During an appearance on ARISE News, political strategist and League of Northern Democrats Convener Umar Ardo pointed out major structural hurdles preventing a merger between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ardo noted that while Atiku is unlikely to step down voluntarily, doing so wouldn’t alienate his core supporters. Conversely, while Peter Obi might be more inclined to step aside, his support base would likely break away and refuse to follow his lead. Despite these obstacles to a joint ticket, Ardo maintains that each politician retains enough individual strategic weight to challenge the incumbent independently.

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has encouraged his squad to stay grounded and take valuable lessons from a tough start to the Premier League season following a 3-0 defeat to reigning champions Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A Historic Return to the Top Flight

• Long-Awaited Milestone: The match marked Coventry’s first appearance in the English top flight in over 25 years, since their relegation in May 2001.

• Early Pressure: Arsenal stamped their authority early, netting all three goals within the first 49 minutes. Despite creating limited attacking opportunities, Coventry’s traveling supporters remained vocal and supportive throughout the fixture.

Building Through Heavy Investment

• Transfer Market Backing: The club heavily backed Lampard ahead of their return, investing roughly £130 million and breaking their club transfer record four times.

• Starting Lineup: New recruits including Frank Onyeka, Aurele Amenda, Loum Tchaouna, Carl Rushworth, and record signing Caleb Yirenkyi all made the starting XI, while Gustavo Hamer and Taiwo Awoniyi featured from the bench.

Looking Ahead

• Taking the Lessons: Speaking after the match, Lampard emphasized that defeats against elite opposition are part of the learning curve for a newly promoted side, pointing out that even established clubs face heavy losses at the Emirates.

• Upcoming Fixtures: The Sky Blues will look to regroup when they face fellow promoted side Hull City next week, ahead of demanding fixtures against Manchester City and Nottingham Forest in September.

President Bola Tinubu has released the lineup for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council heading into the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Chairman & Vice Chairman: President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead the council directly, supported by party chairman Nentawe Yilwatda as vice-chairman.

• Director-General & Secretary: Former Zamfara State Governor Senator Abdulaziz Yari serves as the Director-General, with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma acting as secretary.

• Deputies: Senator Ajibola Bashiru and Hadiza Bala-Usman are appointed as deputy and assistant secretaries.

• Advisory Body: Key elders and leaders including Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Segun Osoba, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and Senator Florence Ita Giwa will serve as special advisers.

Regional Directors & Deputies

• North and South Leadership: Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abass, and Governor Mai Mala Buni are designated as deputy director-generals, working closely with Senator Bamidele Opeyemi and Senator Jibril Barau across regions.

• Mobilization & Administration: Senator Adams Oshiomhole takes charge of mobilization, while the President’s Chief of Staff manages administration.

• Election Planning: James Abiodun Faleke returns to lead election planning, coordination, and monitoring alongside regional directors across the geopolitical zones.

Legal and Media Directorate

• Legal Team: Muiz Adeyemi Banire leads the legal team, aided by deputies Dr. Liman Hassan and Babatunde Ogala, alongside other prominent legal minds.

• Media & Communications: Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi coordinates media and strategic communication alongside senior figures like Dele Alake, Bayo Onanuga, and Lanre Issa-Onilu.

• Spokespersons: Dele Alake leads a five-member team of spokespersons, which includes Alwan Hassan, Ayobami Oyalowo, Kemi Asekun-Shittu, and Adamu Fanda.