🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Dele Momodu defends Atiku Abubakar against calls to withdraw from 2027 presidential race
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and publisher, has rejected calls for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside from the 2027 presidential race. Momodu described the campaign against Atiku as “unbridled chicanery” in response to activist Zekeri Idris Jnr, who argued that Atiku's projected age of 80 by 2027 made him unfit for the presidency. Momodu stated on X that those targeting Atiku should instead focus on holding the ruling government accountable. He cited several global leaders, including former United States Presidents Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Bernie Sanders, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President Muhammadu Buhari, South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, former US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and Liberian President Joseph Boakai, as examples of individuals who served effectively at an advanced age. Idris had previously released a video urging Atiku's allies to persuade him to withdraw, claiming that Nigeria's challenges require different energy and that no young Nigerian would vote for an 80-year-old candidate. Idris also suggested Atiku should act as an elder statesman by uniting younger contenders like Peter Obi and former Kano Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Atiku, who lost to President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election, is reportedly considering the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket for 2027.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The International Organisation for Migration, a United Nations agency, received 180 Nigerian migrants, including women and children, from Libya in Lagos. The returnees arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on a chartered Buraq Airline flight. The IOM Subhead in Lagos, Mr. Ali Ibrahim, stated that the majority of the migrants were from detention camps in Benghazi, Libya. He noted that many left in search of opportunity but faced hardship and exploitation. The returnees included 108 adult females, 45 adult males, 17 children, and 12 infants, totaling 123 females and 59 males, though the overall count was 180. Two of the children were unaccompanied. Upon arrival, returnees received reception support, health screening, and counseling. Eligible individuals can access reintegration assistance, which may include skills training, small business support, and psychosocial care. According to Ibrahim, over 65,700 Nigerians have returned safely in nearly a decade, with more than 52,200 receiving reintegration support.
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has called on political parties and stakeholders to support efforts for a credible bye-election in Rivers South-East Senatorial District. Resident Electoral Commissioner REC Dr. Johnson Alalibo made this appeal at a stakeholders' meeting in Bori, Khana Local Government Area. The bye-election is scheduled for June 20, covering 88 electoral wards and 1,629 polling units across seven local government areas, with 858,573 registered voters expected to participate. Alalibo emphasized that the election offers an opportunity for residents to exercise their democratic rights, as the area has been without representation since the demise of Senator Barinada Mpigi. INEC is in the final phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise and urged stakeholders to mobilize eligible residents for registration, transfers, corrections, and card replacements. The commission plans to deploy 6,774 ad hoc personnel and collaborate with transport providers for logistics. Political parties and candidates were urged to engage in issue-based campaigns and avoid actions that could threaten peace. Security agencies were called upon to maintain professionalism and neutrality, while traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, and the media were asked to intensify voter education to counter misinformation and encourage peaceful participation. District Electoral Officer Mr. Emmanuel Nwankwegu confirmed INEC's readiness to conduct a credibl
Must ReadMicrosoft has introduced its own advanced artificial intelligence models, including MAI-Thinking-1, a "reasoning" model, and other tools for image generation, audio transcription, synthetic voice creation, and coding. This move is a strategic effort to lessen its reliance on OpenAI, with whom Microsoft renegotiated its alliance last year, retaining a non-exclusive license until 2032. Sophie Lebrecht, from Microsoft's AI team, emphasized the importance of self-sustainability in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The company also unveiled Microsoft Scout, an "always-on" assistant based on the open-source software OpenClaw, and the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, an Nvidia-powered mini-PC for offline AI model operation. Additionally, Microsoft showcased an AI platform for scientific research and an ecosystem of Android-based devices for voice interaction with AI agents, including a desk speaker and a wearable badge developed with Qualcomm.
Napoli forward Romelu Lukaku scored on his return to international football after more than a year, helping Belgium to a 2-0 victory over Croatia in a World Cup friendly in Rijeka. Lukaku, who had been sidelined since September 2025 due to injury, netted in the 96th minute. This match was Belgium's penultimate fixture before their World Cup opener against Egypt on June 15. Lukaku, 33, has played only 64 minutes for his club this season due to a hip injury. Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia started Atalanta midfielder Charles De Ketelaere in attack, with Lukaku on the bench. Belgium took a 1-0 lead at halftime with a goal from Aston Villa playmaker Youri Tielemans in the 38th minute. Croatia, World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, had chances from captain Luka Modric and Osasuna striker Ante Budimir, who hit the bar. Lukaku secured his 90th international goal in injury time, doubling Belgium's lead. Croatia will conclude their World Cup preparations by hosting Slovenia on Sunday before starting their campaign against England on June 17. Belgium will host Tunisia on Saturday.