Congo Establishes Advisory Council To Pursue Justice For War Crimes In The East

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July 15, 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo has created a new advisory council made up of leading international war crimes experts to support efforts aimed at securing justice for atrocities committed during the long-running conflict in the country’s eastern region.

The council will provide guidance to Congolese state institutions as they seek accountability for crimes committed during decades of violence involving armed groups competing for control of the mineral-rich region. The government also hopes to strengthen efforts to secure reparations for victims.

The conflict, which has claimed millions of lives, is rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, when many perpetrators fled into eastern Congo, contributing to years of instability and recurring violence.

Kinshasa has intensified its international legal campaign in recent months. In June, it filed a case against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice, accusing Kigali of violating international conventions on genocide, racial discrimination and torture. Rwanda has repeatedly denied the allegations.

President Félix Tshisekedi has also called for greater international recognition of the atrocities in eastern Congo, urging the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to address what he describes as a “silent genocide” and help end decades of impunity.

The renewed push for justice comes after intensified fighting involving the AFC/M23 rebel group, which seized large areas of eastern Congo. The United Nations and several Western governments accuse Rwanda of supporting the rebels, a claim Kigali rejects.

The newly formed Council for the Examination of Atrocities in the DRC will be co-chaired by Congolese human rights activist Julienne Lusenge and former International Criminal Court judge Howard Morrison. Other members include former U.S. war crimes ambassador Stephen Rapp and former senior ICC official Pascal Turlan, both of whom bring extensive experience in prosecuting international war crimes.

UN: Sudan’s Gum Arabic Trade Is Fueling Civil War

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Ayomitunde Adeyemi

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July 15, 2026

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The United Nations has warned that profits from Sudan’s gum arabic trade may be helping to finance the country’s ongoing civil war, calling on governments and businesses to ensure they are not contributing to the conflict.

Sudan, which produces about 80% of the world’s gum arabic, supplies the natural ingredient used in soft drinks, medicines, cosmetics and other everyday products.

According to a new UN report, large quantities of gum arabic have been taken from areas controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and smuggled through neighbouring countries, where they are exported as if they were locally produced, making the supply chain difficult to trace.

The report also says some gum arabic from areas controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces has been exported through Port Sudan.

The UN warned that workers and traders in the industry have faced violence, threats and widespread looting, with both sides in the conflict accused of exploiting the trade.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged companies sourcing gum arabic to carry out strict checks on their supply chains, saying businesses must not continue operating as usual when buying from conflict-affected areas.

The report also cited the reported looting of the Gum Arabic Exchange and warehouses in El-Nuhud by RSF fighters in May 2025, an incident that severely disrupted local businesses and livelihoods.

How Lagos NURTW Chieftain Toba Ijaya Died: Timeline Of The Fatal Shooting That Shook Mushin

By

Favour Enyosa

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July 15, 2026

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The death of Comrade Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya, has sparked tension across parts of Lagos, particularly Mushin, Fadeyi and Yaba, following reports of gunfire and fears of reprisal attacks.

Toba Ijaya, a prominent figure in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), died after sustaining gunshot injuries in an attack by unidentified gunmen. His death has generated widespread reactions within the transport union, prompted an ongoing police investigation, and raised fresh concerns about violence targeting influential union leaders in Lagos.

Who Was Toba Ijaya?

Toba Ajiboye, widely known as Toba Ijaya, served as the Organising Secretary of the Lagos State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). Within the union, he was regarded as one of its influential leaders and a close ally of the Lagos NURTW Chairman, Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego.

Beyond his official role, Toba Ijaya was considered a key mobiliser within the transport union and was described by colleagues as a loyal and dedicated member whose influence extended across several transport parks in Lagos. Following his death, Sego paid tribute to him, describing him as “a trusted friend, a man of steadfast loyalty and unwavering commitment, and a true pillar of TeamSego and SegoNation.”

How Toba Ijaya Died

According to multiple reports, Toba Ijaya was attacked on Sunday night, July 12, 2026, while returning home after visiting his childhood neighbourhood in Fadeyi, Lagos.

The gunmen allegedly intercepted his vehicle along the Ikorodu Road corridor before opening fire. Images and videos circulated online showed his white vehicle riddled with multiple bullet holes, indicating the intensity of the attack.

Initial reports suggested that Toba Ijaya and other occupants of the vehicle survived the ambush after sustaining gunshot wounds. He was rushed to St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos Island, where doctors battled to save his life.
Despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

Tension Across Mushin After His Death

News of Toba Ijaya’s death quickly spread across Lagos, triggering panic in Mushin, Fadeyi and Yaba.

Messages circulated on social media warned residents to avoid unnecessary movement because of fears that supporters of the late union leader might stage reprisals. Many commuters reportedly altered their travel plans, while residents contacted relatives, urging them to leave work early and stay indoors.

Although rumours of widespread shootings circulated online, the Lagos State Police Command initially stated that it had no official report confirming fresh gunfire in Mushin, while assuring residents that adequate security measures had been deployed to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

Police Investigation Into The Killing

The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing and commenced a manhunt for those responsible.

Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi confirmed that security personnel had been deployed to strategic locations across the state to maintain peace while investigations continue.

Subsequently, the Commissioner of Police disclosed that some suspects had been taken into custody as detectives intensified efforts to uncover those behind the attack. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm while the investigation progresses.

Reactions From NURTW Leadership

The killing drew strong condemnation from both the Lagos and national leadership of the NURTW.

Lagos State Chairman Mustapha Adekunle (Sego) described the late union official as a dependable friend whose commitment to the organisation would never be forgotten.

Similarly, National President Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo) condemned the killing, describing it as a “heinous, barbaric and unacceptable” act. He called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring everyone involved in the attack to justice.

What Happens Next?

As investigations continue, security agencies have maintained an increased presence around Mushin, Fadeyi and adjoining communities to prevent possible unrest.

While no official motive has yet been established, authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying and prosecuting all those connected to the fatal shooting.

South Africa Returnees Recount Xenophobic Attacks, Call For Rehabilitation

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Favour Enyosa

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July 15, 2026

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The final batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa is expected to arrive in the country today, as returnees continue to recount painful experiences of xenophobic attacks, displacement, and betrayal, while urging the Federal Government to prioritise rehabilitation and reintegration programmes to help them rebuild their lives.

Nigerians recently evacuated from South Africa have shared heartbreaking accounts of the hardships they endured during the latest wave of xenophobic violence, appealing to the Federal Government to urgently introduce rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives to help them recover from the loss of their homes, businesses, and livelihoods.

Many of the returnees also accused some of their relatives in Nigeria of betraying their trust by failing to properly manage investments and properties they acquired while living abroad.

Their stories come as another 315 Nigerians are expected to arrive in Lagos today aboard an Air Peace flight, marking the final phase of the Federal Government’s evacuation programme.

The latest group of evacuees represents the concluding stage of the government’s efforts to repatriate Nigerians who voluntarily requested assistance following the recent xenophobic attacks and growing insecurity in parts of South Africa.

The Federal Government had previously conducted four evacuation flights, returning hundreds of Nigerians to the country.

“I Thought I Was Going To Die”

One of the returnees, a 49-year-old Edo State indigene who spent 11 years living in South Africa, said he survived multiple xenophobic attacks before deciding to return home.

The father of two, who was married to a South African woman, recalled a terrifying encounter with armed attackers.

“That was before the present incident in the country. I was attacked by gun-wielding South Africans. They said their anger stemmed from the fact that we, Nigerians, were always with their women.

“Even my passport was thrown into the bush by some armed South Africans, although I managed to search for and recover it. That was a few years ago. I think the incident happened in 2017. One of the South Africans pointed a revolver at me.

“I cried like a baby when they pointed the gun at me. I knelt down and begged because I was at the point of being killed.”

He said the situation has become even worse, explaining that foreigners now face hostility regardless of their immigration status.

“Now, it is not only people without legal documents, they are saying they don’t want any foreigners. Whether you are legal or not, they don’t want you. To be honest with you, my documents have expired. My passport has expired, and my asylum permit has expired because I couldn’t go out to renew them for fear of being attacked.”

Another evacuee, who requested anonymity, described life in South Africa as increasingly unbearable for foreigners.

According to the returnee, many migrants abandoned businesses, homes, and years of hard work because of the worsening climate of fear, harassment, and discrimination.

The individual said many families escaped with virtually nothing after being forced to flee.

Beyond the violence experienced abroad, several returnees claimed they encountered disappointment from relatives after returning to Nigeria.

One returnee alleged that after demanding accountability for his investments, family members deceived him into accompanying them to an Islamic cleric’s residence.

According to him, he was unexpectedly forced into a room where several other people had allegedly been confined under poor conditions.

A similar account surfaced on TikTok, where another returnee, identified by the handle @Adeyinka Ayaba Ibarapa, claimed she also lost properties entrusted to relatives while living overseas.

“When I came back from South Africa and asked my blood sister about my property, she kept giving excuses. After three months, she called me around 2 a.m. and said they would take me to where my property was. I simply stopped asking,” she wrote.

She was responding to another viral video in which a man alleged that after spending 23 years working in South Africa, his relatives tricked him into visiting an Alfa for prayers before allegedly locking him inside a room.

He narrated:

“I had just arrived in Nigeria and asked my family about my properties. They said the property was still under development. Later, they said they wanted to take me somewhere for prayers. I followed them because they are my family.

“When we got there, they suddenly pushed me into a room. I met people who had been there for up to one year under terrible conditions.”

Another returnee, Chikezie Igwe, revealed during an interview with News Central Television that he narrowly escaped death during the attacks.

“My message to Nigerians still in South Africa is simple: leave while you can. When I was escaping, I called one of my friends and begged him to come with me to the Nigerian Consulate because they had already burnt my car. He refused. On Monday, while I was at the Nigerian High Commission, I received a call that he had been killed,” he said.

Mrs. Ilugbadebo Oyebola, who returned with her family after spending 11 years in South Africa, described years of discrimination and hardship.

“I spent 11 years in South Africa without a residence permit. There were no stable jobs, no access to proper healthcare and constant discrimination because we were foreigners,” she said.

She recalled one particularly painful experience after giving birth in a South African hospital.

“I had just delivered my baby and was bleeding when a nurse realised I wasn’t a South African. She told me to clean the hospital floor. That experience left me traumatised. My children also faced discrimination in school and were sometimes denied awards simply because they were foreigners,” she said.

Despite everything, she expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for facilitating their return.

Many of the returnees said returning home is only the beginning of another difficult journey, noting that they now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives from scratch.

They urged the Federal Government to go beyond evacuation by introducing comprehensive rehabilitation, financial support, and reintegration programmes that would enable them to start afresh.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 315 Nigerians are expected to arrive in Lagos today aboard an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg, concluding the Federal Government’s evacuation exercise.

According to the ministry, the flight departed Johannesburg at 1:30 a.m. and is scheduled to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 6:30 a.m.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the successful evacuation exercise.

31 Rescued Oriire School Pupils Discharged From LAUTECH Hospital

By

Favour Enyosa

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July 15, 2026

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The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, has discharged 31 of the 39 pupils rescued after they were abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, following confirmation that they are medically fit to return home.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Olawale Olakulehin, disclosed that all 39 rescued children were admitted for medical care after regaining their freedom, but only 31 have now been certified fit and reunited with their families.

The remaining eight pupils, he said, will continue to receive medical treatment and remain under close observation as part of efforts to ensure their complete recovery.

Olakulehin described the discharge of the 31 children as a significant step in the rehabilitation process, adding that the hospital would continue to provide comprehensive care for the pupils still receiving treatment until they are medically cleared to leave.

He assured parents and members of the public that the health and well-being of all the rescued children remain the hospital’s highest priority, noting that specialists will continue monitoring both their physical condition and psychological recovery as part of their post-rescue rehabilitation.

The latest development comes days after the victims regained their freedom from captivity.

Governor Seyi Makinde formally received the rescued teachers and pupils on Monday, where he expressed appreciation to security agencies and everyone involved in securing the release of the abductees.

During the reception, the governor argued that the circumstances surrounding the abduction were serious enough to warrant an independent international investigation.

According to Makinde, such an inquiry would not be intended to undermine Nigeria’s institutions but would instead help establish the full facts surrounding the incident, strengthen public confidence, and ensure accountability.

However, both the Presidency and the Senate have criticised the governor’s proposal, maintaining that Nigeria is a sovereign nation capable of handling investigations into the abduction through its own institutions.

Iran Says Hormuz Strait To Stay Shut Until US Ends ‘Aggression’

By

Favour Enyosa

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July 15, 2026

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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States halts what it described as its “acts of aggression,” while warning that other regional oil and gas export routes serving US interests could also come under attack.

The latest development comes as fighting between the United States and Iran, which began in late February, continues to disrupt energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil and gas shipping routes.

According to statements broadcast by Iranian state television, IRIB, the Revolutionary Guards said they had carried out attacks on US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait in retaliation for recent American strikes on Iranian territory.

“The enemy should know that now that its maritime raiders have blocked the Indian Ocean route for oil and gas exports to the world — thereby endangering the interests of America’s economic rivals — it should also expect the closure of other oil and gas export routes that serve the interests of the United States and its allies,” the statement said.

The Guards, however, did not specify which additional routes could be affected.

“Oil and gas exports from the region will either be available for everyone or for no one,” they added.

In another statement, the IRGC reaffirmed its position on the strategic waterway.

“The retaliatory operations of the fighters will continue, and the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States ends its acts of aggression.”

US officials have consistently dismissed Iran’s claims that it controls navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that international shipping lanes remain open under international law.

The renewed escalation follows a series of military exchanges between Washington and Tehran. US forces launched fresh strikes on Iranian positions and reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian ports, while Iran responded by targeting American military installations in the Gulf region.

The attacks unfolded only hours after US President Donald Trump reversed his earlier proposal to impose a 20 percent levy on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a policy that had drawn widespread international attention amid fears of further disruption to global energy supplies.

Iran has maintained that it controls the strategic shipping corridor, which previously remained open to international navigation before the conflict reignited following US and Israeli military operations launched in late February.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards argued that the renewed American blockade had disrupted global oil and gas exports, including supplies destined for countries competing economically with the United States. They warned that routes benefiting Washington and its allies could face similar restrictions.

“Oil and gas exports from the region will either be available for everyone or for no one,” the Guards repeated.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, said the US decision to restore the blockade had effectively undermined the peace efforts initiated under last month’s Islamabad memorandum.

The conflict, now in its fifth day of renewed hostilities, has seen the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirm attacks on dozens of Iranian military sites near the Strait of Hormuz and other coastal locations.

According to CENTCOM, the strikes were aimed at weakening Iran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping and civilian maritime operations.

Iranian state media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, and Bandar Imam Khomeini shortly after the attacks.

In response, air raid sirens sounded across Bahrain, while Kuwait and Jordan announced they had intercepted drones and missiles launched from Iran.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that Iranian forces carried out a drone strike against a US military base in Jordan that hosts American aircraft, while the Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for attacks on US facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.

President Trump warned that American military operations could intensify if Iran refuses to return to negotiations.

“Next week it gets really bad for them,” he told Fox News.

Since the conflict escalated, Iran has repeatedly asserted its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, opening fire on vessels it claims travelled through unauthorised routes.

Those actions have prompted repeated retaliatory strikes by the United States, fuelling tensions that have already pushed global crude oil prices sharply higher.

“The retaliatory operations of the fighters will continue, and the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States ends its acts of aggression,” the Revolutionary Guards reiterated.

CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper accused Iran of deliberately targeting civilian maritime traffic.

“Over the past week, Iran has intentionally targeted civilians across the region by attacking seven commercial ships, resulting in nearly a dozen civilian crew members killed, missing, or injured.”

“US forces are holding Iran accountable for unwarranted aggression that continues to endanger innocent lives,” he added.

A Norwegian oil tanker was reportedly damaged by an explosion caused by an unidentified device off Oman’s coast on Tuesday, while Kuwait confirmed that one of its naval vessels sustained damage during an Iranian missile and drone barrage that left four crew members injured.

Meanwhile, President Trump announced he had abandoned his proposed shipping levy for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, opting instead to pursue broader trade and investment agreements with Gulf states.

“I have decided to replace the 20% United States Reimbursement Fee with Trade and Investment Deals that the various Gulf States will be making into the United States,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

According to an AFP tally based on Iranian official statements and local media reports, renewed US military operations have resulted in at least 28 deaths in Iran since last week.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also warned Tehran against launching attacks on Israel, promising a forceful response if Iran escalates the conflict.

Speaking from Dimona, the southern Israeli town widely believed to host the country’s undeclared nuclear facility, Netanyahu said: “Do not count on things remaining quiet if you attack us.”

“The days are over when someone strikes us, and we don’t hit back with a decisive blow.”

The continued confrontation between Iran and the United States has heightened fears of prolonged instability across the Middle East, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz remaining a major concern for global energy markets and international trade.

Petrol Price Jumps By N113/Litre As Dangote Ends Naira Sales

By

Favour Enyosa

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July 15, 2026

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Private depot owners across Nigeria have increased the loading prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel, following Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s decision to discontinue naira-based sales and adopt a dollar-denominated pricing system.

The move has triggered fresh concerns over fuel costs, with petrol prices increasing by N113 per litre and diesel rising by N150 per litre as marketers rushed to adjust prices in response to the refinery’s new pricing template.

Market data obtained from industry sources showed that private depots in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Warriimplemented significant price increases on Tuesday, reversing weeks of relative stability in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

The latest adjustments came less than 24 hours after Dangote Refinery officially began invoicing buyers of petrol, diesel, and Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) exclusively in United States dollars, ending the naira-based pricing system introduced in October 2024 under the Federal Government’s naira-for-crude initiative.

Dangote Introduces Dollar-Based Fuel Pricing

Under the refinery’s revised pricing structure, ex-depot prices are now benchmarked at:

Petrol (PMS): $0.779 per litre
Diesel (AGO): $1.087 per litre
Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK): $0.942 per litre

Coastal cargoes of petrol have also been priced at $1,044.62 per metric tonne.

In a notice issued to marketers, the refinery stated that all previously issued naira-denominated invoices and transaction summaries for gantry and coastal sales had been cancelled.

Customers were directed to process all future payments using the new dollar-based framework.

Marketers Factor In Currency Risk

Following the announcement, depot operators immediately reviewed their loading prices upward.

Industry players explained that the increases reflected not only the refinery’s switch to dollar sales but also the rising cost of sourcing foreign exchange in Nigeria’s volatile currency market.

Although the naira equivalent of Dangote’s benchmark—calculated at approximately N1,376 per dollar—remains broadly similar to previous ex-depot prices, marketers noted that additional increases reflected a currency-risk premium amid expectations of further naira depreciation.

Rising Oil Prices Add To Market Pressure

International oil prices also strengthened on Tuesday, adding further pressure to fuel pricing.

As of 10:00 p.m. WAT, Brent crude traded at $86.03 per barrel, representing a 3.28 percent increase, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 2.03 percent to $79.73 per barrel.

Industry analysts noted that while Dangote’s dollar pricing was the immediate reason for the latest depot adjustments, the continued rise in global crude oil prices could further influence fuel costs in the coming weeks.

Industry sources said the refinery’s decision followed increasing challenges associated with sourcing crude oil under the Federal Government’s naira-for-crude arrangement.

According to sources familiar with the refinery’s operations, crude allocations from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) have consistently fallen below the refinery’s processing capacity of approximately 650,000 barrels per day.

As a result, Dangote Refinery has increasingly relied on imported crude purchased in dollars while continuing to sell refined products in naira, creating growing foreign exchange exposure.

One source disclosed that the refinery has only been receiving a fraction of the crude volumes required each month under the existing arrangement, forcing it to source more supplies from the international market.

Energy experts have warned that the transition to dollar-based pricing could make Nigeria’s domestic fuel market more sensitive to fluctuations in the exchange rate.

They cautioned that any further depreciation of the naira may quickly translate into higher retail petrol prices, increased transportation costs, and additional inflationary pressure on consumers.

Neither the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) nor the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) had responded to requests for comments at the time of filing this report.

Dangote Refinery has also not issued any public statement beyond the notice circulated to marketers, confirming that the new pricing structure takes immediate effect for all gantry and coastal fuel sales, excluding liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Final Evacuation Flight Brings 315 Nigerians From South Africa

By

Favour Enyosa

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July 15, 2026

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The Federal Government has concluded plans to receive the final batch of Nigerians being evacuated from South Africa, with 315 returnees expected to arrive in Lagos on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, as part of its ongoing response to recent xenophobic attacks and security concerns.

According to the Federal Government, the latest evacuation marks the final phase of a humanitarian operation aimed at assisting Nigerians who voluntarily requested to return home following the violence and rising insecurity in parts of South Africa.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.

The statement revealed that the evacuation flight, to be operated by Air Peace, is scheduled to depart South Africa at 1:30 a.m., with an estimated arrival time of 6:30 a.m. at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The Federal Government had previously carried out four successful evacuation flights, bringing hundreds of Nigerians back from South Africa after renewed xenophobic attacks and growing security concerns affected several communities.

The latest flight will conclude the evacuation programme for Nigerians who registered their interest in returning home.

The previous evacuation flight transported 40 Nigerians back to the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the evacuation exercise reflects the Federal Government’s continued commitment to safeguarding the welfare and security of Nigerians living overseas, particularly during periods of crisis.

The ministry also expressed appreciation to Air Peace, government agencies, diplomatic officials, and other stakeholders who contributed to the successful execution of the evacuation programme.

With the arrival of the final batch of 315 returnees, the Federal Government will complete its emergency evacuation operation for Nigerians affected by the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad and ensuring timely assistance whenever their safety is threatened.

2027 Elections: INEC Backs David Mark-Led ADC, Clears 471 Candidates

By

Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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July 15, 2026

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed it will recognise only candidates submitted by the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general elections.

INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, said the electoral body granted the Mark-led faction access to its candidate nomination portal after the Supreme Court affirmed its leadership.

According to Haruna, the faction has already submitted 471 candidates, comprising two presidential candidates, 109 senatorial candidates and 360 House of Representatives candidates, ahead of the 2027 polls.

He stressed that only the leadership recognised by the Supreme Court has the legal authority to nominate candidates, dismissing claims that the rival faction was granted access to INEC’s restricted nomination portal.

Following the clarification, the ADC called for the investigation and prosecution of its factional leader, Nafiu Bala Gombe, accusing him of falsely claiming to have accessed INEC’s nomination platform and uploaded candidates on behalf of the party.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the claim as false and misleading, insisting the matter had moved beyond an internal party dispute to a legal issue that should attract the attention of security agencies.

The ADC urged INEC and relevant authorities to investigate and prosecute anyone found responsible for spreading the alleged false information.

The controversy followed claims by the media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that Bala had been granted access to the nomination portal—an allegation INEC has firmly denied.

Meanwhile, Haruna said the commission would not immediately act on Monday’s Court of Appeal judgment concerning the ADC leadership dispute until it receives and reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling.

The Court of Appeal, in a split decision, upheld an earlier Federal High Court judgment restraining INEC from recognising state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the David Mark-led caretaker leadership.

The suit was filed by seven aggrieved ADC state chairmen who argued that their removal violated the party’s constitution. While both courts ruled that the dissolution of the state executives was unconstitutional, the judgments relate only to the conduct of state congresses and do not affect the nomination of candidates for the 2027 general election.

The ADC maintains that the ruling has no impact on the direct primaries that produced its candidates for the upcoming polls.

Spain Down France 2-0, Book World Cup Final Spot

By

Ayomitunde Adeyemi

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July 15, 2026

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Spain have booked their place in Sunday’s World Cup final after a commanding 2-0 win over France in Tuesday’s semi-final in Dallas, silencing a French side many had tipped to go all the way.

France arrived at the game as favourites, boasting an attack led by Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise. But Luis de la Fuente’s Spain, unbeaten in a record-equalling 37 matches, extended their dominance with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal’s first-half penalty and a smart second-half finish from full-back Pedro Porro. France could only muster three shots on target all night.
Spain will now meet the winner of Wednesday’s clash between Argentina and England in Sunday’s final.

A Tournament Built On Grit And Control

Spain’s route to the final hasn’t exactly been smooth. They opened with a goalless draw against debutants Cape Verde, needed a 91st-minute winner to see off Portugal in the last 16, and scraped past Belgium in the quarter-finals with an 88th-minute goal. Against France, though, they were ruthless early, going 2-0 up inside an hour.
Pundits were quick to praise the performance. Former Premier League champion Chris Sutton said Spain had outclassed France despite the credit France had earned earlier in the tournament, while ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane pointed to a lack of cohesion in the French side, contrasting it with Spain’s team-first approach. Former Arsenal winger Ian Wright echoed the sentiment, saying he was surprised by how comfortably Spain’s structure won out over France’s individual talent.

The Numbers Behind the Win

Spain’s unbeaten run of 37 games now matches Italy’s all-time record. They’ve also become the first side in World Cup history to record six clean sheets in a single tournament, and the low shot quality France managed — an expected-goals figure of just 0.3 — was the lowest by any nation in a World Cup semi-final since Brazil faced Sweden back in 1994.
Teenager Lamine Yamal continues to boast a remarkable individual record: he’s never lost with Spain, and across 12 World Cup and European Championship starts combined, he’s won every single one.

De la Fuente’s Long Game Pays Off

When De la Fuente took over as Spain boss in December 2022, he wasn’t a widely known name, having previously coached only the nation’s junior sides. Since then he’s delivered a Nations League title in 2023 and European Championship glory in 2024, and now a World Cup final. Several of his current squad — including Oyarzabal, Rodri, Mikel Merino and goalkeeper Unai Simon — played under him at youth level years before this tournament, and De la Fuente pointed to that shared history and team spirit as central to Spain’s success. He also revealed he received a congratulatory call from King Felipe VI after the final whistle.

Tactical Breakdown: How Spain Nullified France

Spain’s midfield trio of Fabian Ruiz, Rodri and Dani Olmo overwhelmed France’s two-man midfield, with Olmo’s deep-dropping runs from a free role creating a numerical advantage that France struggled to track. Spain also exploited France’s passive, zonal defensive setup out wide — repeatedly overloading the flanks with a winger and full-back combination. That’s exactly how the second goal came: Porro made a run beyond the ball that French winger Desire Doue failed to track, and Porro returned to finish the move himself after playing the initial pass.

Deschamps To Bow Out After Third-Place Playoff

France boss Didier Deschamps, in charge since 2012, will step down after Saturday’s third-place playoff against the losers of the Argentina-England semi-final. The match will also mark a record for Deschamps — his 26th World Cup game in charge, surpassing the previous record of 25 held jointly with former West Germany manager Helmut Schon. Deschamps said he was proud of what the team had achieved during his tenure, even though this wasn’t the ending he wanted. Former France defender Gael Clichy said Deschamps leaves a strong legacy, having lifted French football to the top, and suggested his successor will face a tough act to follow.