Author: Vincent Osuwo

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has disclosed that over 3,000 delegates are expected to attend its national convention scheduled for April 14 in Abuja, as the party moves ahead with preparations despite challenges in securing preferred venues. In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bola Abdullahi accused authorities of thwarting the organization’s efforts to use Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium velodrome but vowed the convention would take place at the Rainbow Hotel. In a statement issued on Sunday, Abdullahi claimed that the ward and state congresses were held peacefully, thanking the newly elected…

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, disagreed with former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose over a suspected conspiracy to dethrone Ladoja. Makinde and Ladoja, through their media aides, denounced the claimed conspiracy to dethrone the Olubadan as an unfounded and baseless rumor. Fayose had stated on his X account that Makinde was scheming to depose Ladoja as Olubadan of Ibadanland. He wrote, “I heard reliably that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is plotting the removal of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rahidi Adewolu Ladoja. “The plot is to commence this week, with…

US President Donald Trump told reporters Sunday that he is “not a big fan” of Pope Leo XIII, following the global leader of Catholics’ call for peace. “I am not a big fan of Pope Leo.” “He’s a very liberal person, and he doesn’t believe in reducing crime,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. He accused the Pope of “toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon.” On Saturday, the 70-year-old American pope publicly asked officials to cease the bloodshed, telling parishioners at St. Peter’s Basilica, “Enough with the idolatry of self and money! Enough with…

Borno State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri has been hit by a shortage of blood following the influx of civilian victims affected by the military airstrike that claimed over 30 lives in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State. Chronicle NG reports that no fewer than 30 people were feared killed after a military airstrike struck a weekly market at Jilli village, located along the border between Borno and Yobe states, on Saturday evening. The incident, which occurred at the popular Jilli Market, reportedly left traders and residents in a state of panic as explosions rocked the busy trading center. The…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned a Nigerian Air Force bombing that hit Jilli Market on the Borno-Yobe border, calling the incident unfortunate and raising concerns about civilian safety during military operations. Chronicle NG reports that a military airstrike hit the popular weekly market between Gubio and Geidam on Saturday evening, killing at least 30 people. The incident reportedly caused alarm among traders and neighbors as explosions rocked the busy business hub. On April 11, 2026, the NAF confirmed that it will undertake precision airstrikes in the Jilli axis as part of ongoing counterinsurgency operations under Operation Hadin Kai.…

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced an investigation into claims that an airstrike conducted on Saturday, April 11, 2026, may have affected a local market in Jilli, allegedly resulting in civilian casualties. In a statement on Sunday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said it takes all reports of possible civilian harm with “utmost seriousness and empathy,” stressing that the protection of innocent lives remains central to its operations. According to the statement, the chief of the Air Staff has requested that the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell be activated immediately and…

Manchester City sparked the Premier League title battle with a second-half blitz that earned a 3-0 victory against Chelsea, closing the distance on leaders Arsenal on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s side had a devastating run shortly after halftime, with Nico O’Reilly and Marc Guehi scoring within six minutes at Stamford Bridge. Jeremy Doku sealed a statement victory for City, capitalizing on Arsenal’s humiliating 2-1 home setback to Bournemouth on Saturday. Second-placed City are currently only six points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, setting up a tense clash at the Etihad Stadium on April 19. City are in excellent form,…

Crystal Palace rallied from behind to defeat Newcastle United, with substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring a thrilling late double. After William Osula’s first-half goal at Selhurst Park, the visitors appeared to be on their way to a much-needed victory. However, Newcastle has dropped more points from winning positions (25) than any other Premier League team, as Crystal Palace rallied late on. Newcastle breathed a sigh of relief when Jefferson Lerma’s header hit the crossbar, but the hosts ultimately equalized in the 80th minute. Daniel Munoz broke forward down the right, and Tyrick Mitchell coolly hooked the defender’s cross back over to…

The tenure of Roberto de Zerbi as Tottenham Hotspur’s new manager began with a defeat at Sunderland, which pushed the club deeper into relegation fears. Italian De Zerbi took over after predecessor Igor Tudor was fired after only 44 days in command, but it was the same old scenario as Spurs were unable to halt their Premier League winless streak, which now stands at 14 games with none in 2024. De Zerbi’s new charges were not without effort, but quality was severely missing, and the goal that started their demise typified a messy game when Nordi Mukiele’s 20-yard strike took…

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday, expressing Russia’s assistance for attempts to address the increasing Middle East crisis following the collapse of talks between Iran and the US. According to the Kremlin, Putin stated that he was willing to assist diplomatic efforts toward a settlement. “Vladimir Putin emphasized his readiness to further facilitate the search for a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflict and to mediate efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” the Kremlin said in its readout of the call, as reported by…