Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has officially confirmed that his current deputy, Yakubu Garba, will remain his running mate for the 2027 gubernatorial election. During an announcement at the Government House in Minna, Governor Bago noted that Garba’s name will be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in accordance with constitutional requirements. Addressing recent speculation, the Governor reaffirmed his partnership with Garba, stating, “I have called you to come and witness that my Deputy, Yakubu Garba, is still my running mate in 2027.”....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In separate developments, police in Niger State have arrested 38-year-old Hamisu Abdullahi for allegedly attempting to disrupt a public event. Abdullahi was taken into custody during the Governor’s visit to the Emir of Suleja after he reportedly shouted slogans regarding utility shortages. According to police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna on charges related to suspected thuggery and the obstruction of government activities.

Option 2: Concise Summary

Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State has reaffirmed his commitment to his deputy, Yakubu Garba, naming him as his running mate for the 2027 election. The Governor stated that this decision fulfills legal requirements for the upcoming INEC nomination process.

Meanwhile, authorities have apprehended Hamisu Abdullahi, 38, following a disturbance during the Governor’s visit to the Emir of Suleja. Abdullahi, who reportedly shouted “no water, no light,” is currently under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department for suspected thuggery and attempting to disrupt official government proceedings.

Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has rejected claims that the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s policies caused the current economic hardship in Nigeria. During an interview on Arise Television, Sirika asserted that Nigeria’s economy and education sector were in a “good state” and “flourishing” under Buhari’s leadership.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Sirika maintained that Buhari “did extremely well” in managing the economy.

• He argued that it would be unfair to draw comparisons between the state of the country under Buhari and the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu.

• While expressing his belief that the nation was better off previously, Sirika stated he would not be drawn into debating the causes of current hardships.

• He declined to criticize the policies or decisions of either the past or current presidents, noting that he is not in a position to fully com

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that the governing body is exploring the possibility of expanding the 2030 World Cup to include 64 teams. This potential shift follows the recent expansion from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament, which increased the match count to 104. Infantino advocates for this change to provide smaller footballing nations with greater opportunities to qualify, arguing that increased representation motivates countries to invest in their local leagues, academies, and national programs. While the proposal remains subject to approval by FIFA’s decision-making bodies, it aims to narrow the competitive gap between traditional powerhouses and emerging teams. The 2030 event, which commemorates the tournament’s centenary, is already unique for being hosted by six countries across three continents: Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

FIFA is considering a massive shake-up for the 2030 World Cup, with President Gianni Infantino hinting at a potential expansion to 64 teams. Building on the success of the 48-team format introduced for 2026, Infantino believes that giving more countries a seat at the table is essential for the global development of the sport. He noted that under the current expanded format, teams from all continents have proven their competitiveness, suggesting that the divide between established nations and newcomers is shrinking. If approved, this 64-team structure would be implemented for a historic tournament already set to span three continents and six host nations to celebrate the competition’s 100th anniversary. FIFA is currently evaluating the logistical and financial implications of such an expansion before making a final decision.