
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has officially recognized Professor Sadiq Gombe as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party SDP, replacing the expelled former chairman, Shehu Gabam. This decision, announced by SDP National Publicity Secretary Rufus Aiyenigba, follows a Supreme Court judgment and marks a significant development in the party's leadership dispute. INEC updated its records on June 17, removing Gabam and other expelled members. Aiyenigba stated that INEC's action aligns with the Supreme Court's position that neither courts nor INEC should interfere in the internal affairs of political parties. The SDP expressed its commitment to strengthening democracy and addressing national challenges, looking forward to the 2027 general elections with its presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo. The party commended INEC for upholding the rule of law and respecting judicial pronouncements, hoping this signifies a new cooperative approach with all political parties.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadNigeria's former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has commented on her acquittal by a London court on all bribery and corruption charges. She described the nearly 11-year legal process as an "arduous" and "traumatic" experience for her family. In a video broadcast, Alison-Madueke expressed gratitude to God and her supporters. Residing in the United Kingdom since 2015, she maintained that she served Nigeria with integrity during her tenure. PUNCH Online reported her acquittal on Wednesday of six bribery charges at London鈥檚 Southwark Crown Court. Alison-Madueke, who served as minister from 2010 to 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan, reportedly faced five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, which she denied. Prosecutors had alleged that Alison-Madueke was provided with "a life of luxury" in London by oil and gas industry figures seeking contracts in Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Democratic Republic of Congo achieved a historic milestone by securing their first-ever World Cup point, drawing 1-1 with Portugal in their Group K match. Yoane Wissa's header for DR Congo canceled out an early goal from Portugal's Joao Neves. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, made his record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance but was a largely peripheral figure. The DR Congo, appearing in their first World Cup since 1974, demonstrated a strong performance despite disruptions to their preparations due to an Ebola outbreak in their country. Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro provided wristbands to some players in tribute to their late teammate Diogo Jota. Portugal initially took the lead in the sixth minute through Neves, but Wissa equalized in first-half added time, scoring DR Congo's first-ever World Cup goal. Portugal had a goal disallowed for offside, and Cedric Bakambu hit the post for DR Congo. Ronaldo had opportunities but failed to convert, sending two shots wide of the post.
Must ReadThe Federal Government of Nigeria plans to establish dedicated safe spaces in all 774 Local Government Areas to enhance protection and support for survivors of gender-based violence GBV. This initiative was announced by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency NPHCDA and the New Era Foundation in Abuja. The agreement aims to strengthen protection, rehabilitation, and support services for GBV survivors nationwide. The Minister stated that this is a core component of the upcoming National Action Plan on GBV, designed to improve access to care, protection, and justice. These centers will provide immediate support, referral services, and protection closer to communities. Additionally, the government is working on regional mega-protection centers offering integrated medical, legal, psychosocial, and rehabilitation services. Mobile support teams under the Women on Wheels initiative will extend services to underserved communities. Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed concern over rising GBV cases, noting 2,755 documented cases between January and April 2026, with only four percent resulting in successful prosecution. Women and girls account for over 81 percent of survivors, and sexual violence represents 82 percent of recorded cases. Dr. Muyi Aina, CEO of NPHCDA, highlighted GBV as a major public health and human rights challenge, emphasizing the pa