Move signals major alliance across party lines ahead of polls; PDP, APC leaders yet to issue official statements

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has selected former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election. The decision was made public in Abuja on Monday, 15 June 2026, marking a significant development in the build-up to Nigeria’s next general elections.

According to party insiders, Atiku’s choice of Amaechi is seen as a strategic effort to strengthen his chances by building a coalition that cuts across traditional party boundaries. Amaechi, who previously served as Governor of Rivers State and is a notable figure from the South-South geopolitical zone, has been a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His selection as running mate under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is expected to shake up existing political alignments.

This alliance between Atiku, a PDP stalwart from Adamawa in North-East Nigeria, and Amaechi, an influential politician from Rivers State in the South-South, is likely to alter campaign dynamics and influence voting patterns across key regions. Political analysts note that such cross-party partnerships have historical significance in Nigeria’s electoral landscape and could impact voter turnout and party loyalty ahead of the 2027 polls.

Neither Atiku nor Amaechi had issued official statements about the ticket as at press time. Efforts to reach spokespersons for both politicians were unsuccessful. Leaders of both the PDP and APC are also yet to release formal reactions to this development. Political observers say further clarifications are expected in coming days as parties finalise their lists of candidates for various offices.

With this announcement, attention now shifts to how other presidential hopefuls will respond and whether further alliances or defections will follow. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to issue guidelines for party primaries and nominations in the coming weeks.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/887846-2027-atiku-picks-amaechi-as-running-mate.html

Historic milestone prompts fresh look at how John Jacob Astor and John D. Rockefeller set early wealth records

Elon Musk has become the first person in human history to attain a net worth above $1 trillion, following the public listing of SpaceX on the US stock market. The development, confirmed by Forbes estimates on Saturday, places the Tesla and SpaceX chief executive far ahead of any previous record-holder for personal wealth globally.

The milestone was reached after SpaceX’s debut on Wall Street under the ticker SPCX saw investor demand drive the company’s valuation above $2 trillion. This surge added hundreds of billions of dollars to Musk’s existing fortune, which is also tied to his holdings in Tesla and recent ventures in artificial intelligence through xAI.

Financial analysts say the achievement marks a new era for global entrepreneurship, given that much of Musk’s wealth is rooted in forward-looking technology sectors rather than traditional industries. “Musk’s leap to trillionaire status shows just how fast innovation can translate into real value in today’s markets,” Lagos-based investment analyst Chinedu Okoro said by phone on Saturday.

To put this feat in context, historians point out that John Jacob Astor was widely regarded as the world’s first millionaire after making his fortune in fur trading and New York real estate during the early 1800s. By the time of his death in 1848, Astor had amassed more than $20 million—a vast sum at a time when most workers earned only a few hundred dollars each year.

Similarly, oil magnate John D. Rockefeller became the world’s first billionaire in 1916 through his Standard Oil empire. His fortune, exceeding $1 billion at the time, would be worth tens of billions today when adjusted for inflation. Some economic historians maintain that Rockefeller remains one of the richest individuals ever relative to the size of the global economy during his lifetime.

While neither Astor nor Rockefeller operated within Nigeria or Africa, their legacies are closely studied by Nigerian business leaders for lessons on long-term wealth creation and strategic investment. Experts say Musk’s success may inspire more Nigerian entrepreneurs to focus on technology sectors such as fintech, space technology, and artificial intelligence.

With global attention fixed on Musk’s latest achievement, observers expect continued debate over how future-forward innovation could reshape patterns of wealth both internationally and within Nigeria.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/elon-musk-world-first-trillionaire-first-millionaire-billionaire-2026061513022215270

Plan garners strong support from parents as officials consider stricter age checks and curfews for young users

The United Kingdom government has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, X and YouTube. The move, unveiled on Saturday in London, follows a nationwide consultation that received over 116,000 responses and is aimed at addressing growing concerns over child safety online.

According to officials, the proposed policy will require all user-to-user social media platforms to block access for users below 16 years through tougher age verification systems. Features considered particularly risky for young people—including livestreaming and communication with strangers—will also be targeted. Some gaming platforms that allow these functions are expected to be affected by the restrictions. Messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal will remain exempt for now.

This development comes as many Nigerian parents and educators closely monitor global tech regulations amid rising debates on the impact of social media on youth well-being. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the policy as a “line in the sand” designed to give children their childhood back and reduce exposure to harmful online content. The government is also considering further measures such as overnight curfews and scrolling limits for those under 18, with more details expected next month.

Announcing the decision, Starmer said he had listened to families worried about the effects of unrestricted social media use. “I’ve heard first hand from families crying out for change and we will do right by them,” he stated. “That’s why we’re going further than any country in the world by banning social media for under-16s and putting wider protections in place to give kids their childhood back.”

A government survey revealed that nine out of ten parents support the ban, citing mental health and privacy concerns for children. Around two-thirds of young people who participated agreed that children younger than 16 should not have access to certain platforms. Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, welcomed the move but stressed that its effectiveness would depend on robust enforcement against tech companies.

To ensure compliance, UK communications regulator Ofcom has been tasked with conducting a rapid review into effective age verification methods. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has also requested a detailed assessment of Ofcom’s enforcement powers and strategies to make sure companies adhere to new rules.

The proposal signals a significant shift in how governments globally are responding to Big Tech’s influence over young users. For Nigerian stakeholders watching from afar, the UK’s approach could provide lessons or models if similar debates arise locally about protecting minors from online risks.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/uk-to-ban-tiktok-instagram-snapchat-and-other-social-media-platforms-for-children-under-16-2026061513264055704