Atletico Madrid has categorically dismissed any possibility of selling forward Julian Alvarez this summer, despite persistent interest from Barcelona.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Club Stance on Alvarez’s Future

• Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has confirmed that Alvarez is a fundamental component of the club’s long-term strategy and is not available for transfer.

• The club has maintained its position despite reports of substantial offers, with some bids reportedly reaching over €150 million to €200 million.

• Cerezo directly addressed interest from Barcelona president Joan Laporta, stating that he and Laporta are friends but clearly communicating that Alvarez will remain at Atletico next season.

Context of the Transfer Rumors

• Barcelona had reportedly targeted the 25-year-old Argentine as the preferred long-term successor for Robert Lewandowski.

• This stance from Atletico’s leadership is intended to end ongoing speculation regarding the forward’s departure.

Alvarez’s Performance and Profile

• Julian Alvarez has established himself as a versatile, complete forward known for his clinical finishing, high-intensity pressing, and ability to play anywhere across the front line.

• He has been a standout performer for Argentina during their run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, earning praise for his intelligent movement, goal-scoring, and work rate.

• Beyond his offensive contributions, he is highly valued for his defensive dedication, including tracking back to assist his team and press opposing defenders.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a pre-election lawsuit initiated by former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Court Ruling and Withdrawal

• Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order to strike out the case after Amaechi’s legal counsel, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, formally moved a motion to withdraw the suit.

• Okutepa informed the court that the parties involved had settled their differences, leading to an application for the discontinuance of the legal proceedings.

Background of the Dispute

• The lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1215/2026, challenged the primary election that resulted in Atiku Abubakar becoming the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

• Amaechi had previously requested the court to set aside the ADC presidential primary held on May 25, 2026, claiming that he was the rightful winner.

• Furthermore, he had sought orders to restrain Abubakar from presenting himself as the ADC presidential candidate and to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing him as such.

• The suit also demanded that the party be mandated to conduct a fresh primary election within 14 days, in accordance with the Electoral Act, the ADC constitution, and party guidelines.

Paul Ibe, media aide to 2027 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the federal government’s handling of the death of Mary Habila. He contends that the Nigerian police have a legal obligation to conduct a comprehensive criminal investigation and a Coroner’s inquest to determine the medical cause and circumstances surrounding her death.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Key Arguments

• Government Responsibility: Ibe asserts that under Nigerian law, the government must treat any sudden, suspicious, or unnatural death as a crime against the state.

• Investigative Obligation: He argues that the government’s duty to investigate such deaths cannot be blocked or halted by the deceased’s family.

• Failure to Act: Ibe claims the government failed in its responsibilities regarding the death, which occurred at the Uburu residence of Works Minister David Umahi.

• Forensic Concerns: He questioned the absence of a state-conducted autopsy, stating that without one, it is impossible to determine the cause of death or identify potential foul play, negligence, or torture.

• Required Procedures: Ibe maintains that in such cases, the police are required to secure the scene, gather forensic evidence, and question all involved parties.