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LP rejects ₦150m refund demand by disqualified presidential aspirant

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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LP rejects ₦150m refund demand by disqualified presidential aspirant

LABOUR Party (LP) has dismissed allegations of fraud and political sabotage by disqualified presidential aspirant, Peter Agada, who is demanding a refund of N150 million paid to the party during his failed bid for its 2027 presidential ticket.

Speaking on Sunday, LP National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, said Agada’s disqualification was consistent with the party’s constitution and resolutions adopted at its national convention. He noted that the decision to zone the presidency to the South was neither new nor secret and was publicly adopted and ratified at the party’s national convention held on April 28, 2026.

“The decision to zone the presidency to the South did not happen yesterday. It is a settled matter that was adopted long ago and ratified at the national convention,” Asogwa said.

The ICIR reports that Agada’s demand was contained in a petition signed by his presidential campaign council’s president, Temilade Craig, and released on Saturday following his exclusion from the party’s presidential primary held on May 30.

He accused the party’s leadership of collecting nomination-related fees from Agada despite allegedly knowing he would be barred from contesting because of the party’s decision to zone its presidential ticket to the South.

The council claimed that the party received N150 million from Agada, comprising N50 million for Expression of Interest and Nomination forms and an additional N100 million contributed towards the party’s national convention and other activities.

“We members and supporters of Dr Peter Agada Presidential Campaign Council nationwide have read with shock and disgust the self-indicting and contradictory confession by the Labour Party leadership confirming that the party conspired to obtain aspirant fees, nomination fees and screening fees from our candidate under unfair pretences,” the statement said.

According to the council, the party acted in bad faith by accepting the payments, screening Agada and allowing him to campaign before eventually issuing him a disqualification letter shortly before the primary.

It also argued that if the party had already resolved to zone its presidential ticket to the South, it should not have allowed Agada, who is from the North-Central region, to purchase nomination forms and participate in the screening process.

“We hereby put them on notice of hearing soonest from the EFCC on our political networks’ jointly contributed campaign funds, which they obtained under false pretences from our principal, Arc. Dr Peter Agada,” the council stated.

Meanwhile, the LP National Publicity Secretary, in his reaction noted that resolutions reached at the convention were binding on all party organs, aspirants and stakeholders, leaving no room for exceptions, explaining that Agada knowingly pursued his presidential ambition despite being aware of the zoning arrangement.

“It is unfortunate that he chose to go against this zoning arrangement and proceeded to buy nomination forms,” Asogwa added.

The party also dismissed claims that Agada spent more than N300 million pursuing the presidential ticket, arguing that personal financial commitments by aspirants could not override validly adopted party policies.

The party maintained that Agada’s disqualification was neither targeted nor vindictive but was a constitutional enforcement of a collective party decision aimed at maintaining internal balance and cohesion ahead of the 2027 general election.

Nigerian workers deserve N1m minimum wage, says NLC

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Nigerian workers deserve N1m minimum wage, says NLC

NIGERIA Labour Congress (NLC) has dismissed the proposed N100,000 national minimum wage being considered by state governors as inadequate, arguing that workers in the country deserve as much as N1 million monthly to cope with the worsening economic realities.

According to PUNCH, NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, on Sunday reacted to comments by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who disclosed that governors were considering a new minimum wage of N100,000.

AbdulRazaq had stated in a Facebook post on Saturday that the proposal was driven by rising inflation, escalating living costs and the growing financial pressure on workers, noting that state governments were already engaging the Federal Government and organised labour to develop a wage structure that balances workers’ welfare with fiscal sustainability.

However, Upah argued that while the governors’ willingness to review wages was commendable, the proposed figure fell far short of what Nigerian workers need to maintain a decent standard of living.

The labour leader cited the continued depreciation of the naira, soaring inflation, rising electricity tariffs, increasing petrol prices, shrinking purchasing power, and the impact of recent tax measures as reasons a significantly higher wage was necessary.

He also maintained that governments revenues had improved and should be able to support better remuneration for workers.

Upah further stressed that a nation’s workforce remained its most valuable asset and should be adequately compensated to drive productivity and economic growth.

The debate over workers’ wages has intensified amid mounting economic hardship following the Federal Government’s removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira.

The ICIR reported that the Nigerian government approved a new national minimum wage of N70,000 in July 2024 after prolonged negotiations with organised labour.

The labour unions argued that soaring inflation had significantly eroded its value.

Recent increases in electricity tariffs, transportation fares and food prices have further strengthened calls for another wage review, with labour leaders insisting that workers’ salaries must reflect prevailing economic realities.

Meanwhile, the NGF is yet to formally present any proposal for a new minimum wage framework to the Federal Government or organised labour.

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World Bank, WTO, IMF, IEA warn US-Iran war threatens developing nations

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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World Bank, WTO, IMF, IEA warn US-Iran war threatens developing nations

THE heads of major global economic institutions have warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is straining global energy supplies and disproportionately affecting developing nations.

The warning came during a meeting in Washington, D.C., United States, according to a joint statement signed by the World Bank President, Ajay Banga; International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva; World Trade Organisaton (WTO) Director General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; and the Executive Director of International Energy Agency (IEA) Fatih Birol.

They said the war was disrupting trade routes, rattling international financial markets, and heightening concerns over energy security, particularly due to the loss of supply through the Strait of Hormuz.

The global bodies noted that while the broader world economy had demonstrated resilience, the burden of the crisis was falling heavily on developing countries through rising fuel and fertiliser prices, increased market uncertainty, and mounting pressures on jobs. The surge in fertiliser costs is viewed as an immediate threat to upcoming planting seasons, which could worsen food insecurity and worsen inflation.

The institutions noted that shipping bottlenecks were forcing a rapid drawdown of strategic reserves. They emphasised that if maritime trade failed to stabilise swiftly, the combination of depleted stockpiles and high seasonal demand would create severe systemic vulnerabilities.

“If shipping flows do not return to normal, continued rapid depletion of global oil inventories ahead of peak summer oil demand in the Northern Hemisphere would present increasing risks for fuel security, market conditions, and broader economic resilience,” the statement said.

The institutions indicated they are actively monitoring the supply chains for energy and agricultural inputs and were exploring options to expand coordinated financial and policy support to assist the hardest-hit member countries in managing the domestic fallout of the crisis.

“At the same time, global oil inventories are being drawn down at a record pace in response to the major loss of supply through the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement added.

The joint intervention comes as the international community monitors diplomatic efforts to negotiate a potential ceasefire agreement that would include reopening critical maritime waterways and addressing regional security concerns.

The US-Iran war, which began on February 28, has disrupted global economy as efforts to stop the conflict through dialogue or diplomacy appears to have failed.

Police arrest hundreds of PSG fans after Champions League celebrations turn violent

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Police arrest hundreds of PSG fans after Champions League celebrations turn violent

MORE than 400 people have been arrested across France after celebrations over Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League triumph over Arsenal descended into violence, leaving several police officers injured and causing widespread property damage.

According to the BBC, French authorities said on Sunday that 416 people were apprehended nationwide, including 280 in Paris. Seven police officers were injured during the disturbances, while several vehicles, businesses and public facilities were damaged.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez condemned the violence, describing the scenes as absolutely unacceptable.

It was reported that thousands of PSG supporters flooded the streets after the club retained the Champions League title, with large crowds gathering along the Champs-Élysées and around the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.

While many fans celebrated peacefully, pockets of unrest erupted as some supporters clashed with police, set off fireworks and flares, and vandalised public and private property.

Police deployed tear gas in parts of central Paris to disperse crowds after some revelers confronted security forces and damaged property.

Videos circulating on social media showed burning vehicles, damaged shopfronts and fireworks lighting up the night sky during the celebrations.

The incidents revived memories of previous PSG celebrations that were overshadowed by violence, including last year’s festivities, during which two people reportedly lost their lives, among them a 17-year-old boy.

The ICIR reported that Arsenal dream of winning a first-ever UEFA Champions League title suffered a setback after PSG fought back to level the 2025/26 final at 1-1 in a pulsating contest at the Puskás Aréna on Saturday.

Defending champions PSG retained the UEFA Champions League title after defeating Arsenal on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra time.

The highly anticipated showdown between two of Europe’s most formidable sides delivered tension, quality, and late drama as both teams battled for continental supremacy in front of a packed crowd.

Despite the disturbances, PSG’s victory celebrations were scheduled to continue on Sunday, with players expected to parade through Paris near the Eiffel Tower before attending a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Before the Return of Judicial Anarchy

Editorial
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Before the Return of Judicial Anarchy

By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

1993 was the year that changed Nigeria’s judiciary. Over a period of a mere five months on that year, the military contrived to overthrow government twice. First, in June, Ibrahim Babangida, the army general who was Nigeria’s military ruler at the time, nullified an election organized to determine who would succeed him. Five months later, in November of the same year, another General and then Defence Minister, Sani Abacha, overthrew the Interim National Government (ING) installed in the aftermath of Babangida’s shameful abdication from power. On both occasions, the judiciary authored the overthrow.

At the end of an interminable transition, the ballot to elect a civilian successor to Babangida was scheduled to occur on 12 June 1993. But two days before the vote, on 10 June, the regime procured a group known as Association for Better Nigeria (ABN) to secure a court order prohibiting the National Electoral Commission (NEC) from undertaking the election.

The defendants included the NEC and its chairman, Humphrey Nwosu, a professor of Political Science; as well as Babangida and his federal Attorney-General, Clement Akpamgbo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Rather unusually, both Babangida and Akpamgbo failed to enter appearance or contest the case. Lawyers from the Federal Ministry of Justice who usually represent them in such cases were missing in action. Omo Omoruyi, a close adviser to Ibrahim Babangida at the time, recalled that “this ambivalent position of the President and the Attorney-General has never been explained.”

According to Professor Omoruyi, the judge, Bassey Ikpeme, “was mobilized to commit (mischief) in the name of the judiciary.” He does not disclose by whom, but it was known that Bassey Ikpeme had worked in the law office of Clement Akpamgbo. Bassey Ikpeme decided to issue what was described as a “candle-light judgment” because she delivered her ruling “between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on the day of judgment.” Those are not court hours.

In her decision, Bassey Ikpeme observed that “the planned election can no longer be free and fair.” With no need to say why or how so, she casually restrained the NEC “from conducting the presidential election pending the determination of the substantive suit before the court.” The military decrees under which the election was to be organised expressly prohibited such orders.

A coincidence of public pressure and disagreement among members of the ruling Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) stayed the hand of the regime, allowing voting to proceed as originally scheduled. But, four days after the vote, while the NEC was busy collating the returns, the ABN returned to court in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory and secured another court order prohibiting the Commission from continuing with the collation and declaration of the results.

Ten days after the ballot, on 22 June 1993, the regime announced the annulment. The following day, Ibrahim Babangida issued two military decrees effectively terminating the transition to civil rule. In their official explanation, the regime claimed it took these steps to save the country from “judicial anarchy” and “rescue the judiciary from…. an unfortunate and unwarranted situation which is fast eroding the esteem, honour and confidence with which the public holds the nation’s judiciary.”

The nullification of that election terminated the raison d’être of the Babangida regime. Civic unrest thereafter forced him to “step aside” on the eighth anniversary of his regime on 27 August 1993. The day preceding his departure from power, however, Babangida issued four decrees. Among these, Decree No. 59 terminated his rule while Decree No. 61 instituted an Interim National Government (ING). On 10 November 1993, the High Court of Lagos ruled that having abrogated his power to rule by Decree No. 59 of 26 August, Ibrahim Babangida lacked the power thereafter to institute the ING by Decree No. 61. The result, the Court held, was that the ING was illegal and void. Seven days after this judgment, Sani Abacha toppled the ING and installed himself the military ruler.

Three things were significant about the judicial interventions that created these outcomes. First, all the decisions and orders came from high courts. They may not have required the actions that followed but it was sufficient that their orders created chaotic disorder that abhorred political vacuum. Second, these developments crystallised the political relevance of judges whether acting alone or in cahoots with those in power. Third, if judges could be used to terminate power in this manner, it was only a matter of time before they could become themselves the explicit authors or determinants of who took or seized it.

The return of Nigeria to civil rule turned over to politicians the levers of control over these logics. Kano State provides a recent theatre of the politics of judicial anarchy. When the government of the state decided to engineer succession to the stool of the Kano Emirate in 2024, the matter quickly evolved into a legal dispute. A chieftaincy matter such as this was ordinarily one for the High Court of Kano State but one judge of the Federal High Court chose to invent federal jurisdiction over it.

By himself, this judge confectioned a succession of bizarre orders that could only exist in the realm of judicial sorcery. His profusion of court orders saddled Kano with two Emirs presiding over one Emirate; one under the authority of the state government and another under the authority of the Federal High Court. For his efforts, the judge involved would get elevated to the Court of Appeal and may even have come within a hair’s breadth of becoming Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The latest site of judicial disorder appears to be the political timetable for Nigeria’s 2027 elections. On 20 May, Mohammed Garba Umar, a judge of the Federal High Court, nullified substantial parts of the guidelines and timetable released by the INEC for the election. The judge held that the powers of the Commission “do not extend to fixing or prescribing the timetable within which political parties may conduct their primary elections for the purpose of nominating candidates for the 2027 general elections.” He also ruled that the Commission cannot “lawfully abridge or limit that statutory period” of 120 days to the election by which time the Electoral Act 2026 requires the parties to submit the personal details of their candidates.

Six days later, James Omotosho, another judge of the same court, hit back, ruling that “the timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of the 2027 General Election issued by the [INEC] is valid and legally issued.” He held that the parties must comply with INEC’s abridged timetable for the conduct of primaries but ordered the Commission to adjust its timelines for submission of candidates’ information to comply with the statutory 120 days under the Electoral Act. Like the federal judge who gave Kano two Emirs for one stool, this judge has given the parties two timetables for one election. He has also been recently named for elevation to the Court of Appeal.

The real question for the judges was whether INEC could lawfully compress the time within which the parties must organise their primaries. The Commission’s time-table insists this must be completed by the end of May. That begs the question why they must wait until September or October to submit the names of their candidates to the INEC candidates’ portal. From one court, two different cases have produced two mutually contradictory answers to this question. Instead of clarity, the Federal High Court offers confusion to the candidates and their parties.

The convenient answer from lawyers is that this confusion will be remedied on appeal. By the time that happens, however, the parties, candidates and citizens would have made massive commitments in resources and emotions. If the issues get resolved after the elections, they could even alter the destination of electoral outcomes. Such a result could be more than an injustice. It could also produce political instability.

In 1993, the country escaped ruination by the skin of its teeth. That would have been a prohibitive price to pay for what the soldiers indelicately called “judicial anarchy”. Whether it will be as lucky in 2027 could be a matter for the sorcerers.

A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu

World No Tobacco Day: Experts warn of rising youth nicotine addiction

Mustapha USMAN
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World No Tobacco Day: Experts warn of rising youth nicotine addiction

AS the world marks World No Tobacco Day 2026, public health experts have warned that rising nicotine addiction, particularly among young people, could undermine global gains in tobacco control.

The experts raised concerns that the tobacco epidemic is increasingly driven by a surge in newer nicotine products such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco devices, which are aggressively marketed to young people.

Their warning comes as the World Health Organisation reports that tobacco kills more than seven million people yearly, including about 1.6 million non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke.

Michael Olarewaju, a public health expert at Gwarinpa General Hospital in Abuja, said the growing trend poses a major threat to public health and requires urgent regulatory action.

Olarewaju also noted the tobacco epidemic is no longer driven only by conventional cigarettes but increasingly by newer nicotine products such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products, many of which are being marketed to younger users.

“Rising nicotine use among adolescents is a major public health threat that requires urgent priority attention to close regulatory gaps, enforce restrictions and ensure that young people are protected from lifelong dependence,” he said.

Recent data by the WHO reveal that tobacco use kills up to half of its users who do not quit. With about 1.3 billion people globally using tobacco, the majority, around 80 per cent, live in low- and middle-income countries.

Youth are increasingly vulnerable to nicotine addiction

WHO, in a statement marking this year’s theme, estimated that at least 40 million adolescents aged 13–15 globally use tobacco products, while about 15 million are already using e-cigarettes.

It also noted that children in some countries are up to nine times more likely than adults to vape.

The global health body noted that this year’s theme, “Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction,” highlights growing concern over how the tobacco industry is repackaging nicotine products to attract a new generation of users.

The organisation warned that flavoured and heavily marketed nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco devices, are often promoted as safer alternatives, despite evidence that they still contain addictive nicotine and harmful toxic substances.

WHO said tobacco companies continue to rely on aggressive marketing strategies, including flavours, sleek packaging and digital advertising, to sustain addiction and recruit young users.

Although the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has 183 Parties covering most of the world’s population, implementation remains uneven, particularly in enforcement of advertising bans, taxation and cessation support.

Dr Adewale Adeleye, a senior resident in the Department of Community Medicine and Public Health at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and President of the Association of Resident Doctors, UATH, said the trend has reached an alarming level among adolescents.

He warned that nicotine exposure in adolescence affects brain development, making young people more vulnerable to addiction.

“It is neurotoxic to the neurons that support brain development,” he said, adding that it can also affect discipline, reasoning and academic performance.

The health practitioner also warned that nicotine use can affect cholesterol levels, reduce immunity and increase the risk of serious cardiovascular and organ complications.

“When nicotine enters the body, it increases bad cholesterol and reduces good cholesterol. The immune system becomes depressed, making the body prone to infections,” he said.

He added that prolonged use can lead to blood vessel constriction, which may cause stroke, kidney failure, and cardiac arrest in severe cases.

Dr Adeleye further warned that long-term nicotine use could result in dependence, with users struggling to function without it and experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness and depression.

That is not all. He insists that wider consequences extend beyond health, noting that widespread addiction among young people could reduce productivity and create long-term economic strain on families and the country.

“Even though some of these industries try to make it modern, or sew a new cloth to cover the harmful parts, or make it look harmless by giving it fancy names and making it appear fashionable, the most important thing we must understand is that even if they sew a new cloth for the epidemic of nicotine use or abuse, the purpose and harmful effects of nicotine or tobacco in the body system cannot be changed.

“Even if you look at the literature and recent statistics from the World Health Organisation, it is worrisome to see that globally about 50 million adolescents are engaging in vaping,” he said.

Speaking further, Michael Olarewaju of Gwarinpa General Hospital stressed that nicotine exposure during adolescence can heighten brain sensitivity and lead to rapid addiction. On long-term consequences, Olarewaju warned that adolescent nicotine use significantly increases the likelihood of chronic dependence and raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic lung diseases and cancers later in life.

He added that nicotine can cause lasting changes in brain development, including memory impairment, and may affect reproductive health.

“Nicotine affects female fertility by impairing fallopian tube function, which increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy. In males, it can damage seminal fluid integrity, lower sperm count and reduce fertility potential. Quitting nicotine use, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, remains one of the most effective ways of protecting reproductive health in both men and women,” he said.

Closing regulatory gaps 

The experts further identified regulatory gaps that continue to fuel nicotine use among young people.

According to Olarewaju, many countries are yet to effectively regulate emerging products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, while aggressive social media promotion and weak age-verification systems make it easier for adolescents to access such products.

He also pointed to poor implementation of FCTC measures, including advertising bans and comprehensive product regulation.

To address the challenge, Olarewaju called for tobacco control laws to be expanded to cover all nicotine products. He also advocated banning youth-targeted marketing practices, including flavours, online advertising, online sales and influencer promotions.

Other measures, he said, include strict age-verification requirements, stronger penalties for violations, sustained public education campaigns, improved monitoring of emerging products and youth usage trends, and higher taxes on tobacco and novel nicotine products.

On his part, Adeleye warned that limiting regulation to conventional tobacco products is no longer sufficient, as new nicotine products continue to evolve in ways that appeal to young users.

“All existing legal structures should be harmonised so that we do not only focus on tobacco. We should also look at other nicotine-based products in whatever form they are packaged, whether now or in any potential products that may emerge or evolve in the future,” he said.

He also called for a ban on flavouring in nicotine products, arguing that flavours are used to mask the harmful effects of nicotine and make products more attractive to adolescents.

“The fact that there is flavour does not remove the harmful effect of the active ingredient on the body,” he said.

The expert further advocated a ban on advertising and promotional content for nicotine products across all platforms, including social media, saying such messages often mislead the public and normalise use among young people.

The medical practitioner said governments should regulate retailers through licensing and strictly prohibit the sale of nicotine products to minors, stressing the need for clear enforcement mechanisms and penalties.

This, he said, can be done through widespread public awareness campaigns in schools, religious institutions and communities to educate people on the dangers of nicotine use.

On taxation, he recommended higher excise taxes on nicotine and tobacco products as a deterrent, noting that increased prices have been proven to reduce consumption.

 

PSG defeat Arsenal on penalties to retain Champions League title

Nanji Nandang VENLEY  and  Mustapha USMAN
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PSG defeat Arsenal on penalties to retain Champions League title

ARSENAL’S dream of winning a first-ever UEFA Champions League title suffered a setback after Paris Saint-Germain fought back to level the 2025/26 final at 1-1 in a pulsating contest at the Puskás Aréna on Saturday.

Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain retained the UEFA Champions League title after defeating Arsenal on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra time.

The highly anticipated showdown between two of Europe’s most formidable sides delivered tension, quality, and late drama as both teams battled for continental supremacy in front of a packed crowd.

The final, which kicked off at 5:00 p.m. West African Time (WAT) and 6:00 p.m. Central European Time (CET), brought together Premier League champions Arsenal and defending European champions Paris Saint-Germain in one of the most anticipated clashes in recent Champions League history.

Arsenal made the perfect start when Kai Havertz produced a moment of brilliance in the sixth minute to silence the Parisian supporters.

The move began with a ricochet involving Leandro Trossard near the halfway line, allowing Havertz to race clear toward goal. With a defender chasing and PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov rushing out to narrow the angle, the German forward unleashed a powerful strike from a tight position that flew into the roof of the net.

The goal gave Mikel Arteta’s side a dream start and handed Arsenal an early 1-0 advantage in their quest for a maiden Champions League crown.

Havertz’s strike was historic in its own right, making him only the third player to score in Champions League finals for two different clubs, having previously netted the winner for Chelsea in the 2021 final against Manchester City.

PSG, however, gradually asserted their dominance in possession, with Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue probing for an opening against Arsenal’s resolute defence marshalled by Gabriel and William Saliba.

The French champions eventually found their breakthrough in the second half after Kvaratskhelia was brought down in the penalty area by Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera.

Dembele stepped up and calmly converted the resulting spot-kick, sending goalkeeper David Raya the wrong way and restoring parity at 1-1. The goal was Dembele’s eighth of the Champions League campaign and reignited PSG’s hopes of retaining the European crown.

Before kick-off, Arsenal received a boost with Jurrien Timber’s return to the matchday squad after recovering from a groin injury, although Arteta opted to start Mosquera at right-back. PSG, meanwhile, fielded their strongest available line-up, including Dembele, Kvaratskhelia and captain Marquinhos.

The final had been billed as a contest between Arsenal’s formidable defence and PSG’s devastating attack. Arsenal entered the showpiece unbeaten in the competition and having conceded only six goals throughout the campaign, while PSG arrived as the tournament’s highest-scoring side with 44 goals.

Both teams pushed for a winner in normal time and extra time, but neither side was able to find a decisive goal as the match remained balanced throughout.

The final was eventually decided by penalties, where PSG converted four and Arsenal missed two.

The victory marks PSG’s continued dominance in European football, adding another Champions League trophy to their recent success as they extend their hold on the competition.

PDP faction adopts Jonathan as 2027 presidential candidate in absentia

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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PDP faction adopts Jonathan as 2027 presidential candidate in absentia

THE faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki has announced former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Jonathan’s nomination was ratified on Saturday during a special national convention held at the faction’s secretariat in Area 10, Garki, Abuja.

Although the former president was absent from the event, his certificate of return was received on his behalf by Fred Agbedi, a member of the House of Representatives representing Bayelsa State.

The Turaki-led faction had scheduled the convention to take place at the A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja. However, the venue was changed following a directive by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), which warned hotel and event centre operators against hosting activities of political groups not recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Earlier on Saturday, security operatives blocked access roads leading to the A-Class Park and Event Centre, prompting organisers to relocate the convention to the party’s office in Area 10.

According to the Cable, party officials later confirmed that the event was successfully concluded at the new venue, noting that a date for the formal presentation of the party’s presidential flag to Jonathan would be announced in the coming weeks.

INEC currently recognises the PDP leadership backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The ICIR reported that the former president has yet to publicly respond to the nomination or indicate whether he will accept the candidature.

Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, has repeatedly been linked with various presidential comeback efforts since leaving office but has largely avoided making definitive public declarations about future electoral ambitions.

Should he contest, he would face several contenders, including President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Trump declared fit by White House doctor despite leg swelling, hand bruising

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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Trump declared fit by White House doctor despite leg swelling, hand bruising

US President Donald Trump remains in excellent health despite experiencing slight lower leg swelling and minor hand bruising, according to a medical report released by the White House on Friday.

The memo, written by White House physician Sean Barbabell, following Trump’s examination on Tuesday, stated that the 79-year-old president remained fully capable of carrying out his duties. The memo addresses recent public speculation regarding Trump’s physical status and cognitive coordination.

“President Trump remains in excellent health, demonstrating strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and overall physical function,” Barbabella wrote.

The physician added that Trump “is fully fit to carry out all duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State.”

Trump underwent the examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, his third diagnostic visit to the facility over the last 13 months. The visit drew attention after recent photographs showed swollen ankles, bruised hands and a blotchy neck, prompting questions about the president’s health.

The report stated that Trump continued to experience “slight lower leg swelling… with improvement from last year” and ongoing hand bruising, which he described as “…common, benign and consistent with minor soft tissue irritation related to frequent handshaking in the setting of aspirin use for cardiovascular prevention.”

While the memo did not explain treatment Trump received for a skin condition on his neck in March and did not indicate whether he underwent another magnetic resonance imaging scan, as he did in October, the medical evaluation declared that the president remained fit to fully discharge his official duties.

Regarding the visible discolored patches frequently observed on the back of the president’s hands, which have occasionally appeared covered with cosmetic concealer during public White House events, the medical team categorised the condition as entirely cosmetic and superficial. The official memorandum attributed the localised discoloration to minor trauma resulting from intense interpersonal contact, magnified by the blood-thinning medication included in the president’s daily preventative healthcare regimen. The evaluation of the dorsal hands revealed ecchymosis.

Trump was issued standard preventive medical counseling to incorporate increased physical activity, a regulated low-dose aspirin schedule, and structured weight loss into his routine. Following the publication of the medical review, the president took to social media to signal his satisfaction with the health clearance, stating that “everything checked out perfectly.”

The administration continues to defend the president’s intensive public schedule, maintaining that the minor cosmetic and physical adjustments are expected for a leader of his age navigating a highly demanding public profile. The report also stated that Trump was six feet threeinches tall and weighs 238 pounds.

2027: Jonathan keeps mum as PDP faction plans his unveiling today

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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2027: Jonathan keeps mum as PDP faction plans his unveiling today

FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan has kept mum amid controversy surrounding his alleged adoption as the 2027 presidential candidate of a faction of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 election.

The ICIR reports that his silence had deepened uncertainty about his intentions ahead of the next general poll.

It has also exposed widening cracks within the party, with rival factions trading words over the legitimacy of a planned convention expected to affirm him as standard-bearer for one of the competing groups.

A faction of the PDP led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, a senior advocate, had announced plans to hold a special national convention in Abuja on Saturday May 30, where Jonathan is expected to be formally ratified as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The group claimed that the former president was the only aspirant who obtained the party’s presidential nomination form and would be unveiled at the convention scheduled to hold at an event centre in Abuja.

However, despite the growing public debate and political maneuverings around his name, Jonathan has neither confirmed nor denied any involvement in the process.

His silence has fueled speculation over whether he is genuinely interested in returning to Aso Rock or is merely being drafted by supporters seeking to reposition him as a consensus figure within the opposition.

Political observers said Jonathan’s continued silence might be a strategic move as he weighs the implications of entering an increasingly fragmented opposition landscape, while others argued that his refusal to publicly reject the endorsement encouraged supporters pushing for his return to active partisan politics.

The uncertainty comes as another faction of the PDP, aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, openly rejected the planned endorsement and urged Jonathan to distance himself from what it described as an illegitimate exercise.

Recall that Wike, a PDP member, has been one of the leading cabinet members of President Bola Tinubu, who won his mandate and is seeking re-election on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform. Wike has repeatedly maintained his support for Tinubu’s re-election.

In a statement on Friday, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the Wike-backed faction said no recognised organ of the PDP had approved any convention or process aimed at endorsing Jonathan for the 2027 election.

The faction, which has unveiled a former Cross River senator, Sandy Onor, a professor, as its presidential candidate for the upcoming poll, described the planned event as misleading and intended to create confusion within the polity. It insisted that it did not reflect the position of the party’s recognised leadership.

The development comes amid a directive issued by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Friday, warning owners of hotels, event centres and other public facilities in the nation’s capital to deal only with political parties’ leaderships recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The ICIR reported the FCTA warning that event centres, hotels and other public buildings in the FCT would be closely monitored to prevent their use by illegal organisations “capable of disrupting peace and security in the nation’s capital.”

The administration warned that property owners must verify the legality of organisations seeking to use their facilities before approving bookings, adding that proper records of all transactions involving such bookings must also be maintained.

The dispute has added another layer to the prolonged leadership crisis within the PDP, which has witnessed competing factions, parallel structures and disagreements over the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, the Turaki-led faction has insisted that the convention would proceed as planned despite opposition from rival camps and warnings by the FCTA against the use of public facilities by groups it described as unrecognised political organisations.

The faction maintained that its processes were valid and that Jonathan remained its preferred candidate for the presidency.

Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, has repeatedly been linked with various presidential comeback efforts since leaving office but has largely avoided making definitive public declarations about future electoral ambitions.

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