According to Nivo News, a senior presidential aide to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Yiga Wamala, has ignited widespread controversy after openly declaring that the long-serving leader would not relinquish power through the ballot, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming general election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a video that has since gone viral, Wamala dismissed the significance of voters remaining at polling units, insisting that citizens and party agents would play no role in counting votes. He claimed that ballots would be processed exclusively by machines, rendering the presence of voters and observers unnecessary.

Wamala further asserted that voters would not witness the counting of ballots, maintaining that the process would be handled electronically and away from public scrutiny. He also suggested that access to collation centres would be tightly restricted, with only a handful of individuals, including candidates, allowed to be present.

The presidential aide categorically ruled out the possibility of an opposition victory, particularly referencing leading opposition figure Bobi Wine. He openly declared that there was no scenario under which the opposition would be announced as winners of the election.

Reinforcing his remarks, Wamala stated that President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for more than three decades, would retain power, urging voters not to believe that the president could lose through the voting process. He added that the ruling establishment was fully confident of victory and advised citizens not to waste their time expecting a different outcome.

Beyond defending the current administration, Wamala also hinted at a potential family succession plan, suggesting that Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, was positioned to assume leadership after his father. He implied that power would remain within the same political structure even after Museveni’s tenure.

President Museveni, now 81, is seeking a seventh term in office, having first taken power in 1986. While his early years in office were marked by promises of reform following years of instability, his prolonged rule has drawn increasing criticism over allegations of corruption, shrinking democratic space and rising authoritarian tendencies.

According to Nivo News, legal practitioner Ifeanyi Ejiofor has strongly criticised the Katsina State Government over its reported plan to release 70 individuals suspected to be involved in banditry, describing the move as deeply troubling and potentially dangerous.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement released in Abuja, Ejiofor warned that the proposed action represents a distortion of justice, morality and national sovereignty, cautioning that it could further aggravate insecurity and embolden violent elements. He argued that releasing suspected bandits without due process sends a harmful message that the use of arms, violence and intimidation has become an acceptable means of negotiating with the state.

Ejiofor expressed concern that such a decision could worsen instability not only in Katsina State but across the wider North-West and other regions of the country. He also questioned whether the move had the consent of the Federal Government and relevant security agencies, insisting that Nigerians are entitled to a clear and constitutionally backed explanation. According to him, silence from federal authorities could be interpreted as implied endorsement of the policy.

The lawyer drew attention to what he described as a stark contrast in the handling of security-related cases across the country, noting that individuals in other regions, particularly the South-East, remain in prolonged detention without trial. He referenced the reported death of a detainee, Calista Ifedi, while in custody as evidence of what he termed a deep imbalance in Nigeria’s justice and security framework.

Ejiofor called on governors and political leaders in the South-East to urgently address the situation of detained citizens, stressing the need for accountability, fairness and adherence to due process. He maintained that suspects should be prosecuted openly in line with the law rather than released through administrative or executive arrangements.

He further cautioned that engaging armed groups from a position of weakness could erode state authority and encourage violent groups to expand their reach if such actions are left unchallenged.

According to Nivo News, Premier League side West Ham United have stepped up their interest in Nigerian midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi as the 20-year-old continues his international assignment with the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The London club has been closely monitoring the performances of the SV Zulte Waregem midfielder for several months, with officials impressed by his maturity, composure and consistency in the Belgian top flight. West Ham’s interest is said to have intensified following Nnadi’s inclusion in Nigeria’s final AFCON squad.

Reports indicate that West Ham representatives recently held discussions with the player’s camp during the tournament in Morocco, seeking to understand his willingness to make a move before initiating formal negotiations with his club. Sources familiar with the talks revealed that the engagement was exploratory, aimed at gauging Nnadi’s long-term ambitions and suitability for the Premier League.

West Ham are believed to view the midfielder as a key addition capable of bringing balance and defensive solidity to their midfield, with considerations already made for a long-term contract that could run for up to five years.

Nnadi’s rapid rise has also attracted attention from several other clubs across Europe. Premier League sides including Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds United, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace are reportedly keeping tabs on his progress, while teams in Germany and Spain are also monitoring the situation. Despite the growing competition, West Ham are understood to be leading the race for his signature.

The former Flying Eagles star featured prominently at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where Nigeria reached the quarter-finals, and made his AFCON debut during the Super Eagles’ group-stage clash against Uganda. Since joining Zulte Waregem from Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv in January 2024, Nnadi has quickly emerged as one of Europe’s most highly rated young defensive midfielders.