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FIFA Introduces Sweeping Rule Changes Ahead Of 2026 World Cup

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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The governing body of world football, FIFA, has announced a series of major rule changes that will take effect at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking one of the most significant updates to the Laws of the Game in recent years.

The new regulations, approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), are designed to reduce time-wasting, improve officiating standards and strengthen discipline on the pitch during the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of visible countdowns for throw-ins and goal kicks. Referees will conduct a five-second countdown, and teams that fail to restart play within the allotted time could lose possession or concede a corner kick.

Substitution procedures have also been tightened. Players being replaced will be required to leave the field within 10 seconds using the nearest boundary line. Any deliberate delay may result in the substitute being prevented from entering the match until the next stoppage, following one minute of play.

FIFA has also revised rules concerning injured players. Outfield players who receive treatment on the pitch will generally be required to remain off the field for at least one minute after play resumes. Exceptions will apply in cases involving goalkeepers, serious injuries, head injuries, collisions between goalkeepers and outfield players, and certain penalty-related incidents.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will receive expanded powers under the new laws. Officials will now be able to review clearly incorrect second yellow cards that lead to dismissals, cases of mistaken identity, wrongly awarded corner kicks and fouls committed before set-piece restarts.

In a move aimed at improving behaviour and transparency on the field, players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents could face red cards. The measure is intended to discourage discriminatory abuse and other forms of misconduct.

Referees will also be granted authority to send off players who leave the field in protest against decisions. Teams that abandon matches in protest risk forfeiting games, while officials who encourage such actions may face disciplinary sanctions.

Another innovation approved for the tournament is the use of referee body cameras. Tournament organisers will control how footage captured by the devices is used and distributed.

Additional changes include updated equipment regulations that allow certain items previously prohibited, provided they are safe, securely fastened and properly covered. Clarifications have also been made regarding dropped-ball situations and accidental double touches during penalty kicks.

FIFA further confirmed that senior international friendly matches may now include up to eight substitutes, with the possibility of increasing that number to 11 if both teams agree before kick-off.

Given the expected weather conditions during the expanded tournament, referees will be permitted to allow hydration breaks of up to three minutes in each half, typically around the 22nd minute.

The governing body also retained its recently introduced goalkeeper time-wasting regulation, which limits goalkeepers to holding the ball for a maximum of eight seconds. If the limit is exceeded, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams, expanding the competition’s format and increasing the number of matches across the three host nations.

Zimbabwe Moves To Extend Mnangagwa’s Presidency To 2030

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Zimbabwe’s government has introduced a constitutional amendment bill that could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030, two years beyond the end of his current term.

The bill was presented to Parliament on Tuesday by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and is expected to undergo further debate in the coming days. If approved, the proposed legislation would extend presidential terms from five years to seven years and postpone the next presidential election, currently scheduled for 2028.

Mnangagwa, 83, is currently serving his second term and is due to leave office in 2028 under Zimbabwe’s existing constitutional framework. Supporters of the amendment argue that the changes would align electoral cycles and improve governance, while critics say the move could undermine democratic principles and weaken constitutional term limits.

The proposed reforms would also change the method of electing the president, replacing the current direct popular vote with a parliamentary selection process. The bill further seeks to extend the terms of members of parliament, mayors and local councillors from five years to seven years.

The ruling party, ZANU-PF, holds a two-thirds majority in Parliament, giving it enough support to push constitutional amendments through the legislature. The party has governed Zimbabwe since the country’s independence in 1980.

The proposal has faced opposition from civil society groups, war veterans and opposition politicians, some of whom have challenged the amendment in court. Critics argue that such significant constitutional changes should be subjected to a national referendum. Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court is reviewing legal challenges related to the bill.

Mnangagwa has been Zimbabwe’s president since 2017, when he took power following the removal of former president Robert Mugabe.

Canada Formally Requests 16-Year Renewal Of North American Free Trade Pact

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Canada has formally requested a renewal of the North American free trade agreement with the US and Mexico, called the USMCA, as the July deadline to renegotiate the pact looms.

In Tuesday’s notice, Canada-US trade minister Dominic LeBlanc requested the deal be renewed for another 16 years, calling the agreement “highly beneficial” to all three countries.

It comes as LeBlanc is in Washington to meet US trade representative Jamieson Greer.

Greer concluded the latest round of formal bilateral talks with Mexico this week, but the on-again-off-again negotiations with Canada have lagged behind.

In the notice letter, LeBlanc argued that the USMCA – known as CUSMA in Canada – gives North American countries a competitive global advantage.

He added that Canada recognises there are areas the pact can be improved, adding that the country is “willing to consider any proposal that can be beneficial to all three nations’ long-term prosperity”.

He also said that: “In parallel, discussions with the United States on addressing sectoral tariffs will be essential.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney has said that he wants sector-specific tariffs imposed on Canadian steel, aluminium, automobiles and lumber by the Trump administration removed or lowered, while Greer has indicated that Canada may have to accept some form of US levies.

Separately, Mexico also announced its call for a renewal of the multilateral trade pact.

“Mexico’s ​intention and position is that the treaty should be extended,” Economy Minister ​Marcelo Ebrard said according to the Reuters news agency. “Keep in mind ​that the treaty will remain in ‌effect ⁠for many more years, but we would like it to be extended ​to 16 ​years.”

The US, meanwhile, has cited multiple trade irritants with Canada, including the decision by most provinces to remove American alcohol from shelves due to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

It also wants greater access to Canadian markets for American businesses, specifically dairy, where Canada has strict control over production quotas and imports to support local farmers.

Last week, Greer said that he will also be discussing increasing the percentage of US content in North American-made cars, as well as co-ordinating external tariffs on other countries with Canada and Mexico.

In its talks with Mexico, the US has asked that vehicles made in North America contain at least 50% American-made content, according to Reuters.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Carney said that cars made in Canada already contain around that amount of US content, on average.

President Trump has not commented recently on US-Canada trade talks. But on Monday, he revived his “51st state” rhetoric against Canada in a Truth Social post, where he shared link to a news article about its lagging economy.

Carney acknowledged to reporters on Tuesday that the economy is experiencing “some weakness”.

Asked if the country is in a recession, the prime minister said his government is working on building “a stronger, more resilient, and more independent Canadian economy”.

If Canada, the US and Mexico do not agree to extend the USMCA by 1 July, the pact would have to be renewed annually, until 2036.

Shell Faces Fresh Scrutiny Over Niger Delta Oil Pollution

By
Enyosa Favour
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British energy giant Shell is facing renewed scrutiny after internal company documents reportedly revealed that it continued operating a major oil pipeline in Nigeria for years despite concerns from its own officials about the environmental risks associated with repeated oil theft, pipeline breaches and pollution in the Niger Delta.

The documents, obtained as part of an ongoing legal case in the United Kingdom, suggest that Shell executives were aware of the growing dangers linked to the Nembe Creek Trunk Line, one of the company’s largest oil pipelines in Nigeria, but allowed operations to continue while weighing the challenges posed by large-scale oil theft and security threats in the region.

The revelations emerged during a lawsuit filed by communities in the Niger Delta, including residents of Bille, who are seeking compensation and environmental remediation for pollution they say devastated their environment, livelihoods and public health.

According to the legal action, the communities are demanding approximately $1 billion in damages and cleanup costs, including $250 million in compensation and $750 million for environmental restoration.

Residents of Bille said years of oil spills have severely affected fishing activities, destroyed mangrove forests and contaminated waterways that once served as a source of food and income.

One resident, Balafama Augustus Bruce, said:

“Before 2011, here was a beautiful area. People play here and go into the river. We used to fish around here. But because of the damage [the spills] have caused, nobody is fishing here again.

“Because of that I’ve become poor. I eat from hand to mouth.”

The Nembe Creek Trunk Line, which stretches roughly 96 kilometres and transports crude oil from inland fields to export facilities, was reportedly capable of moving up to 150,000 barrels of oil daily before it was sold by Shell in 2025.

Internal records cited in the case indicate that as far back as 2008, some senior company officials expressed concern about continuing operations on the pipeline under conditions they considered risky.

In one email exchange, former Shell executive Markus Droll reportedly warned:

“If there is another massive explosive attack tomorrow… then we could well find ourselves in the situation of simply having to close the production down.”

He further stated:

“I don’t agree that funding can be an issue.

“Sorry if I sound like a broken record on this – but the approach makes me – as your Technical VP – pretty uncomfortable.”

The documents also suggest that by 2012, sections of the pipeline had been classified as high-risk due to extensive illegal tapping by oil thieves. Despite internal concerns, company officials reportedly chose to continue operations, arguing that shutting down the system could worsen illegal activities elsewhere.

Another document from 2013 reportedly raised concerns about the potential consequences of an internal audit into oil theft and pipeline integrity.

According to the records, a senior official warned:

“I have no doubt that this [audit] will come out as UNACCEPTABLE, in which case we may be very exposed in disputing any oil loss claims from the Government or compensation claims from the community.”

Shell has rejected suggestions that the documents provide a complete picture of events, arguing that they fail to reflect the complex operating environment in the Niger Delta at the time.

Responding to the allegations, the company said:

“The documents selected are presented without the critical context of the operating environment in the Niger Delta at the time.”

It added:

“In isolation, they do not reflect the challenges of working against the backdrop of widespread organised criminality.”

The company maintains that many of the spills were caused by oil theft, sabotage and illegal refining activities rather than operational failures, and says it invested heavily in spill response efforts and measures aimed at protecting infrastructure.

Local leaders, however, argue that regardless of criminal activities in the region, Shell had a responsibility to ensure its infrastructure did not contribute to widespread environmental damage.

Chief Boma Renner Dappa, spokesperson for community leaders in Bille, said:

“They are not concerned about what happens to you. Their concern is [to] continue to make profit.”

He added:

“All that has happened in this environment is as a result of negligence.”

The case is expected to proceed to trial in the UK next year, where the affected communities will seek to hold Shell accountable for the long-term environmental impact of oil pollution in the Niger Delta.

Meanwhile, many residents continue to call for a comprehensive cleanup of affected waterways and ecosystems, saying the environmental damage has significantly affected fishing, farming and daily life across the region.

A resident, Taminoibitein Philip, appealed for restoration efforts, saying:

“Let them come and flush the river for us.”

Ukraine Drone Attack Kills 7 in Russian-Held Territory in New Escalation

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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A Ukrainian drone attack has killed at least seven people in Russian-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine, according to Russian-installed officials, marking the latest escalation in the increasingly intense drone war between Kyiv and Moscow.

Authorities in the Russian-occupied areas said the attack targeted civilian and infrastructure sites, with casualties reported in parts of the occupied Donetsk region. Emergency services were deployed to affected locations as officials assessed the extent of the damage. The claims could not be independently verified, and Ukrainian authorities did not immediately comment on the reported deaths.

The latest incident comes amid a sharp increase in long-range Ukrainian drone operations targeting Russian military, energy and logistical infrastructure. In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have launched repeated strikes on oil refineries, fuel depots, pipeline facilities and military installations deep inside Russia and in Russian-controlled territories. Kyiv says such attacks are aimed at weakening Russia’s ability to sustain its military campaign.

The reported attack follows a series of major Ukrainian drone offensives that have increasingly penetrated Russian airspace. On Tuesday, Ukrainian drones struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg, triggering a large fire and forcing temporary flight restrictions at nearby airports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said some of the drones travelled more than 1,000 kilometres to reach their targets.

Russian officials have accused Ukraine of intensifying attacks against civilian infrastructure and populated areas in occupied territories. Last week, the Kremlin-installed leader of the occupied Donetsk region said Ukrainian drones killed three utility workers repairing a water supply network in Vuhlehirsk and injured several others.

The latest strike comes at a time of heightened tensions following one of the largest Russian aerial assaults of the war. Earlier this week, Russia launched 73 missiles and more than 650 drones against cities across Ukraine, including Kyiv and Dnipro. Ukrainian officials said at least 22 civilians were killed and more than 130 injured in the attacks, prompting renewed appeals for additional Western air-defence systems.

President Zelenskyy has warned that further large-scale Russian attacks could be imminent, while calling on Ukraine’s allies to accelerate deliveries of missile interceptors, air-defence batteries and military assistance.

Military analysts say the conflict is increasingly being shaped by drone warfare, with both sides relying heavily on unmanned systems to strike targets far behind front lines. Ukraine has focused on energy infrastructure, oil export facilities and military bases, while Russia continues large-scale missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.

Despite periodic diplomatic efforts, there has been little progress toward a ceasefire. The latest reported deaths in Russian-held territory underscore the growing intensity of cross-border attacks as the war enters another dangerous phase, with both Moscow and Kyiv showing no sign of reducing military operations.

Oyo School Abduction: Lagos Teachers Rally For Safe Return Of Pupils And Colleagues

By
Enyosa Favour
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Teachers under the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday staged a solidarity rally in Ikeja, Lagos, urging security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts toward securing the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State.

The peaceful demonstration drew hundreds of teachers who marched through parts of Lagos carrying placards and chanting slogans calling for urgent intervention to rescue the victims.

Videos from the rally showed protesters displaying messages such as “End the religion of fear in our schools” and “Let teachers teach in peace.”

The rally forms part of a nationwide action initiated by the NUT following the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in the Ahoro-Esienle and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15 after armed men attacked three schools, Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School. The incident has triggered widespread concern over the safety of schools, teachers and students across the country.

On Monday, public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State were shut down as teachers complied with a union directive protesting the continued captivity of the abductees. Similar rallies have also taken place in Oyo and Ogun states, where residents, labour groups and civil society organisations called for the immediate release of the victims and stronger action against insecurity.

The NUT National Headquarters, in a circular dated May 29 and signed by its President, Audu Amba, and Secretary, Clinton Ikpitibo, directed all state chapters and the Federal Capital Territory to organise solidarity rallies to draw attention to the growing security challenges affecting schools nationwide.

Speaking ahead of the protests, Amba expressed concern over the prolonged captivity of the victims, noting that seven teachers remain in the custody of their abductors.

“I don’t think any Nigerian is happy with the situation on our hands. Seven of my members are currently in captivity. Enough is enough,” he stated.

He warned that the worsening security situation poses a major threat to education and could undermine teaching and learning across the country.

“If the school environment is not safe, how are we going to teach? How will the children learn? Education is critical, and our schools must be safe for teaching and learning,” he stressed.

Amba also raised concerns about reports that abducted pupils and teachers are being used as shields by their captors, describing the development as deeply troubling.

“We are deeply disturbed by this ugly trend of terrorists using our pupils and students as shields. It is a very dangerous development. Innocent children must not be used in such a manner,” he said.

The Lagos State Chairman of the NUT, Akintoye Hassan, explained that the union deliberately chose not to shut down schools nationwide, arguing that doing so would hand victory to those attempting to disrupt education through violence.

According to him, schools remain open in most states, with Oyo being the exception following the temporary closure ordered after the abductions.

Hassan also warned that insecurity, once largely concentrated in parts of northern Nigeria, is spreading to other regions, including the South-West.

“It started in the North-east, spread to the North-west and North-central, and now it has reached the South-west, which many regard as one of the safest regions in the country,” he said.

The Oyo abduction has attracted widespread condemnation from education stakeholders, civil society organisations and members of the public.

On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited the families of the abducted pupils and teachers, assuring them that the Federal Government remains committed to securing their release.

He stated that the President is deeply concerned about the incident and has directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to rescue the victims and bring those responsible to justice.

Tuesday’s rally adds to mounting pressure on authorities to secure the release of the abductees and strengthen security measures around schools, particularly in rural communities where attacks on educational institutions have become an increasing concern.

Two Lost Police Officers Mistaken For Kidnappers Rescued From Mob In Ogun

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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A tragedy was averted in the Kanuyi community of Simawa, Ogun State, after an agitated mob cornered and detained two serving mobile police officers, mistaking them for a gang of kidnappers.

In a statement on Monday by the Ogun State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the officers, who were returning from an official assignment in Sagamu, had lost their way when they were surrounded, subjected to search, and recorded by suspicious community members.

“The clarification became necessary following information received by the Simawa Division on 1st June 2026 at about 11:00 a.m. that two suspected criminals had been apprehended by members of the community.

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives were immediately mobilized to the scene, where the individuals were rescued from an agitated crowd and taken into protective custody for proper identification and investigation,” the statement partly read.

Before the arrival of the rescue team, members of the public had reportedly searched the lost officers, photographed them, and recorded videos that were subsequently shared on social media with misleading captions labelling them as criminals.

“While the officers fortunately escaped physical harm, the incident subjected them to needless public suspicion and emotional trauma despite their commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” Babaseyi wrote.

According to the Command’s findings, the officers are attached to a Police Mobile Force Squadron in Lagos State, and had been officially deployed to Sagamu for national duties and were heading back to their base when they lost their bearings.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that they were bona fide, serving members of the Nigeria Police Force.

“Verification conducted by the Command confirmed their identities through valid police identity cards, official deployment documents, uniforms, and other service materials.

“Their parent formation also authenticated their status as bona fide members of the Nigeria Police Force engaged in lawful duties,” the statement noted.

While praising the residents for their alertness, the Command warned against jungle justice, pointing out how easily misinformation can lead to the lynching of innocent citizens or security agents.

It also urged the public to exercise restraint and allow security agencies to verify facts before drawing conclusions or publishing damaging content online.

“This incident highlights the challenges and sacrifices security personnel make daily in the discharge of their duties. It also underscores the importance of cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies in promoting safety, preventing misinformation, and ensuring that innocent persons are not unjustly subjected to public condemnation.

“Members of the public are also advised to rely on verified information from official sources and refrain from sharing unconfirmed reports capable of causing panic, damaging reputations, or undermining public confidence in security operations,” the statement concluded.

What’s Next After Political Parties Submit Their 2027 Presidential Candidates?

By
Enyosa Favour
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded the phase of the 2027 election cycle that required political parties to conduct and complete their primary elections for the nomination of candidates.

Under the 2027 election timetable released by INEC, political parties were expected to conclude their primaries by 30 May 2026. In compliance with the timetable, most political parties have now selected their presidential candidates and other flag bearers for the 2027 general elections.

However, the completion of party primaries does not automatically settle all electoral issues. Several political parties are currently facing internal disputes, leadership battles, and legal challenges over the legitimacy of their candidates and party structures.

Among the major parties affected are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), where rival factions have produced separate candidates and continue to lay claim to party leadership.

The situation is further complicated by ongoing litigation surrounding parts of INEC’s 2027 election timetable. Although a Federal High Court had previously nullified aspects of the timetable, INEC appealed the ruling, and political parties have continued to operate according to the commission’s schedule while awaiting the outcome of the legal process.

With the primary election deadline now behind them, attention has shifted to the next stages of the electoral process and what political parties must do before campaigns officially begin.

Next Steps After Political Parties Have Named Their Candidates Submission of Candidate Nomination Forms

Following the conclusion of primaries, political parties are required to submit the details of their nominated candidates to INEC through a series of official nomination documents.

These include:

  • Form EC9
  • Form EC9A
  • Form EC9B
  • Form EC9C
  • Form EC9D
  • Form EC9E

The forms contain candidates’ personal particulars, educational qualifications, affidavits, and other information required by law.
According to the INEC timetable, political parties are expected to submit these nomination documents between 27 June and 8 August 2026, depending on the office being contested.

Verification and Review by INEC

After receiving the nomination forms, INEC will review the submissions to ensure compliance with constitutional and electoral requirements.
The commission will examine candidate qualifications, party nominations, and supporting documents before proceeding to the next stage.

Publication of Candidates’ Details

INEC will then publish the personal particulars and nomination information of candidates for public scrutiny.

This publication process is expected to take place between 1 August and 29 August 2026.
The publication period allows political parties, stakeholders, and members of the public to review candidate information and raise objections where necessary through legally recognised channels.

Resolution of Internal Party Disputes

Several political parties still have unresolved leadership and candidate disputes that may ultimately be decided by the courts or recognised by INEC based on existing judgments.

For instance:

  • Rival factions within the PDP have announced different presidential candidates.
  • The ADC continues to face disagreements between competing factions.
  • The Labour Party and SDP are also dealing with leadership and candidate disputes.
    Until these matters are resolved, INEC and, where necessary, the courts will determine which faction and candidate are legally recognised.

Official Campaign Period Begins

Once candidate nominations have been processed and published, political parties will be permitted to commence official election campaigns.

Under the current timetable, campaign activities are expected to begin on 19 August 2026.
From that date, presidential candidates and their parties can legally hold rallies, advertise their programmes, engage voters, and begin nationwide campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.

What This Means For Political Parties

Although the primary election stage has ended, the race to the 2027 presidency is far from over.
Political parties must now:

  • Submit nomination documents to INEC.
  • Resolve pending internal disputes.
  • Comply with electoral regulations.
  • Prepare campaign structures and strategies.
  • Await INEC’s publication and verification process.

For parties currently battling internal crises, the coming months could prove decisive, as court rulings and INEC decisions may ultimately determine which candidates appear on the ballot.

With campaigns set to begin in August 2026, the focus now shifts from party primaries to candidate validation, legal challenges, and nationwide political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Nigeria Police Urge Calm, Warn Against Retaliatory Attacks On South Africans

By
Enyosa Favour
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The Nigeria Police Force has cautioned citizens against carrying out retaliatory attacks on South African nationals, businesses, or diplomatic interests in Nigeria following growing concerns over anti-migrant protests in South Africa.

The warning comes amid reports of increasing tensions linked to demonstrations in South Africa calling for stricter immigration enforcement and action against undocumented migrants.

Although no confirmed attacks on Nigerians in South Africa have been officially reported, the police said the advisory followed discussions among security and intelligence chiefs over the situation.

South African authorities have also not confirmed any attacks on foreign nationals but have condemned what they described as “criminal acts” directed at migrants.

In a statement shared on X, senior police spokesperson Aliyu Giwa acknowledged the concerns of Nigerians while urging restraint.

“We recognise the pain and anger caused by recent attacks on Nigerians abroad,” Giwa said.

“As an institution dedicated to protecting Nigerian lives, we understand these concerns deeply,” he noted.

He, however, stressed the need for Nigerians to remain peaceful and allow the government to address the matter through diplomatic and security channels.

“However, this is a time for calm and restraint,” he said, adding that violence would not protect Nigerians abroad and “would only create additional crises”.

According to the police, the Federal Government is actively engaging with the situation.

The statement noted that the issue is being handled by authorities “at the highest levels”.

To prevent any breakdown of law and order, the police disclosed that additional security measures have been deployed around foreign missions, critical infrastructure, and other sensitive locations across the country.

The force warned that any attack targeting South African interests in Nigeria would attract legal consequences.

“Any attempt to target South African nationals, diplomatic facilities, businesses, or other lawful interests within Nigeria will be treated as a criminal act,” the police stated.

The tension stems from recent protests in South Africa, where demonstrators have accused undocumented migrants of placing pressure on public services and contributing to criminal activities. Protesters have called on the government to strengthen immigration controls and enforcement measures.

The demonstrations have largely been organised by a movement known as March and March, which advocates immigration reform and has reportedly called on undocumented migrants to leave South Africa before June 30.

The situation has also prompted concerns across the continent. Several African countries have advised their citizens in South Africa to remain vigilant, while Ghana recently evacuated hundreds of its nationals, citing safety concerns.

The development has revived memories of previous xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which strained diplomatic relations and triggered retaliatory actions in Nigeria, where some South African-owned businesses were vandalised and looted.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety and urged citizens to remain law-abiding while the government continues diplomatic efforts to address concerns affecting Nigerians living abroad.

Babachir Lawal Quits ADC, Alleges Atiku’s Primary Victory Was Rigged

By
Enyosa Favour
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Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing alleged irregularities in the party’s recently concluded presidential primary that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate.

Lawal disclosed his decision in a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Monday, stating that he could no longer remain in a party whose primary election process he believed lacked credibility.

Explaining his resignation, Lawal alleged that the party’s primary election was manipulated in favour of Atiku.

“I am exiting the ADC because its just concluded primaries were at all levels massively rigged in favour Kachalla Abubakar Atiku,” Lawal said.

The former SGF further claimed that election results were altered to favour Atiku and his supporters, adding that even where voting reportedly took place, the eventual winners were allegedly replaced.

“Results were just written or rewritten to favour him and his coven. Even where they allowed some semblance of election to hold, the winners were simply replaced with members of his syndicate. In the real sense it was a disgraceful charade,” he said.

Lawal noted that his departure from the party was also driven by his reluctance to remain associated with a political structure he believes could influence future elections in a manner he considers unacceptable.

The resignation follows ongoing controversy surrounding the ADC presidential primary held on May 25, 2026, which saw Atiku emerge as the party’s presidential candidate.

According to the official results, Atiku secured 1,846,370 votes to win the contest, while former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, came second with 504,117 votes. Businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen finished third with 177,120 votes.

The primary process had attracted criticism from some contestants. Before the results were announced, Hayatu-Deen publicly distanced himself from the exercise, raising concerns over alleged vote manipulation and the integrity of the process.

Amaechi also questioned the conduct of the primary, citing alleged irregularities.

However, after a recent meeting with Atiku Abubakar, Hayatu-Deen ruled out challenging the outcome of the election. He said he chose party unity and the broader goal of building a strong opposition platform ahead of future elections over pursuing personal political interests.

Lawal, meanwhile, stated that he would consult with political allies before deciding on his next political move, while maintaining his opposition to Atiku’s presidential ambition.

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