Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections features prominently in this morning’s news, alongside stories on HIV-related stigma, public reaction to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and Nigerian footballers’ scoring form abroad.
The developments range from reported friction within the African Democratic Congress to concerns among opposition candidates over the campaign roles of two state governors.
Here are five key stories to follow.
1. South-West ADC leaders raise concerns over Atiku’s handling of party structure
Leaders of the African Democratic Congress in the South-West have reportedly objected to what they see as the sidelining of the region’s party structure by presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 elections.
2. Adeleke, Soludo’s Tinubu campaign roles unsettle opposition candidates
The reported involvement of Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke and Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo in coordinating President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaigns in their states has reportedly created anxiety among some APGA and Accord candidates.
3. HIV advocate recounts rejection by family and church
Chika Ekezie, an Imo State native living with HIV, has described the discrimination he experienced after revealing his status in November 2024. After seven years of self-denial, he says he faced rejection at work and from people close to him.
In an interview with PUNCH, Ekezie discussed his diagnosis, treatment and experiences with stigma.
4. ‘Okpe’s baby’: Okpebholo describes changing public nickname
Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo says residents have replaced his former nickname, “Akpako Rescue”, with “Okpe’s baby”.
He shared the experience during a live broadcast carried by ITV and Radio on Saturday, recalling an encounter with residents while walking along Sapele Road.
5. Osimhen among Nigerians in focus as Iheanacho’s scoring streak ends
Kelechi Iheanacho’s run of consecutive scoring matches in Turkey ended on Saturday, drawing attention to the form of other Nigerian forwards playing abroad.
The report also examines scoring streaks involving Victor Osimhen and other Nigerian attackers.
