. The incident occurred along Mary Slessor Road on Friday, 14 June, according to a statement by the state police spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah.
Eitokpah said Abdullahi was involved in an altercation with several street boys at about 6:05 p.m., during which he reportedly sustained injuries. The spokesperson explained that after the initial confrontation, Abdullahi traced one of the alleged attackers to Chronicle Barracks Road, opposite Akim Police Barracks. There, he allegedly chased and stabbed the youth, who later died from his injuries.
The case has raised concerns among residents of Calabar North LGA about rising street violence and personal disputes escalating into deadly confrontations. Security analysts note that knife attacks remain a persistent threat in urban centres across Nigeria, often linked to unresolved quarrels and insufficient mediation mechanisms at community level.
Confirming the arrest on Monday, Eitokpah said the suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue. “The Command is committed to ensuring justice is served and will not tolerate acts of violence within the state,” Eitokpah stated. Efforts are ongoing to identify the deceased youth and notify his family.
Police authorities have called on members of the public with relevant information about the incident or those involved to come forward. The Command also assured residents that patrols would be intensified in known hotspots as part of broader measures to prevent further incidents. As at press time, no charges had been formally filed against Abdullahi.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/man-arrested-after-youth-dies-in-calabar-knife-attack/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oyo, Kwara, Borno Approve Tuesday Public Holiday for Islamic New Year Observance
Sultan of Sokoto urges Muslims nationwide to sight crescent moon; states call for prayers and spiritual reflection
Sultan of Sokoto urges Muslims nationwide to sight crescent moon; states call for prayers and spiritual reflection
Governments in Oyo, Kwara, Borno and Kebbi States have declared Tuesday a public holiday to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year, known as Hijrah 1448 AH. The announcement, made on Monday, comes after the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, directed Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the new crescent moon signalling the start of Muharram.
In separate statements from state authorities, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State (PDP), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara (APC), and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno (APC) approved the work-free day in recognition of the religious significance of the occasion. The new year is determined by the lunar calendar and begins with confirmation of the new moon’s sighting.
The Islamic New Year marks the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) from Mecca to Medina—an event considered pivotal in Islamic history. As at this year, Muharram is expected to commence following the Sultan’s directive for moon-sighting on Monday evening. The Hijrah calendar is widely observed by Muslim communities worldwide and shifts each year due to its lunar cycle being about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
State governments encouraged Muslim faithful to use this period for prayers, reflection and spiritual renewal. In his earlier message, Sultan Abubakar III reminded Nigerians that sighting of the new moon is a core aspect of Islamic tradition marking monthly transitions. He said: “Muslims are enjoined to intensify prayers for peace and stability in our country.”
No major opposition statements had been issued as at press time regarding the holiday declaration. The work-free day is expected to be observed peacefully across Oyo, Kwara, Borno and Kebbi States with mosques organising special prayers and families gathering for reflection. Authorities emphasised that residents should use the opportunity for spiritual growth while observing all civic responsibilities.
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