Sadiq Abubakar, the former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Leader, has officially secured the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship ticket for Gombe State. Following his recent defection from the APC—a move he attributed to the economic strain caused by the ruling party’s policies—Abubakar was affirmed as the NDC candidate during the party’s primary. Expressing his gratitude, he praised the NDC for its commitment to internal democracy, noting that his victory serves as proof that the party values fairness and protects the mandates of its members. He emphasized that his transition to the NDC was motivated by a desire for a transparent political process and a continued commitment to serving the public with integrity.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a decisive win, former APC National Youth Leader Sadiq Abubakar has been confirmed as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate for Gombe State. Abubakar, who left the APC due to dissatisfaction with the party’s policies and their impact on Nigerians, celebrated the outcome of the NDC primary as a triumph for fair play. Addressing the press, he lauded the party’s leadership and delegates for upholding internal democracy. Abubakar reaffirmed his dedication to public service, stating that the NDC’s transparent approach to the primary process reinforces his belief that the party is a platform where every member is treated with equality and respect.

Option 3: Narrative Style After parting ways with the APC over concerns regarding the ruling party’s economic policies, Sadiq Abubakar has found a new path to leadership as the Gombe State governorship candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). During the party’s recent primary, Abubakar was officially affirmed as the candidate, a development he hailed as a testament to the NDC’s commitment to internal democracy. He told reporters that his victory validates his decision to join the party, noting that unlike his previous experience, the NDC respects the mandates of its members. With a focus on integrity and service, Abubakar expressed his readiness to lead and thanked his supporters for their trust.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has formally announced a significant escalation in counterterrorism cooperation between Washington and Abuja, detailing a recent high-impact joint operation that resulted in the elimination of a top global ISIS leader within Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Rubio made these statements during a hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee regarding the State Department’s FY27 budget request, which was held on Wednesday in Washington, DC.

The U.S. official emphasized that the United States remains deeply concerned about the rising tide of violence in Nigeria, specifically highlighting attacks against Christians. He stated that this concern has translated into a new phase of active counterterrorism partnership with Nigerian authorities.

“We are now actively in counterterrorism cooperation with the Nigerian government and Nigerian security forces, including a joint operation a couple of weeks ago that took out the number two leader of global ISIS operating from inside of the country, and that continues,” Rubio informed the committee.

The operation, which was a coordinated U.S.-Nigerian assault on May 15, targeted the compound of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of global ISIS operations. The high-value target’s stronghold was located in the volatile Lake Chad Basin region.

Adding crucial context, U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth further confirmed that Al-Minuki was the primary figure responsible for directing and executing multiple attacks on Christian communities across Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria had previously confirmed the death of Al-Minuki, noting that several of his top lieutenants were also neutralized in the precise mission. Tinubu expressed his strong desire for continued, decisive military strikes against all terrorist enclaves within the country.

Since the successful elimination of Al-Minuki, subsequent reports indicate that more joint U.S.-Nigerian operations have targeted and destroyed terrorist positions. Just days after the initial operation, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters announced that a series of joint airstrikes in Metele, Borno State, had killed more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters. Furthermore, on June 1, a separate airstrike in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, conducted by the Nigerian military in collaboration with the United States Africa Command, resulted in the death of an additional 21 ISWAP insurgents.

As of today, June 4, 2026, the exchange rate for the US Dollar to the Nigerian Naira is trading at ₦1,366.78.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Important Market Context:

• Parallel Market Status: Please be aware that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the parallel (black) market. The CBN continues to advise individuals seeking foreign exchange to conduct their transactions through authorized commercial banks.

• Price Variability: Market rates are highly fluid and can fluctuate throughout the day. The figures provided reflect current market indicators, but the actual price you encounter at a Bureau De Change (BDC) or other exchange points may vary depending on location and individual negotiation.