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Atiku-Obi: No Step-Down Deal In 2027– Dele Momodu

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Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has ruled out the possibility of Atiku Abubakar stepping aside for Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential race.

Atiku, who was the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 presidential election, formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in November 2025, a move widely seen as a strategic step towards securing the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.

Obi, who finished third in the 2023 poll behind Atiku and winner President Bola Tinubu, also defected from the Labour Party to the ADC last week.

His defection has been interpreted by political observers as part of a broader opposition realignment aimed at mounting a serious challenge to Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The development sparked speculation that Obi could settle for a vice-presidential role on an Atiku-led ticket—claims swiftly mocked by figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo.

However, prominent Obi supporters such as political economist Pat Utomi and activist Aisha Yesufu have warned they would withdraw their support if Obi accept a deputy slot.

Recent rumours suggesting that Atiku might step aside for Obi, based on an alleged agreement for Obi to serve a single four-year term before handing over power in 2031, were firmly dismissed by Momodu.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Momodu said Atiku had no reason to abandon his ambition.

“Several people have asked me to advise former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to voluntarily withdraw from the 2027 presidential race,” Momodu said.

“When I ask them why, they say he is too old—not that he is less healthy than President Bola Tinubu.

“Out of unsubstantiated malice and prejudice, Tinubu can and should contest, but Atiku can’t and shouldn’t contest.”

Momodu argued that attempts to discredit Atiku’s ambition had become a recurring media narrative, insisting that the former vice president’s experience and record set him apart from most of his contemporaries.

“He’s certainly not a saint, but he towers above most of his peers by not being a parasite feeding on the state since he left power in 2007,” he added.

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Police Arrest Officers Over Death Of 35-Year-Old Motorcyclist In Moniya

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The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and detention of several officers following the death of a commercial motorcyclist during a stop-and-search operation in the Moniya area of Ibadan.

The victim, 35-year-old Sanni Salisu, died during an alleged unauthorized stop-and-search by two officers from the Kara Police Outpost.

While police reported that Salisu suffered an epileptic seizure, witnesses and family allege he was struck by an officer during a struggle. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital.

In a statement on Saturday, issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the incident occurred between police officers from the Border Patrol Unit stationed along the Iseyin/Oyo Road and a Fulani man riding a motorcycle.

According to Ayanlade, the individual became violent and restive, leading to a confrontation with the officers.

He added that during the ensuing clash, the man was struck and fell from his motorcycle.

The command’s PPRO said he was immediately rushed to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead.

The statement read, “Earlier today, an encounter occurred between police officers from the Border Patrol Unit stationed along the Iseyin/Oyo Road and a Fulani man riding a motorcycle.

“Information available indicates that the individual became restive and violent, leading to a confrontation with the officers. During the ensuing clash, he was struck and fell from his motorcycle.

“He was immediately rushed to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead.

“Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the detention of all officers involved, pending the outcome of a thorough investigation, which is currently ongoing. The commissioner has also directed that an autopsy be conducted to medically ascertain the exact cause of death.

“It is pertinent to note that a brief protest occurred in Iseyin in response to the incident; however, the situation was swiftly brought under control, and the crowd was peacefully dispersed after assurances that justice will be served. A complete brief will follow soon.”

The incident comes amid renewed public scrutiny of police conduct following a recent case in Delta State, where a police officer was arrested over the alleged shooting of a restrained suspect.

The development drew widespread outrage after a video of the incident circulated online, prompting the authorities to transfer the case to the Force Headquarters for further investigation and disciplinary action.

The police authorities had said the move was aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of the matter.

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Xenophobia: FG Weighs Evacuation Options As Anti-Migrant Groups Plan Nationwide Shutdown In SA

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The Nigerian Consulate in South Africa, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has offered a free repatriation flight for Nigerians wishing to return home permanently due to the worsening xenophobic attacks in May 2026.

This follows reports of at least two Nigerian fatalities and widespread property damage in cities like East London, Cape Town, and Durban

Amid rising unrest in South Africa, the Nigerian Consulate in the country, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, has offered a free repatriation flight to Nigerians willing to return home permanently.

The President of NICASA, Frank Onyekwelu, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH, acknowledged that the situation had forced many Nigerians to shut their shops and businesses.

According to him, there is currently no structured support system in place for affected Nigerians, but the consulate’s intervention is already providing an option for those who wish to leave.

Onyekwelu said many Nigerians were already indicating interest in returning home.

He said, “The Nigerian Consulate in conjunction with NICASA has offered a free repatriation flight to any Nigerian who wishes to leave South Africa permanently, and the process is ongoing as we have recorded many Nigerians signalling interest to return home.”

Meanwhile, Nigerians in South Africa have narrated their harrowing experiences.

They lamented that the recurring violence had continued to threaten their safety, livelihoods, and mental well-being.

Those who spoke to our correspondents said they had been forced to stay indoors, and were now living in constant fear amid targeted attacks on foreign nationals.

Violent anti-foreigner protests erupted in cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in harassment, looting, property damage, and injuries.

This has triggered fear and panic within the diaspora community, with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission directing Nigerian business owners to temporarily shut down to minimise risks and avoid losses.

The protests, according to reports, are being driven by community groups, anti-immigration organisations, and social movements such as Operation Dudula, the March and March Movement, and similar local initiatives, often under the banner of tackling illegal immigration and unemployment.

The demonstrations are organised by groups accusing migrants of causing economic hardship and crime, with activists demanding the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals, particularly those from African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Somalia.

 

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Nollywood Couple Lateef, Mo Bimpe Welcome Triplets Sons

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Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji and his wife, actress Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe have announced the arrival of their triplet sons.

Adedimeji made the announcement via his official Instagram page, sharing an emotional message in which he described the children as his world, responsibility, and legacy.

“I’ve been quiet… not absent. I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life. God gave me more than I prayed for — a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own,” he wrote.

The actor, who closed the post with the Islamic expression of gratitude, “Alhamdulilah,” did not disclose the date of birth or the names of the children.

The announcement drew an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues.

Fellow Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe wrote, “To God be the glory. Congratulations.”

OloyedeJuliana also wrote, “God is Good!!! God is Good!!!God is Good!!! Watching this again, I’m in tears, congratulations my fam, so happy for you two. Can’t believe
I’m an Auntie”

Also reacting, Omowumi Dada wrote, “Such GOODNEWS for the month of May. THANK YOU JESUSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Congratulations fam”

Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe, both prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, had their wedding ceremony in 2021.

 

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