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Eyes on Abidjan: West African Elders Deploy Jonathan, Boni for Tense Pre-Election Talks

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LAGOS – Former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and former Beninese President Mr. Thomas Boni Yayi are leading a West African Elders’ Forum (WAEF) pre-election fact-finding mission to Côte d’Ivoire, ahead of the country’s crucial October 2025 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, members of the high-level delegation arrived in Abidjan on Monday afternoon to begin a three-day engagement.

A statement from the WAEF Secretariat confirmed the composition of the mission, which includes Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), as well as other senior members of the Forum’s Secretariat.

Ms. Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) and head of the WAEF Secretariat, noted that the mission would hold strategic meetings with key stakeholders in Côte d’Ivoire. These include political party leaders, the Independent Electoral Commission, security agencies, civil society groups, and members of the diplomatic community.

She emphasized that the purpose of the Forum’s presence in Abidjan is to foster trust and public confidence in the electoral process, helping to ensure peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections.

According to the Secretariat’s statement, the West African Elders’ Forum is a non-partisan, locally driven platform comprising former heads of state and government across the sub-region. It leverages the stature, experience, and diplomatic reach of its members to offer advisory support, mediation, and conflict-resolution services to political actors in West Africa.

One of WAEF’s core missions is to support democratic consolidation, particularly during electoral transitions. The statement noted:

“Through its strategic engagements before, during, and after elections, WAEF aims to encourage dialogue, uphold the rule of law, and promote peaceful transitions of power.”

Since its inception in 2020, the Forum has conducted similar diplomatic missions in several countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Senegal, and The Gambia.

The upcoming Ivorian presidential election is expected to be closely watched, as incumbent President Alassane Ouattara seeks re-election. He will face contenders from the country’s main opposition parties—the African People’s Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA–CI) and the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI).

In both the 2015 and 2020 presidential elections, Ouattara won by landslide margins, securing over 80 percent of the vote, though not without post-election tensions. The WAEF’s intervention is seen as part of wider regional efforts to prevent political instability and promote democratic norms in West Africa.

”NIVONEWS”

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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.

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Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.

“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.

He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”

Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.

He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.

“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.

In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.

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‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.

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Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.

While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.

He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.

The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.

He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.

“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”

The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.

2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.

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NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.

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Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.

The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.

As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.

Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.

The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.

Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment

Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.

The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.

According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.

The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.

The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.

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