馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Sanwo-Olu endorses Obafemi Hamzat for Lagos governor in 2027
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced his endorsement of his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election. The announcement followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest the governorship seat to members of the State Executive Council and key party leaders. Members of the Governor鈥檚 Advisory Council, including former Minister of State of Defense, Musiliu Obanikoro, and Ganiyu Solomon, were also present. Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement as a unanimous decision by stakeholders, highlighting Hamzat's experience, integrity, loyalty, and commitment over their seven years of working together. He stated that Hamzat is prepared and capable of leading the state, describing him as a man who knows where all the rooms in the house are. The governor also acknowledged President Bola's role in their political journey. Sanwo-Olu characterized the meeting as a consultative process that resulted in broad agreement among stakeholders, signaling an early alignment within the All Progressives Congress in Lagos ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Algeria secured a 2-0 victory over Senegal in the opening match of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Melissa Bethi scored in the 88th minute following a blunder by Senegal goalkeeper Khady Faye. Earlier, Algeria's captain Marine Dafeur converted a penalty in the 42nd minute. The penalty decision, which involved minimal contact between Senegal captain Korka Fall and Amira Braham, was upheld after a VAR review. Algeria, ranked slightly higher than Senegal, gradually took control of the match after early pressure from Senegal. Morocco, the host nation, is scheduled to play Kenya in another Group A match. Record 10-time champions Nigeria will begin their campaign on Tuesday in Group C against Malawi.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of Private Mohammed Yusuf, a soldier declared wanted for alleged involvement in supplying military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements. Yusuf was apprehended by troops of the 7 Provost Group, Operation HADIN KAI, at Jidari Bus Stop, Maiduguri, on July 25, 2026, while reportedly attempting to escape to the Republic of Cameroon. The Acting Military Information Officer, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Muhammed Goni, stated that preliminary investigations revealed Yusuf absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, and subsequently went into hiding in Maiduguri. The Army had declared him wanted on July 23, 2026, over these allegations. Yusuf is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, with further investigations ongoing to determine the full extent of his activities and identify any accomplices. The Army emphasized its commitment to holding personnel accountable and called on the public to provide timely information to security agencies.
As the 11th season of Big Brother Naija begins, romantic relationships continue to be a significant draw for viewers. Organizers of BBNaija have highlighted 11 memorable relationships from past seasons, showcasing how some have led to marriage and family, while others created drama and controversy. Notable couples include Gedoni and Khafi, who married and have children after the Pepper Dem season, and Bambam and Teddy A BamTeddy from the Double Wahala season, who also married and started a family. Other relationships featured include Tobi and CeeC Ceebi known for their dramatic dynamic, Neo and Vee from the Lockdown season, and Sheggz and Bella Shella from Level Up, who were a polarizing couple. The list also includes Soma and Angel SomGel, Venita and Adekunle Adenita from the All Stars season, and unique cases like Kellyrae and Kassia DoubleKay who entered the house already married, with Kellyrae eventually winning their season. Real-life couple Chinwe and Zion Zinwe also faced the pressures of the house, while Bright Morgan and Mide, and the love triangle of Isabella, Kayikunmi, and Koyin from Season 10, also made the list. With Season 11 premiering, viewers anticipate new relationships and dramatic storylines.