🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
National Rescue Movement rules out merger with APC, other parties for 2027 elections
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The National Rescue Movement NRM has stated it will not merge with the All Progressives Congress APC or any other political party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party plans to focus on selecting its own candidates, including a presidential flagbearer, through its internal electoral process. Speaking in Abuja, NRM National Chairman Prince Chinedu Obi affirmed the party is not considering political alliances. Obi also noted that recent court rulings, including one by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, have resolved internal disputes, strengthening unity within the NRM. He emphasized the party's stability and its commitment to supporting qualified aspirants for elective offices, prioritizing competence. Obi stated that the NRM is prepared to address Nigeria's current challenges.
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Coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed frustration regarding defender Chris Richards' uncertain status for the upcoming World Cup. Richards, a Crystal Palace center-back with 36 US caps, is currently sidelined with an ankle injury sustained last month. He will miss the United States' friendly against Germany in Chicago. Although Richards was named to the tournament squad, FIFA rules allow for his replacement up to 24 hours before the co-hosts' opening game. Pochettino stated that Richards is training but not yet ready to compete, and a decision on his World Cup participation will be made after further assessment of his ankle. The US will open its World Cup campaign against Paraguay next Friday in Los Angeles, with Australia and Turkey as other group opponents. Pochettino indicated that the recovery timeline for Richards has been longer than anticipated, leading to his frustration. He suggested that waiting for Richards to recover might negatively impact the squad, as there is limited time during the World Cup for players who are not fully match-fit.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his eagerness to obtain and read 'My Life of Duty and Allegiance,' the newly released memoir by former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon. Obasanjo described the book as an important contribution to Nigeria’s historical record. He stated that Gowon's life and service traversed some of the most critical periods in Nigeria’s history and that his account of events is very important. Obasanjo, who served as Army Chief of Staff and second-in-command to the military government that toppled Gowon’s government in 1975, explained his absence from the memoir's presentation on May 19, 2026. He cited a longstanding international commitment as Co-chair of the InterAction Council, requiring his attendance at a scheduled meeting in Hong Kong on the same date. Obasanjo conveyed his regrets to General Gowon in an apology letter dated May 4, 2026. General Gowon, who ruled Nigeria between August 1966 and July 1975, unveiled his autobiography detailing his contributions to the country's socio-economic development and reflections on key events, including the 1967-1970 civil war.
The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries has instructed all its branches across the country to conclude church programs by 8:00 PM and suspend vigils and overnight meetings indefinitely. This directive, issued in an internal memo dated June 5, 2026, and signed by Temitope A. Olawale, Director of Administration at the church's international headquarters in Lagos, cites increasing security concerns nationwide. The church stated that the decision prioritizes the safety and well-being of its members amidst current security challenges. All services, meetings, and other church activities must now end by 8:00 PM, and vigils may be converted to evening prayer programs concluding by the same time. The church emphasized that these precautionary measures are mandatory for all levels of the ministry and are intended to protect members given the prevailing security situation, which includes banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on rural communities.
Must ReadBoko Haram terrorists attacked a Nigerian Army base in Mandaragirau, Borno State, in the early hours of Friday, resulting in the deaths of five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force. The attack occurred under adverse weather conditions with heavy rainfall and poor visibility. According to Lt. Col. Haruna Sani, Acting Media Information Officer for Operation HADIN KAI, troops at the Forward Operating Base FOB Mandaragirau successfully contained the attack, launching a counter-offensive that inflicted casualties on the attackers. He stated that the troops remain in control of the FOB and are conducting exploitation operations. While acknowledging the loss of personnel, Sani emphasized that these failed attacks highlight the desperation of terrorist elements facing sustained operational pressure. Local sources, including the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed the incident, with some suggesting the insurgents operated for nearly an hour and that more than one location was attacked. Kaigama urged the government to enhance security measures and community engagement for improved intelligence gathering.