APC faces backlash over candidates' list, Vatican hints at Pope's Nigeria visit, and other top stories
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The All Progressives Congress is facing criticism from opposition parties including the PDP, SDP, and Labour Party for allegedly altering the outcome of its National Assembly primaries. Meanwhile, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, hinted at a future visit by Pope Leo XIV to Nigeria following discussions with President Bola Tinubu. In other news, former Senate President Bukola Saraki pledged to support a first-class UNILORIN graduate's Master's degree pursuit in Italy, and the Federal Government inaugurated a new board for the Bank of Agriculture. Additionally, France secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after defeating Paraguay 1-0.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, announced that significant progress is being made in the rescue operation for 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an interactive session for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Shaibu expressed confidence in the safe return of the victims. He also detailed the Nigerian Army's ongoing operations across the country's six geopolitical zones. In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai has neutralized over 1,872 insurgents and a high-profile Islamic State commander, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners, leading to improved security and the closure of the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Bama, Borno State. Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West continues to degrade bandit groups, while Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, and the new Operation Savannah Shield have enhanced security in the North-Central. The security situation in the South-East has improved, with no disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations, and oil output in the South-South has increased due to successful operations against illegal bunkering. Shaibu noted the South-West as largely peaceful, apart from the Oyo abduction. He also revealed that President Bola Tinubu approved measures to strengthen military manpower, including establishing a new Nigerian Army depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringin
England is set to play Mexico in a World Cup last-16 match at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday, while Brazil will face Norway. England's team, coached by Thomas Tuchel, returns to the Azteca 40 years after their 'Hand of God' game. Tuchel noted the challenge of the 2,240-meter altitude, stating physical adaptation in four days is impossible. Mexico, having won all four home games without conceding a goal, secured their first knockout win in 40 years with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador. Mexico's coach Javier Aguirre questioned the altitude's impact, emphasizing the match as an "11 v 11" contest and acknowledging England's powerful players. The winner of the England-Mexico match will play either Norway or Brazil in the quarter-finals in Miami. Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti discussed plans to counter Norway's striker Erling Haaland, who has scored five goals in three tournament appearances. Norway's coach Stale Solbakken urged his team to focus on the game rather than the occasion against the five-time world champions.
Must ReadPeter Obi, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Party, has accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of corruption, citing a recent International Monetary Fund IMF report on Nigeria's public finances. Obi stated on Sunday that approximately ₦8.83 trillion in government expenditure for 2025 was not included in the national budget, describing this as "grand corruption." He highlighted that this expenditure, which represents about 2% of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product, was not subject to legislative oversight or administrative scrutiny. Obi noted that this amount exceeds the combined federal allocations for education and health, suggesting it could significantly improve these sectors if properly utilized. He characterized this as a pattern of financial mismanagement and renewed his call for President Tinubu to resign, urging Nigerians to demand greater accountability. The IMF had previously disclosed that Nigeria's public spending equivalent to about 2% of GDP was unreported in official budgets, which obscured the country's true financing needs and understated the fiscal deficit. Christian Ebeke, IMF Resident Representative in Nigeria, confirmed that these unreported expenditures were linked to major government infrastructure projects executed outside the formal budget framework. The IMF warned that this practice complicates policy coordination, weakens oversight, and reduces transparency, but also noted that the Federal Government has started implementing