馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Mohammed Hayatu-Deen joins ADC presidential race, pledges unity and economic reform for 2027 elections
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Former presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has officially joined the African Democratic Congress ADC presidential race for the 2027 general elections. He committed to uniting the country, addressing insecurity, and implementing economic reforms to improve Nigeria's economy. Speaking on Arise Television, Hayatu-Deen stated that current challenges require leadership capable of recognizing and addressing the daily hardships faced by Nigerians. He highlighted rising food and petrol prices, and the depreciating Naira, noting that many Nigerians struggle daily. Hayatu-Deen also expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, stating that more is spent on ransom payments than on funding security agencies. He criticized the government for not acting with urgency despite the strain on households and businesses, asserting that the current situation is not what Nigeria deserves. Hayatu-Deen promised a realistic alternative focused on economic stability, improved security, and renewed confidence in public institutions, offering himself as a calm and steady leader with over four decades of experience in reviving organizations, creating jobs, attracting investments, and advancing educational programs. He emphasized the importance of party unity for victory in 2027, urging ADC members to offer a credible alternative to secure the country, grow the economy, and restore hope. Hayatu-Deen exited the Peoples Democratic Party on April 12, citing escalating insecurity, rising
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Dennis Amachree, a former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services, states in his memoir, "DSS @40: My Journey Behind the Shield," that the late military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, believed he was invincible. Amachree highlights that despite extensive security, Abacha's death underscores the transient nature of power. He questions why prominent figures allegedly propagated conflicting accounts of Abacha's death, viewing this as indicative of a broader issue of misinformation and lack of accountability in Nigeria, which he argues has hindered the country's progress. Amachree also recalls that before his death in June 1998, Abacha was reportedly planning to transition from a military ruler to a civilian president, having perfected plans for self-succession by forming political parties that adopted him as their presidential candidate, creating the impression of a democratic transition while serving his political ambition.
The United States has invested $1.2 million over the past five years in cultural heritage preservation across 21 Nigerian states, according to Keith Heffern, Charge d鈥橝ffaires of the U.S. Embassy. This investment, primarily through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, is described as a strategic initiative benefiting both nations. The project has digitally preserved over 250 Nok artefacts, upgraded a museum, trained 50 Nigerian youths in advanced digital skills, and reached more than 50,000 people nationwide. The system also incorporates Non-Fungible Token-based artefact tracking technology to combat illicit trafficking of cultural property and strengthen law enforcement cooperation. Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, noted that this initiative delivers a key component of a cultural preservation agreement signed between Nigeria and the United States. She highlighted the importance of digital preservation in making Nigeria鈥檚 history accessible and plans to extend this approach to other cultural heritage sites. Gen. Christopher Musa retd., Minister of Defence, emphasized that preserving cultural heritage is vital for national security, unity, and identity. The Wheyham Foundation, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, Yale University, and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, commissioned the Wheyham Project, which has digitally catalogued over 250 Nok artefacts, refurbished the Nok Museum, and introduced immersi
Dennis Amachree, a former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services, has stated in his memoir, "DSS @40: My Journey Behind the Shield," that former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, died from a cardiac arrest during an intimate encounter. Amachree, who was Assistant Director of Operations and Intelligence at the Lagos DSS Command at the time of Abacha's death in June 1998, claims the incident occurred around 4:05 a.m. at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He alleges that a woman, described as a pharmacist, was with Abacha when he became unresponsive. According to Amachree, this woman, who had accompanied her elder sister Abacha's girlfriend to Aso Rock, panicked and left the Presidential Villa before security officials were aware of the situation. She reportedly left Abuja on an early morning flight before she could be questioned. Amachree claims he was later directed to locate and interrogate her in Lagos, where she stated, "I did not kill him, he died on top of me." Amachree asserts that this account contradicts various conspiracy theories surrounding Abacha's death, which has been a subject of speculation since he died in office in November 1993.