Real Madrid ended a troubled La Liga campaign with a 4-2 win over Athletic Bilbao in Alvaro Arbeloa’s last game at the helm, while Mallorca and Girona were relegated from the Spanish top flight on Saturday.

In the final round of fixtures, Mallorca defeated already-relegated Real Oviedo 3-0 to reach 42 points, but it was not enough to survive.

Girona were held to a 1-1 draw by Elche, which kept the visitors up and sent the Catalan side down, just one season after they played in the Champions League.

Veteran Polish striker Robert Lewandowski scored for champions Barcelona in his final match for the club, but goals from Javi Guerra, Luis Rioja and Guido Rodriguez snatched a 3-1 victory for Valencia.

Celta Vigo wrapped up Europa League qualification with a 1-0 win over Sevilla to come sixth, while Getafe secured seventh and a Conference League berth with a 1-0 win over Osasuna.

Dani Carvajal, playing his last game for Real Madrid, produced a sensational ball for Gonzalo Garcia to fire the second-place hosts ahead against Athletic.

England international Jude Bellingham scored a superb second, before Gorka Guruzeta slammed past Thibaut Courtois for Ernesto Valverde’s visitors just before the break in the coach’s last game at the helm.

La Liga’s top goalscorer Kylian Mbappe swept home from outside the area for Real’s third, his 25th goal of the season in the top flight.

– Carvajal’s goodbye –

When Carvajal was taken off with 10 minutes to go, both teams gave the 34-year-old a guard of honour as he bid an emotional goodbye to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Morocco international Brahim Diaz tucked home a fourth late on as Madrid were at least able to sign off from a disappointing trophyless campaign on a high note, despite Urko Izeta pulling another back for Athletic.

“We haven’t had two easy seasons but I am sure we will come back to win, this is Real Madrid,” said a tearful Carvajal, who won 27 trophies with Real.

The defender thanked his team-mates past and present, president Florentino Perez, his family and the fans in an emotional speech on the pitch.

“I am very proud of being a Madridista, thank you for the impossible comebacks, being here in the good times and bad,” he added.

“I just hope that when you remember me it is with pride and that I gave everything for this shirt.”

Levante survived in 16th and Osasuna in 17th despite defeats and finishing on 42 points, the same tally as relegated Mallorca in 18th, because of head to head results between the three sides.

“I’m broken, I want to say sorry to everyone,” said Mallorca midfielder Sergi Darder.

Girona, who qualified for Europe’s premier competition in 2024, stayed up by a single point last season but were held to a draw by Elche, which condemned them to the second division.

Arnau Martinez pulled Girona level after Alvaro Rodriguez fired Elche ahead, but it was not enough to survive.

On Sunday, in the final match of the season, Villarreal and Atletico Madrid battle for third place.

AFP

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By Emmanuel Iheaka, OWERRI

Youths of Umuadara, Umulogho in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State, have arrested one of the suspected killers of a student of College of Nursing, Obowo, Wendy Achumba.

A source in the community said the youth leader, Chidiebere Iweajunwa led the operation for the arrest, following a thorough investigation.

The suspect whose name was given as Onyema Okonkwo, had confessed to the crime in a video interview that had gone viral.

Okonkwo stated that he had stormed the student’s apartment with one Emmanuel at about 7 p.m., and both took turns raping Achumba.

The student was said to be living alone in the building, after her two neighbours had left for nursing experience.

“She was the only one in the house. The owner of the house is based in America. There were three students occupying the house. But two went for their nursing experience, leaving only her in the compound,” the source submitted.

The suspect narrated that the student rejected their advances for sexual affairs, hence they decided to invade her residence.

Okonkwo said he hit the student with stick before the said Emmanuel put a knife on her throat after rounds of forced sex.

“We wanted her to give us sex, she refused. We went to her house around 7 p.m. I had sex with her two times, Emmanuel had once. After that, I hit her with a stick. I didn’t know Emmanuel returned with a knife to kill her,” Okonkwo claimed.

The suspect was said to have been handed over to the police.

The police spokesman in the state, Henry Okoye was yet to respond to inquiries at the time of filing this report.

Vanguard News

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By Adeola Badru

A prominent Ibadan traditional chief and businessman, Chief Taofeek Adegoke, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.

Read Also: 2027: Tinubu to receive Certificate of Return, APC flag Sunday

Adegoke secured victory at the party’s governorship primary election on Saturday evening, defeating other aspirants, including Adebisi Ilaka, in a keenly contested exercise witnessed by party stakeholders and delegates across the state.

Announcing the results, the Chairman of the Screening Committee, Rasak Salinsile, disclosed that Adegoke polled 16,051 votes to emerge victorious, while Ilaka garnered 11,415 votes. Gbemileke Alagbe came third with 241 votes.

Former Commissioner for Health in Oyo State, Dr Azeez Adeduntan, secured 155 votes, while Niyi Aborisade polled 67 votes.

Speaking shortly after his emergence, the Ibadan chief expressed profound appreciation to party delegates and members for the confidence reposed in him, describing the victory as a collective mandate to reposition Oyo State for accelerated growth and sustainable development.

He urged members of the ADC to remain united, committed and focused, while intensifying mobilisation efforts across the state in preparation for the 2027 polls.

Adegoke pledged that, if elected governor, his administration would prioritise infrastructural renewal, security, healthcare delivery, quality education and road rehabilitation across the state.

According to him, Oyo State possesses enormous potential that must be harnessed through visionary leadership, purposeful governance and people-oriented policies.

“Oyo State is blessed with immense human and natural resources. What is required is transparent, responsible and visionary leadership that will place the welfare of the people above personal interests.

“My administration will pursue aggressive urban renewal programmes, strengthen security architecture, reposition the healthcare sector, improve educational standards and ensure that road infrastructure receives the attention it deserves.

“I am fully prepared to provide practical solutions to the challenges confronting our dear state. By the grace of God and with the support of the good people of Oyo State, we shall build a prosperous, secure and economically viable state that every citizen will be proud of,” he said.

The ADC governorship candidate also appreciated the national leadership of the party, including former Senate President, David Mark; former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, assuring them that their confidence in his candidacy would not be misplaced.

“I deeply appreciate the leadership of our great party for ensuring a transparent and credible process. I equally thank our teeming supporters and party faithful for standing firmly with me throughout this journey.

“I want to assure our leaders — Senator David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar — that I will justify the trust and confidence they have reposed in me. Together, we shall offer the people of Oyo State a credible alternative anchored on competence, integrity and development,” he added.

Adegoke stated that he was extending a hand of fellowship to his fellow contestants in the primary election, urging them to join hands with him in the collective task of repositioning Oyo State for greater development.

He noted that the primary election was not about personal ambition but about the shared desire to provide purposeful leadership and a better future for the people of the state.

“We may have contested against one another during the primary, but we remain members of the same political family with a common goal of rescuing Oyo State and delivering good governance to our people.

“I therefore extend my hand of fellowship to my brothers who participated in this contest. I urge them and their supporters to come together so that we can collectively build a stronger and more united ADC capable of winning the 2027 governorship election,” Adegoke said.

He noted that the successful conduct of the primary election reflected the unity, transparency and internal democratic culture within the ADC, expressing confidence that the party would emerge stronger and more formidable ahead of the polls.

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Iran are moving their World Cup training base to Mexico after football’s world governing body FIFA approved a request to transfer it from Tucson, Arizona, the head of Iran’s football federation said on Saturday.

The Iranian team will be based in Tijuana on the border of Mexico and the United States, federation president Mehdi Taj said in a video carried by the Fars news agency.

“Fortunately, thanks to the meetings we had with FIFA officials… our request to change countries from the United States to Mexico, due to problems encountered in obtaining visas, was accepted by FIFA,” Taj said.

“We will therefore be based in Tijuana, near the Pacific Ocean. It is a city that lies between Mexico and the US, but it is located in Mexico. We have actually completed the team building there.”

Taj said that the move would help to avoid complications related to visas and that the squad could use Iran Air flights to travel directly to Mexico.

The 2026 World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, which along with Israel began bombing Iran on February 28, sparking a wider war in the Middle East.

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By John Alechenu, ABUJA

The Labour Party has opened an appeals window for presidential, governorship, and National Assembly aspirants dissatisfied with the outcome of its screening exercise ahead of the 2026 elections.

This was contained in a public notice issued by the party’s Screening Appeals Committee, in Abuja, late on Saturday. In it, such aspirants were directed to submit Notices of Appeal and all supporting documents on or before 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026.

The committee said the appeal hearings would be conducted in line with the party’s constitution, electoral guidelines, and its terms of reference.

According to the notice, the appeals will hold on Monday, May 25, 2026, between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

The notice read in part, “Aspirants may complete the prescribed notice of appeal form or submit a self-drafted notice, provided it conforms to the approved format. Appellants were advised to clearly state the basis of their appeals and attach all relevant documents, with a warning that appeals submitted after the deadline would not be considered.”

The committee directed that appeals be submitted either physically or via the official email address provided. It stressed that oral submissions and notices sent through unauthorised channels would not be accepted.

The notice was signed by the Chairman of the Screening Appeals Committee, Barrister Taiwo Mary Ajayi, and the Secretary, Hajia Bintu Konto.

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By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu will, tomorrow, Sunday, receive the certificate and flag of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

Read Also: [2027] Video: Tinubu participates in APC primary, praises ‘internal democracy’

This is contained in a statement  by presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja.

According to Onanuga, the APC Presidential Primary Elections Committee will formally present the certificate and party flag to the President at the event.

The ceremony will hold at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja after nationwide collation of the primary election results.

APC governors, members of the National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee, and the National Assembly, along with party stalwarts, will attend the event.

Some results so far…

Meanwhile, here are some results from the primaries:

President Tinubu recorded a landslide victory in the APC, presidential primary election in Ogun State, polling a total of 322,485 votes to emerge winner of the exercise.

His only challenger, Stanley Osifo, failed to secure a single vote across the 20 local government areas of the state.

In Benue State, he polled a total of 374,787 votes to defeat his co-contestant, Stanley Osifo, who garnered 779 votes in the exercise held across the 23 Local Government areas of the state.

In Rivers, Tinubu got 280,082 to defeat his rival Mr Stanley Osifo, who scored zero in the primary that was conducted across the wards of the 23 local government areas.

President Tinubu polled 407,646 votes across all 25 Local Government Areas to win in Delta State.

In Abia State, Tinubu polled 161,005 votes to defeat his rival, Osifo Stanley, who secured 1,007 votes.

In Osun, the President polled 100,880 votes to win the exercise against his opponent, Mr Stanley Osifo who polled zero votes.

Vanguard News

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Ewa Pajor and Salma Paralluelo scored twice each in the second half as Barcelona thrashed a stunned Lyon 4-0 in the Women’s Champions League final on Saturday to win the European title for the fourth time.

It took until the 55th minute for the deadlock to be broken by Pajor, but Barcelona ran away with the game after that at the Ullevaal Stadion in the Norwegian capital.

Polish striker Pajor put the pain of five previous final defeats behind her as she also scored her team’s second goal on 69 minutes, leaving Lyon with too much to do.

Pajor was on the losing side in four Champions League finals with previous club Wolfsburg before joining Barcelona in 2024 and playing in their 1-0 loss to Arsenal in Lisbon last season.

Spain World Cup winner Paralluelo then added two late goals as Lyon fell apart, exposing a gulf between the two outstanding club sides in women’s football over the last decade.

The victory, and manner of it, confirmed that Barcelona have overtaken Lyon as the dominant force in recent years, as they won their fourth title, all of which have come in the last six seasons — only Lyon, with eight, have won more overall.

Barcelona’s European triumph follows a clean sweep of the Spanish domestic honours, and the Catalans brought reigning Ballon d’Or Aitana Bonmati on as a second-half substitute here following her recent return from a broken leg.

This was a sixth straight Champions League final appearance for Barcelona, and their seventh in the last eight seasons.

They had already beaten Lyon 2-0 in the 2024 final, when Bonmati and Alexia Putellas scored their goals — the latter wore the captain’s armband here in what could turn out to be her farewell appearance with her contract now up.

This was the fourth time the clubs had met in the final, with Lyon coming out on top in 2019 during their run of five consecutive titles, and also winning in 2022 — but that is now the only time they have lifted the trophy in the last six editions.

Ada Hegerberg scored a hat-trick in the 2019 final and was also on target three years later, but the competition’s all-time leading scorer looked a shadow of her former self on this occasion, which was a homecoming for the Norwegian former Ballon d’Or winner.

– Emphatic –

Lyon must now try to lift themselves for a French title decider against Paris FC next weekend, after failing to go the extra step in Europe following their defeat of reigning champions Arsenal in the semi-finals.

The French side thought they had taken an early lead in the evening sunshine in front of a crowd of 24,258, with Lindsey Heaps converting the rebound after a Wendie Renard header had been saved by goalkeeper Cata Coll.

However, the effort was disallowed for offside following a VAR check.

Barcelona perhaps should have scored soon after as a mix-up between Renard and Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler allowed Pajor to try a lob from outside the area, but her attempt hit the side-netting.

Coll saved well from a Selma Bacha free-kick as the first half ended goalless, but Barcelona looked the more likely side and were rewarded with the opener 10 minutes after the restart.

Patri Guijarro was the creator with a driving run and pass to Pajor, who controlled, took another touch to steady herself, and fired in.

Coll tipped a Vicki Becho shot around the post as Lyon sought a leveller, but instead Barcelona increased their lead just past the midway point in the second half.

The French champions failed to clear the ball in their box and Paralluelo cut it back from the byline for Pajor to score.

Substitute Tabitha Chawinga’s inability to beat Coll when clean through summed up Lyon’s evening, and Paralluelo added a late brace to make it an emphatic victory.

Her magnificent rising strike from range in the 90th minute was the pick of the goals on the day, before she ran through to make it 4-0 in stoppage time.

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Celtic won the Scottish Cup with a 3-1 victory over Dunfermline on Saturday, sealing the double seven days after their dramatic title triumph.

Martin O’Neill’s side swept into a two-goal lead before half-time thanks to goals from Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels at Hampden Park.

Kelechi Iheanacho struck after the interval to put the result beyond doubt, making Josh Cooper’s late reply little consolation for out-classed Dunfermline.

It was a ninth consecutive win in all competitions for Celtic, who have timed their best run of form perfectly after being galvanised by interim boss O’Neill.

Celtic’s 43rd Scottish Cup success capped an incredible end to the season for O’Neill.

The 74-year-old now has nine major honours as a Celtic manager stretching over 26 years.

It was Celtic’s 14th top-flight and Scottish Cup double.

O’Neill is in his second spell as caretaker boss of the Glasgow club this season and is yet to agree to return next term.

So it was fitting that O’Neill’s potential farewell came in against Dunfermline boss Neil Lennon, who was a key member of O’Neill’s Celtic and Leicester teams earlier in his managerial career.

Asked if he could be persuaded to stay, O’Neill said: “Next week I might get to speak to the owner. Dermot Desmond brought me back in the first place, I owe him a great deal otherwise I wouldn’t be here.

“If the season was to start tomorrow, I couldn’t do it. But the season doesn’t start tomorrow. The Scottish season does start quickly though, and I’m getting old.

“What I have is a passion for the game. I don’t think that will ever leave me, even in my final days. That’s always been me. I have a desire to win.”

Celtic pipped Hearts to the Scottish Premiership title last weekend, coming from behind to win 3-1 against the Edinburgh club on the final day of the season.

The Hoops needed late goals from Maeda and Callum Osmand to finish two points above Derek McInnes’ side, who had led the table for months.

Hearts were furious that Celtic had stayed in the title race with a helping hand from a debatable penalty that clinched a win at Motherwell in their penultimate game.

There was, however, no need for any contentious drama in the final.

Celtic took the lead in the 19th minute as Alistair Johnston’s ball reached Maeda and he lobbed it over the stranded Aston Oxborough.

They doubled their advantage in the 36th minute when Engels hit a powerful strike from 25 yards that left Oxborough flat-footed.

Iheanacho latched on to Benjamin Nygren’s through ball and showed tremendous footwork to evade three defenders before slotting home in the 72nd minute.

Cooper scored on the rebound after Charlie Gilmour’s shot had been blocked in the 79th minute, but Celtic were never in danger of surrendering their lead.

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Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has pardoned the Senegalese football supporters jailed after violence at the 2025 AFCON final in Rabat for “humanitarian reasons”, a royal court statement said on Saturday.

It said that in view “of the age-old fraternal ties” between the two countries “and on the occasion of the advent of Eid al-Adha”, the king has “granted, on humanitarian grounds, his royal pardon to the Senegalese supporters”.

The Muslim holiday will be celebrated on Wednesday in Morocco.

Senegal won the chaotic January 18 AFCON final 1-0, but the match was later awarded on appeal to hosts Morocco.

After a penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time of the second half, just after a Senegal goal was disallowed, Senegalese fans tried to storm the pitch and hurled projectiles.

In February, Moroccan courts sentenced the 18 Senegalese supporters held in Morocco since the final to prison terms ranging from three months to a year.

Three were released from jail in mid-April after completing their three-month sentence.

Following that release, another 15 Senegalese fans remained incarcerated after receiving sentences ranging from six months to one year.

The royal pardon is expected to apply to those 15.

Lawyer Patrick Kabou, who represented a large number of the Senegalese, told AFP they were expected to be released late Saturday.

According to the public prosecutor’s office, the charges were based mainly on footage from cameras at Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Stadium, and on medical certificates for injured law enforcement officers and stewards.

Material damage from the violence was estimated at more than 370,000 euros (around $430,000).

After the African Football Confederation decided on March 17 to award the 2025 AFCON to Morocco by administrative ruling, Senegal appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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By Peter Duru

Three persons were reportedly killed, several others sustained injuries while some were abducted following separate attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in Otukpo Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State.

The attacks, which occurred Friday evening, targeted Akpamaju community and a police checkpoint at Ojano along the Otukpo-Enugu Road, throwing residents into panic.

A local source said the first attack took place at Akpamaju community where two men working on a farm were killed by the attackers.

According to the source, one of the victims had travelled from Gboko to operate a tractor hired for farming activities in the community.

“It was two different incidents. The first one happened at Akpamaju community in Otukpo Local Government Area on Friday evening,” the source said.

“The victims, two males, were on the farm. One of them came from Gboko to work for the man who hired him, and both of them were killed. The attackers were armed herdsmen. Luckily, one boy escaped from the farm. The survivor was with us when we deposited the recovered bodies at the mortuary.”

The source identified the deceased as Friday Omoha from Ogbadibo LGA and Francis Liambee from Guma LGA who reportedly operated the tractor.

The bodies were later deposited at the University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital mortuary in Otukpo.

Barely an hour after the Akpamaju incident, another attack was reported at Ojano along the Enugu Road where suspected herdsmen allegedly ambushed a police checkpoint.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers emerged from the bush and opened fire on the checkpoint, killing a young man who usually assisted police officers in moving the barricade used for vehicle checks.

“The young man was shot dead instantly while the policemen on duty fled for their lives,” the source said.

The attackers also reportedly opened fire on a commercial bus belonging to a Mass Transit company marked TMT, injuring some passengers and abducting some others but we do not readily have the figure of those they took away.

“Luckily, some of the passengers escaped and ran back towards Otukpo, while those injured were taken to the hospital,” the source added.

The damaged vehicle was later moved to the Otukpo Police Station while the corpse of the deceased was deposited at the mortuary.

Confirming the incidents, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, said according to the security report he received on the incident,  security operatives responded swiftly after receiving distress calls from the affected communities.

The report read, “Yesterday evening at about 5pm, we received a distress call from Ukpamaju village in Otukpo about a herdsmen attack

“We rushed to the already deserted village with the police and trailed the attackers to a farm where we discovered that two men who were tilling the land with a tractor had been killed.

“One of the survivors told us the attackers were about 15 in number and were armed with AK-47 rifles.”

Ogiri further disclosed that while officials were returning from the mortuary around 10pm, another distress call was received concerning an attack on the Ojano axis of the Enugu Road.

“While we were eating after leaving the mortuary, another distress call came from Ojano that the highway had been blocked by attackers.

“We mobilised with Operation Whirl Stroke personnel to the scene and engaged the attackers in a gun duel. They attacked a TMT mass transit vehicle and some other vehicles.

“We rescued three passengers and took them to the hospital, but unfortunately one of them died.”

The council chairman said preliminary findings suggested that the same group of about 15 armed men might have carried out both attacks.

Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as of press time.

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The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says there will be a temporary increase in train services on the Lagos–Ibadan Train Service (LITS) corridor on Tuesday, ahead of the Sallah celebration.

The Chief Public Relations Officer, Mr Callistus Unyimadu, said this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

Unyimadu noted that the temporary adjustment was aimed at accommodating the expected increase in passengers’ movement, as many Nigerians travel to celebrate the festive season with their families and loved ones.

“Under the special arrangement, the corporation will operate six train trips on Tuesday, May 26, instead of the usual four trips currently operated on the corridor.

“For the day, train departures from the Lagos end will be at 7.45 a.m., 1.40 p.m. and 4.00 p.m., while departures from the Ibadan end will be at 8.00 a.m., 10.50 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.

“NRC management clarifies that this arrangement is strictly temporary and applies only to the Sallah travel period.

“After the celebration, the normal Tuesday timetable of four trips would resume,” he said.

He said that similarly, the recently introduced Thursday six-trip operations have been temporarily adjusted, as only four trips would operate on Thursday, May 28, during the period under review.

“The regular six-trip Thursday schedule will, however, resume the following week,” he said.

He noted that, meanwhile, the Osun State Government would also operate its annual free Sallah train service on the NRC narrow gauge corridor for indigenes of the state travelling home to celebrate the festival in Osogbo.

“The special train will depart from Iddo Station, Lagos, on Tuesday, May 26, while the return trip from Osogbo to Lagos will take place on Thursday, May 28.

“The service, which is usually operated during festive periods, is being sponsored by the Osun State Government through a paid arrangement with the NRC to convey Osun indigenes free of charge for the Sallah celebration.

“The NRC reassures passengers of its commitment to providing safe, efficient and reliable rail transportation services across the country and wishes all Nigerians a peaceful and memorable Sallah celebration,” he said. (NAN)

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By Jeff Agbodo

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu will tackle Nigeria’s insecurity challenges within the next four years if given another mandate.

Umahi made the declaration on Saturday at Umunaga Ward in his Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State during the APC presidential primary election.

He said the 5,009 party members who turned out at the ward to elect President Tinubu as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election shows the peoples trust and confidence in the president.

Addressing party faithful and leaders at the event, Umahi described Ebonyi State as a stronghold of the President and All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that the people had resolved to demonstrate total loyalty and support for President Tinubu and the ruling party.

“Ebonyi State is totally APC. We are only APC,” Umahi declared, adding that there was no other political party in Ohaozara Local Government Area apart from the APC.

He said the massive turnout of party members showed the people’s appreciation for Tinubu’s administration, especially for the appointments and infrastructure projects being executed across the South-East region.

According to him, President Tinubu has integrated the South-East into national politics through key appointments and developmental projects.

“Bola Tinubu is the Biafra we have been looking for. A man who has integrated the entire South-East, given us juicy appointments and very important infrastructure,” he said.

Speaking on the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, Umahi acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians initially faced but insisted that the policies had stabilized the nation’s economy.

“I laugh when people talk about the hardship caused by the reforms. Nobody has been able to say where Nigeria would have been without them,” he stated.

He maintained that the country had passed through the most difficult phase, expressing optimism that the benefits of the reforms would soon reach ordinary Nigerians at the grassroots.

“The macroeconomy is stable and the President is now taking it down to the microeconomy. The worst is over and Nigerians will soon begin to see the benefits,” Umahi added.

He also commended the Federal Government’s ongoing road and bridge projects across the country, saying they were clear signs that the administration was reclaiming and rebuilding critical infrastructure across all the geopolitical zones.

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The police command in Edo has rescued all 13 passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Benin-Lagos expressway, following a coordinated operation involving aerial surveillance, drones and bush-combing tactics.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Benin City.

Ikoedem said the passengers were abducted on May 9 at Ogua Community along the Benin-Lagos road when armed hoodlums attacked a commercial bus belonging to Young Shall Grow Motors travelling from Akwa Ibom to Lagos.

According to her, a female passenger sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.

Ikoedem stated that the command immediately launched coordinated rescue and bush-combing operations after the incident.

“Following the incident, the command immediately launched coordinated rescue and bush combing operations, rescuing five passengers comprising two adults and three children, and has remained on the trail of the kidnappers,” she said.

The police spokesperson further disclosed that operatives, through intelligence-driven policing and technological support, engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel on May 10 and rescued two additional victims.

“Through the deployment of drones, aerial surveillance, intelligence-driven policing and sustained technological support, operatives of the command engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel and successfully rescued two additional passengers,” she said.

Ikoedem said the remaining six abducted passengers had now been rescued unhurt.

She quoted the state commissioner of police, Monday Agbonika, as commending the courage and resilience of the operatives involved in the operation.

The commissioner, according to her, assured residents that the command remained committed to apprehending the perpetrators.

“The command is not relenting in its efforts, as intensive bushcombing operations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of this crime,” the commissioner said. (NAN)

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Following his emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for the Warri South-West Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Emiko Odin-Etuwewe has pledged to champion fairness, equity and effective representation if elected.

Odin-Etuwewe also said the protection of the collective interests and heritage of the people of Warri South-West would be his paramount interest.

PDP primary election, which was held at Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South-West Local Government Area, witnessed a massive turnout of party faithfuls, supporters, youths, women and political stakeholders.

Odin-Etuwewe, who served as the immediate past Leader of the Warri South-West Council Legislative Arm, was applauded by delegates and stakeholders for his grassroots connection, political experience and passion for the development of the constituency.

Party leaders also commended the peaceful conduct of the primary election, expressing optimism that the PDP would record another resounding victory in the constituency during the forthcoming general election.

Speaking shortly after his emergence, he thanked party leaders, delegates and supporters for the overwhelming support and trust reposed in him.

He stressed that justice remains the foundation for lasting peace and unity in society, declaring that “without justice, there can never be peace and unity.”

Political observers noted that the massive turnout and support witnessed at Ogbe-Ijoh further confirmed Hon. Emiko Odin-Etuwewe’s growing popularity and acceptance across Warri South-West Constituency.

Stakeholders at the event maintained that the PDP remains firmly positioned for victory in the constituency ahead of the general election.

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By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) holds its presidential primary election across the country, the president, Bola Tinubu, has been declared the winner of the exercise in Osun State.

The President polled 100,880 votes to win the exercise against his opponent, Mr Stanley Osifo, who polled zero votes.

Declaring the result of the exercise in Osogbo on Saturday, the Osun State collation officer, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, who is the minister of marine and blue economy, commended party members for their peaceful conduct during the exercise.

He said the party has 109,806 digitally registered members, out of which 100,880 were accredited for the exercise.

His words, “By the powers vested in me as the Collation Officer for Osun State, I hereby declare His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as the winner of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Primary Election 2026 in Osun State.

“As we move forward, I urge all members of our great party to remain steadfast, united and committed to the collective task before us. The journey ahead requires sacrifice, unity of purpose and sustained mobilisation as we work together towards another decisive electoral victory for our great party, beginning with the forthcoming governorship election on August 15, 2026.

“This exercise has once again demonstrated that the All Progressives Congress remains a party firmly rooted in democratic values, internal cohesion, transparency and progressive governance. The peaceful conduct witnessed across the thirty Local Government Areas of Osun State, including the Ife East Area Office, is a testament to the enduring strength and unity of our party.”

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By Florencemary Nwabueze

Presidential aspirant in the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has intensified efforts to protect Nigerians in South Africa following new reports of xenophobic attacks and rising depression among victims.

Obi made his involvement public in a Facebook post on Saturday, detailing a series of high-level meetings with South African government officials and political party leaders.

“After speaking with Nigerians in Cape Town yesterday, I was able to have meaningful discussions this morning with three South African ministers and political party leaders regarding the ongoing challenges related to immigration, regional collaboration, and fostering peaceful coexistence,” Obi wrote.

He revealed that he met with Mr. Leon Schreiber, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs and a prominent figure in the Democratic Alliance; Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP); and Mr. Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA).

Obi described the conversations as “productive and candid,” with a focus on migration, economic strains, youth unemployment, security issues, and rising tensions faced by African foreigners in South Africa.

He emphasised that Nigeria and South Africa—as two of the continent’s most prominent nations—must enhance dialogue and seek solutions based on justice, mutual respect, and the rule of law.

“In challenging times, leaders and citizens alike need to demonstrate responsible leadership, compassion, and restraint,” he said.

The discussions also stressed the importance of law-abiding behavior, avoiding violence, resisting hate or provocation, and allowing lawful institutions to address grievances through democratic processes.

“The progress of Africa hinges on our ability to create unity, foster economic inclusivity, invest in our communities, and uphold the dignity of every African, no matter where they live,” Obi added.

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US President Donald Trump told CBS in a phone interview on Saturday that the United States and Iran are “getting a lot closer” to an agreement to end the war in the Middle East.

But in the interview with the TV network, Trump also warned that if the US and Iran do not come to an agreement, “we’re going to have a situation where no country will ever be hit as hard as they’re about to be hit.”

Meanwhile, Iran said Saturday that it was finalizing a 14-point “framework agreement” for a deal with the US, but signalled that major gaps still remain.

The US president struck a less upbeat tone in another Saturday morning interview with news website Axios, saying that it was a “solid 50/50” chance of a deal being struck.

Trump warned he would “blow them to kingdom come” if a deal wasn’t reached, Axios reported.

Both outlets also reported that Trump was scheduled to speak with Gulf leaders by phone later today.

On a visit in India, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said “there may be some news a little later today,” but added, “there may not be.”

Axios said Trump is also expected to meet Saturday with Vice President JD Vance, as well as negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, has been in Iran this week hoping to bring the two sides closer to agreement.

Reports on Friday suggested that Trump was considering a fresh round of strikes on Iran, as the conflict between the two countries entered its 13th week.

Trump abruptly announced on Friday that he would be skipping his son’s wedding this weekend due to “circumstances pertaining to government.”

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Hull City were promoted to the Premier League in dramatic fashion as Oli McBurnie’s last-gasp strike sealed a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough in Saturday’s Championship play-off final, bringing an end to the ‘spygate’ controversy that overshadowed world football’s richest match.

McBurnie punished a mistake from Middlesbrough goalkeeper Sol Brynn to bag the lucrative winner in the final moments of the second half at Wembley.

Hull will return to the Premier League for the first time since 2016-17, completing an incredible revival just 12 months after they avoided relegation to the third tier on goal difference.

McBurnie’s late goal hit the jackpot for Hull, with football finance experts Deloitte estimating the play-off final winners will earn at least £205 million ($275 million) over the next three seasons due to increased match-day, broadcast and commercial revenues.

That could rise to around £365 million if the club survives their first season in the Premier League.

Football League chiefs will hope Hull’s victory brings an end to the scandal that marred the second tier play-offs after Southampton were kicked out for filing a Middlesbrough training session prior to their semi-final first leg.

Southampton had beaten Middlesbrough 2-1 on aggregate to earn a final showdown with Hull.

But the Saints were expelled on Tuesday, with an independent commission ruling their boss Tonda Eckert had “specifically authorised” the spying.

The English Football League said Southampton admitted to “multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs’ training”.

Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons said the sanctions imposed were “manifestly disproportionate”.

The row had presented Middlesbrough with a second chance to win promotion, but they were unable to seize the lifeline as Hull ground out a hard-fought victory in scorching heat.

That will be a relief to many at Football League headquarters after Hull owner Acun Ilicali vowed to take legal action if the Tigers did not beat Middlesbrough.

Sergej Jakirovic’s side are the first sixth-placed team to win promotion via the second tier play-offs since Blackpool in 2010.

The Tigers, who beat third-placed Millwall to secure their place in the final, have been the division’s surprise package all season.

They were hit with a three-window transfer embargo last year, later reduced to two after a successful appeal, but confounded expectations to snatch a play-off place on the last day of the season.

In keeping with their unexpected renaissance under Bosnian boss Jakirovic, Hull were perfectly suited to the underdog role at Wembley.

They spent much of the first half of the back foot as Middlesbrough dominated with over 70 percent of the possession.

But the Tigers’ counter-attacking game-plan ensured they were a constant threat.

Liam Millar’s cross reached Lewie Coyle for a header that Brynn pushed over.

For all their territorial dominance, Middlesbrough were toothless for long spells and Hull’s Mohamed Belloumi almost made them pay with a long-range curler that flashed just wide.

The burly McBurnie went even closer, rising to meet Ryan Giles’ cross with a header that hit the crossbar.

Middlesbrough finally prised open the Hull defence on the stroke of half-time but David Strelec’s drive whistled narrowly wide from 20 yards.

Dael Fry should have put Middlesbrough in front immediately after half-time, but the defender headed wide from close-range.

Searing temperatures at Wembley sapped the energy from both teams in a soporific second half, prompting Hellberg to send on Hayden Hackney for the last 20 minutes of normal time.

But Hackney, voted the Championship Player of the Year, had been sidelined by a calf injury since March 14 and he was unable to make at impact.

Instead, it was McBurnie who sent Hull into dream land deep into stoppage-time, prodding home from close-range after Brynn weakly palmed Yu Hirakawa’s cross into his path.

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The Police Command in Ondo State says it has rescued 12 victims abducted during a kidnapping incident which occurred in the early hours of Saturday at Isua-Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area of the state. 

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokesperson, who made this known in a statement on Saturday in Akure, said the victims were in two commercial Hiace buses conveying passengers from Benue State en route to Ibadan.

Jimoh said the rescue followed a distress report received by the command at about 0130 hrs that the passengers of commercial buses had been violently intercepted by suspected armed kidnappers.

According to him, the attackers reportedly forced several passengers out of the vehicles and marched them into a nearby forest.

“Following the report, the police immediately activated a coordinated rescue operation as operatives of the command, alongside local hunters and other security stakeholders, were swiftly mobilised to the scene.

“Upon arrival, the combined rescue team commenced an intensive bush-combing operation across the surrounding forests and difficult terrains where the victims were believed to have been taken.

“Intelligence-led surveillance and strategic tracking efforts were simultaneously intensified to trail the fleeing suspects and facilitate the safe rescue of the remaining victims.

“The sustained pressure mounted by the combined security team yielded significant success as 12 kidnapped victims, including the drivers of the affected buses, were successfully rescued alive.

“The rescued victims are currently receiving necessary medical attention and support while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families,” he said.

Jimoh, therefore, reassured the public that operations were still ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and bring all those involved in the act to justice.

The spokesperson also said additional tactical and intelligence assets had been deployed to the area to reinforce the ongoing rescue and manhunt operations.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Felix Ohagwu, visited the scene of the incident where he held strategic engagements with community heads, local vigilante groups and other relevant stakeholders within the axis.

“During the meeting, the CP stressed the need for sustained collaboration between the police, local communities, and other security actors.

“The meeting is in order to facilitate the rescue of the remaining victims, apprehend the fleeing suspects, and prevent future occurrences of such criminal activities in the area.

“The CP further reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Ondo State and maintaining relentless pressure on criminal elements operating within the state.

“Ohagwu commended the bravery, professionalism and swift response of the police operatives, tactical teams, local hunters and other security collaborators involved in the operation.

“He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of aiding ongoing operations and broader crime prevention efforts.

“The command remains resolute in its determination to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes and will continue to deploy all lawful means necessary to ensure the safety and security of residents across Ondo State,” he said. (NAN)

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By Luminous Jannamike

Three cleared presidential aspirants of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, including former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke, have rejected a consensus arrangement and will face party members in the PRP presidential primaries scheduled for Monday.

The decision comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections amid growing public criticism over imposed candidates, internal wrangling and backroom political deals during party primaries.

In a statement by the PRP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, the party said the aspirants unanimously agreed to submit their ambitions to party members during the nationwide exercise.

The aspirants are Dr Nnaoke Ufere from Abia State, Engr (Dr) Yakubu Mohammed Kingsley from Edo State, and Donald Duke.

“The three cleared presidential aspirants of the Peoples Redemption Party have convened and unanimously agreed to submit their aspirations to the will of our party members during upcoming primaries scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026, across all parts of the country,” Ishaq said.

He added that the decision reflected the aspirants’ commitment to internal democracy and teamwork ahead of the elections.

According to him, the PRP remained committed to a transparent and credible process for aspirants contesting elective offices across the country.

“We are committed to conducting credible, transparent, and free primaries, involving over 260 aspirants competing for various elective offices, especially in instances where consensus is not achievable,” Ishaq said.

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