Bashir Adamu, a former House of Representatives member and governorship aspirant for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State, has formally challenged the results of the party’s recent primary election. In a petition submitted to the State Election Appeal Committee, Adamu alleged that the process, which resulted in the victory of Senator Sabo Muhammad Nakudu, was “flawed and undemocratic” due to significant irregularities, voter intimidation, and bias by party officials.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Adamu specifically accused the primary election committee of compromising its neutrality under pressure from the State Executive Committee. Furthermore, he cited deliberate delays in the distribution of election materials—particularly in the North-West Senatorial District—as a tactic that disenfranchised voters and allowed political thugs to hijack the process and fabricate results. He further noted that violence led to the cancellation of voting in four local government areas, rendering the election inconclusive. In response, Jigawa ADC State Chairman Muhammad Gumel has appealed for calm, urging Adamu to accept the results as the will of God and remain committed to party unity despite the competitive nature of the election.

Option 2: Concise/Punchy

• The Challenge: Former lawmaker Bashir Adamu has rejected the Jigawa State ADC governorship primary outcome, petitioning the appeal committee for a total nullification and a fresh vote.

• Allegations of Malpractice: Adamu claims that party officials were biased, that election materials were intentionally delayed to facilitate ballot snatching, and that violence invalidated voting in several areas.

• Contested Victory: While Senator Sabo Muhammad Nakudu was declared the winner with 35,939 votes against Adamu’s 19,537, Adamu insists the results do not represent the true will of the party members.

• Call for Unity: State Chairman Muhammad Gumel has called for peace, framing the conflict as a standard part of political competition and asking Adamu to respect the outcome.

Key Takeaways:

• The Conflict: A major internal dispute has emerged within the Jigawa ADC following the declaration of Senator Sabo Muhammad Nakudu as the governorship candidate.

• Primary Concerns: Allegations include the use of political thugs, compromised election committee leadership, and procedural violations of both party guidelines and the Electoral Act.

• Next Steps: The matter is currently before the State Election Appeal Committee as party leadership pushes for internal resolution.

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will no longer participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States. FIFA confirmed that Artan, who was set to become the first official from Somalia to referee at a World Cup finals, will miss both the upcoming training activities and match assignments. While FIFA clarified that it is not involved in host country immigration or visa adjudication processes, it was informed by authorities that Artan’s status remains unchanged. Despite reportedly holding a valid visa, the referee was refused entry, and officials have not disclosed specific reasons for the decision. This exclusion is a major blow to Somali football, which had celebrated his selection as a historic milestone for the nation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• World Cup Exclusion: FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Artan is ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after being denied entry into the United States.

• A Historic Miss: The decision prevents Artan from becoming the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup finals, ending his participation in all tournament training and matches.

• Immigration Issues: Although Artan held a valid visa, he was denied entry by U.S. authorities, with FIFA noting that it has no influence over host country visa and admission policies.

• A Career Setback: Artan, who has been on the FIFA international referees list since 2018 and is regarded as one of Africa’s top officials, will be notably absent when the tournament kicks off on June 11.

Key Takeaways:

• The Outcome: Omar Artan cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup due to a U.S. entry denial.

• FIFA’s Stance: The organization maintains that host government authorities hold the ultimate power over who is admitted into their country.

• Background: Artan is a respected official in African football, and his absence is a significant disappointment for Somali sports representation.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has publicly compared the leadership qualities of President Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar. During a recent appearance on Channels Television, Lawal argued that while he acknowledges the current difficulties under President Tinubu’s administration, he remains convinced that Tinubu is a superior choice compared to the alternative that Atiku Abubakar would represent. Using a metaphorical comparison, Lawal suggested that in a choice between two negative options, one must select the “lesser devil”.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Furthermore, Lawal weighed in on the competence of political figures within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), asserting that presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen possesses greater professional competence than the party’s flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar. Lawal contrasted Hayatu-Deen’s background—specifically his former role as Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG)—with Atiku’s experience, concluding that the two are not comparable in terms of leadership and professional capacity.

Option 2: Concise/Punchy

• Tinubu vs. Atiku: Babachir Lawal recently labeled President Tinubu as the “lesser devil” when compared to Atiku Abubakar, arguing that the President is the better choice for Nigeria.

• Competence Debate: The former SGF stated that Mohammed Hayatu-Deen is far more competent than Atiku Abubakar, citing Hayatu-Deen’s extensive professional leadership as Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

• Political Context: These comments follow the recent ADC presidential primaries for the 2027 election, where Atiku emerged as the winner, followed by Rotimi Amaechi in second and Hayatu-Deen in third.

Key Takeaways:

• Presidential Assessment: Babachir Lawal maintains that President Tinubu is a better leader than Atiku Abubakar, even while noting current governance challenges.

• ADC Leadership: Lawal explicitly favors the professional background of Mohammed Hayatu-Deen over that of Atiku Abubakar within the context of the ADC.