Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), recently stated that Nigerians prioritize electing a leader based on competence, justice, and public service over religious considerations. During an appearance on Arise Television, Adebayo argued that the ongoing debate regarding a “Muslim-Muslim” ticket for the 2027 elections is misguided.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Critique of the Current Administration: Adebayo characterized the administration of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as a “zero-zero ticket,” asserting that it has failed to uphold the principles of justice expected by the public.

• Rejection of Religious Sentiment: He maintained that he opposed the “Muslim-Muslim” argument during the 2023 election cycle, noting that Islamic jurisprudence emphasizes justice over a leader’s religious identity.

• Governance Principles: Adebayo argued that Islamic principles dictate that public office should be entrusted to those who are most qualified, rather than being distributed based on bias, favoritism, or the expectation of rewards.

• Manipulation Allegations: He accused proponents of using the concept of a “Muslim-Muslim” ticket to manipulate and defraud the electorate through religious sentiment.

• Focus on National Priorities: The SDP candidate emphasized that Nigerians are currently more concerned with insecurity, economic hardships, and access to justice than with the religious background of political candidates.

• Irony in Leadership: Citing the political grievances of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Adebayo pointed out the irony that even a prominent proponent of the same-faith ticket is now seeking justice himself.

Adebayo concluded by stating that there is no public support for such tickets and that Nigerians are unlikely to be swayed by religious appeals in 2027.

What specific aspects of Adewole Adebayo’s political platform or his critique of the current administration would you like to explore further?

Former executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State have officially defected to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in preparation for the 2027 general elections. The group announced their departure at a gathering organized by Maiwada Bakoji Misau and Shehu Dubagari Misau, citing the following reasons for their decision:....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• • Internal Governance Concerns: They identified poor leadership, a perceived lack of internal democracy, and the neglect of grassroots members as primary drivers for leaving the APC.

  • Lack of Recognition: The defectors alleged that the APC leadership failed to adequately address concerns regarding the party’s decision-making structures and did not sufficiently recognize the contributions of loyal local members.

  • Commitment to Service: Describing their move as a “political awakening,” the former officials stated they sought a platform that prioritizes service, empowerment, and meaningful development over personal interests.

  Future Outlook and Party Integration:

  • Mobilization Plans: The new PRP members have pledged to utilize their existing grassroots networks to strengthen the party’s structure and expand its membership throughout Misau Local Government Area.

  • PRP Leadership Response: PRP leaders welcomed the defectors, assuring them of equal opportunities, full participation, and a lack of discrimination between new and existing members.

  • Strategic Goal: The PRP leadership emphasized that these new additions will bolster their preparations for the 2027 polls and continue to invite other dissatisfied members from rival parties to join their campaign for accountable and people-centered governance in Bauchi State.

Brighton & Hove Albion’s 19-year-old Nigerian winger, Zadok Yohanna, has been ranked 80th in the latest list of contenders for the 2026 European Golden Boy award, published by the Italian sports daily Tuttosport. This annual recognition honors the top performing players under the age of 21 for the calendar year.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Career Progression: Yohanna recently joined the Premier League side Brighton from Swedish club AIK Stockholm on a five-year contract lasting until June 2031.

• Performance: During his tenure at AIK, he recorded five goals and four assists in 18 appearances.

• National Team: Although called up for Nigeria’s 2026 Unity Cup squad, his Swedish club blocked his release because the tournament fell outside of the official FIFA international window.

• Golden Boy Context: While Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal leads the current rankings, he is ineligible to win the award again due to rules prohibiting previous winners from receiving the honor twice.

• Notable Competition: The shortlist includes prominent young talents such as Arsenal’s Miles Lewis-Skelly, Chelsea’s Estevao and Jorrel Hato, PSG’s Warren Zaire-Emery, and Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi.

The Golden Boy award has historically recognized elite talent, with former winners including stars like Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, and Pedri. Spain currently leads the competition in total winners with four, followed by France with three.