The immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ude Chukwu, on Saturday formally joined the Labour Party (LP) at his country home in Nkoro, Ohafia Local Government Area.
Chukwu, who recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he served under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, described his move as the beginning of a new political era for him and his constituents.
“All Nkporo people are here today. The implication is that Nkporo is now in the Labour Party,” Chukwu declared.
Explaining his defection, the former deputy governor lauded Governor Alex Otti’s leadership style. “I decided to join you because you treat governance as a personal mission.
“You have done well. Today, we can proudly say we are Abians. PDP in Abia State has closed shop as from today,” he said.
Governor Otti, while receiving Chukwu into the Labour Party, praised his decision and described him as a principled leader. According to him, Chukwu is “a man who will give you your due respect.”
The governor further assured that ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Nkporo road, would be of the same standard as those in Aba and Umuahia.
Also speaking, the Abia LP Chairman, Sir Emmanuel Otti, said Chukwu’s entry would “awaken the people of the area to new opportunities.”
In the same vein, the Ohafia LGA LP chairman, Godwin Kalu, pledged unity and development for the zone, while the PDP LGA chairman, Egesi Eze Azu, also announced his defection alongside Chukwu. (Vanguard)
A chieftain of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abba Moro, says the party regrets fielding Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.
Moro, a senator representing Benue South in the National Assembly, stated this on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
“As a result of how the election turned out and because the Nigerian people spoke, definitely, it [fielding Atiku] was an error,” the Senate Minority Leader said on Tuesday.
“To lose a very monumental election in that disastrous manner is certainly in for regret.”
The PDP lost the presidential election to the All Progressives Congress (APC), coming second in the exercise won by Bola Tinubu, the then-flagbearer of the ruling APC.
About two years after that defeat, Atiku dumped the PDP and has yet to announce his new party.
Though the 2027 general polls are barely two years away, there are rumours that the main opposition wants to persuade former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, to return to its fold.
Since Jonathan lost to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, he has kept a low profile as he has not been seen at public functions within the PDP.
Similarly, Obi, who was running mate to Atiku in the 2019 elections, dumped the PDP for the Labour Party, where he later secured its presidential ticket for the 2023 polls.
He was said to have been frustrated out of the PDP, a claim that was corroborated by Moro.
But Moro said there were ongoing talks to persuade the duo to join the presidential race.
He added, “So, in the run-up to 2027, I am aware certain individuals have been talking to Peter Obi, ‘Hey, come back home, this is what we are likely to do, and if you come, you stand a chance of being the candidate’,” Moro said on the show.
When asked about the possibilities of ex-President Jonathan returning to the PDP, Senator Moro said, “Some persons are talking to the former president to come and run. It is a possibility”. (Channels)
Brazilian state-owned oil giant Petrobras is set to resume operations in Nigeria five years after it exited joint venture activities in the country, following the signing of five strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Nigeria and Brazil to strengthen trade, diplomacy, science, aviation, and finance cooperation.
The announcement was made during President Bola Tinubu’s State Visit to Brazil, where he met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
President Tinubu at a joint press conference in Brasília said Petrobras’ return would reignite economic cooperation in the energy sector between the two countries.
“We have the largest gas repository. So I don’t see why Petrobras doesn’t join as a partner in Nigeria as soon as possible. I appreciate President Lula’s promise that this will be done as soon as possible,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu praised President Lula’s commitment to revitalising the partnership between the two countries, noting that Nigeria’s economic space remains a virgin land, full of opportunities for Brazilian companies.
He also praised Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer for its growing footprint in Nigeria, particularly its plans to establish a regional service hub to support the country’s growing airline industry.
Tinubu recalled his previous engagements in Brazil and emphasised the urgency of moving beyond symbolic ties to concrete economic cooperation.
He said; “Honourable Ministers of both countries, members of the Brazil Business Group, I have listened carefully to my friend, President Lula. We had a lengthy discussion. We talked about history and about African and Brazilian heritage.
“We tried to see why we are not at the level we wanted. We have allowed some problems and activities in the past to deter us from making progress and fulfilling our promises. But today we say that is the end of that.
“This is my third visit to the country. First, the visit to attend the G20. Second, on climate change, BRICS. And today, an official and state visit was very emotional.”
Tinubu also noted Nigeria’s readiness to partner with Brazil on technology transfer, food security, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
He added; “Today, we are fighting and working hard to bring our sovereignty to the level of expectation that we as a nation, the most populous, the most dynamic country, Nigeria, share with Brazil. We need to share—technology transfer, energy, economy—so that Brazil can continue to widen the opportunities for us to embrace Africa. Africa is the new frontier.
“There is no other way to do it than to embrace it with technology, fast development, research, food sovereignty, and manufacturing.”
The president also stressed the need for investment and knowledge exchange on healthcare and pharmaceuticals, stating that “We have elevated this promise to the path of reality, as you have seen in various MOUs. I don’t know why the manufacturing of generic drugs, which Brazil has done deeply and far, cannot be in Nigeria.
‘I don’t see why the technological superiority of Brazil is not shared with Africa. We assured each other that only we can develop our economies to help our sovereignty.”
On domestic reforms, Tinubu assured Brazilian investors that Nigeria’s economic transformation is yielding results, noting that “the reforms I’ve embarked upon since I took over in Nigeria have been very impactful. It was initially painful, but today the result is blossoming.”
“It’s getting clearer to the people. We have more money for the economy, and there will be no more corruption. We have the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria here. You don’t have to know him before getting the foreign exchange you need. The speculators are out. In our currency market, the door is open for businesses,” he added. (Guardian)
Morocco reached the final of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 on Tuesday night after “overcoming holders Senegal 5-3 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw after extra-time at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium.”
The Atlas Lions, who “won the tournament in 2018 and 2020,” will now face Madagascar in Saturday’s final in Nairobi, “after the island nation beat Sudan earlier in the day.”
“The defending champions struck first through Joseph Layousse, who rose highest in the 16th minute to head home from Libasse Guèye’s corner.”
But Morocco “hit back just seven minutes later. Sabir Bougrine unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike from outside the box that flew into the top corner, levelling the match at 1-1 and swinging momentum back to the two-time champions.”
The release on the CAF website noted that “both teams had chances before the break — Senegal’s Layousse missed another header from close range, while Morocco’s Anas Bach saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Marc Diouf — but neither side could add to the scoreline.”
“The second half was a cagey affair, with Morocco gradually seizing control of possession but Senegal looking threatening on set pieces.”
Goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar “kept Morocco in the game with fine saves, notably from Joseph Layousse and Seyni Ndiaye, while Diouf stood tall at the other end to deny Youssef Mehri and Oussama Lamlaoui.”
“Extra time produced frantic moments but no goals. Morocco came closest when Lamlaoui’s header was tipped over by Diouf in the 119th minute, while Bonaventure Fonseca fired just over for Senegal seconds earlier.”
“With the match still locked at 1-1, penalties decided the contest.”
“Morocco converted all five of their spot-kicks with composure: Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach, and finally Mehri.”
“Senegal faltered when captain Seyni Ndiaye struck the crossbar with their opening effort, leaving them playing catch-up. Although Vieux Cissé, Baye Ciss, and Daouda Ba all scored, Morocco’s perfect sequence proved decisive.”
“The Atlas Lions triumphed 5-3, booking their third CHAN final appearance in six years and ending Senegal’s dream of back-to-back titles.”
According to the organisers, “the semi-final had been billed as a clash between Morocco’s tournament pedigree and Senegal’s youthful energy — and it lived up to expectations. Morocco showed resilience, experience, and discipline to weather Senegal’s early dominance, while the West Africans displayed promise that suggests a bright future.”
Coach Tarik Sektioui hailed his team’s mentality: “It was a tough match against the defending champions, but the players showed composure in the key moments. We have fought hard to reach this stage, and now we want to win the trophy again.” (Punch)
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has downplayed the chances of rival candidates in the forthcoming November 8 governorship election, saying those presenting themselves as contestants are only seeking appointments and cheap popularity.
Soludo, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), made the remarks on Saturday at the Chuba Ikpeazu Sports Complex, Onitsha, during a political rally organised by the Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association, where traders endorsed his second term bid.
Addressing the large gathering of market leaders and traders, the governor reiterated that he has no real opponents in the poll.
“The journey to the November 8 election is still far. We are not going to take it for granted. Although we have no contestants, we are going into the election with all seriousness.
“Every other contestant is looking for an appointment, but instead of them to come and tell us what they are looking for, they are claiming to be contesting for the election.
“Our opponents don’t have a certificate. Gone are the days when charlatans rule Anambra; this is the state of the great Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chinua Achebe, Alex Ekwueme; no unknown character will be allowed to rule Anambra again. They should go and continue their land-grabbing business and stop contesting to be governor.”
Soludo also assured traders of a new tax system where no one would be compelled to pay cash.
Thanking the people for their support in the August 16 by-elections, which APGA candidates won, the governor said the victory reaffirmed the party’s dominance in the state.
“The election in Onitsha became a national election, because the election was about leadership by selection against leadership by competence. Election is not about sympathy, it’s not about ‘oh, vote for me, my husband is no more’… But I am glad you guys voted for competence over sentiment.
“Some people who were ready to write result said it was a mock election for November, but they were defeated at their wards and polling units. APGA is our address. APGA is Anambra and Anambra is APGA,” the governor said.
He further dismissed threats from opposition parties, branding them “nomadic politicians.”
“Last time, it was Labour Party everywhere, they were making noise. I call them the nomadic politicians; every election year, they enter into another party. But for us, we are APGA and we are saying APGA is Anambra and Anambra is APGA.
“Election period is business for some people, after the election, they will write on their complimentary card, ‘former governorship candidate’ and be begging for appointment here and there.
“Between now and November, you will be seeing new projects we are embarking on across the state. Keep the markets clean, keep it safe and most importantly, open your market on Mondays, there is nothing like Monday sit-at-home,” Soludo said. (Vanguard)
Sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha was the hero on Monday night as Liverpool snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Newcastle United in a pulsating Premier League encounter at St James’ Park.
The teenager came off the bench to score a stunning stoppage-time winner in the 100th minute, sealing three points for Arne Slot’s side in a game filled with drama, goals, and controversy.
Liverpool had gone ahead in the 35th minute through Ryan Gravenberch, whose long-range strike left goalkeeper Nick Pope rooted. Hugo Ekitike doubled the lead seconds after the restart with a composed finish.
Despite being reduced to 10 men after Anthony Gordon was sent off just before the break following a VAR review of his reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk, Newcastle fought back.
Bruno Guimarães halved the deficit with a powerful header in the 57th minute before substitute William Osula struck late in the 88th minute to level the scores.
Just when it looked as though Eddie Howe’s side had rescued a point, Mohamed Salah found Ngumoha deep into stoppage time.
The youngster showed remarkable composure, slotting past Pope to become the youngest scorer in Liverpool’s history.
The result leaves Newcastle to rue Gordon’s red card and a missed opportunity, while Liverpool continue their strong start to the campaign. (Punch)
Paris Saint-Germain have strengthened their forward line with the signing of Nigerian international Rasheedat Ajibade.
Announcing the signing in its blog post on Tuesday, PSG said Ajibade’s contract will run until 30 June 2027.
The Club said, “Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the arrival of Nigerian striker Rasheedat Busayo Ajibade, who has joined the club on a deal that runs until 30th June 2027.”
The 25-year-old, born on 8 December 1999 in the Mushin district of Lagos, arrives from Atlético de Madrid, where she has played since 2021 after a two-year spell in Norway with Avaldsnes IL.
In the 2024–25 season, Ajibade made 25 appearances, scoring eight goals and supplying three assists.
She was crowned as Nigeria’s NFF Young Player of the Year in 2018 after emerging from FC Robo Queens.
As captain of Nigeria, Ajibade has twice led the Super Falcons to continental glory at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having done so in 2018 and in 2024.
The forward also featured as a regular starter for her side at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, and, with over 30 caps under her belt already, now represents a central figure in Nigerian football.
Commenting on the deal, Ajibade said, “I’m deeply honoured to be joining Paris Saint-Germain, a top-drawer club in Europe.
“This is a major step for me, and I’m committed to giving my all to help PSG win titles and to inspire young footballers, be they in Nigeria or elsewhere.” (Punch)
Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, finished in fifth place at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket tournament, held in Angola from August 12 to 24.
Host nation Angola emerged champions after a commanding 70–43 victory over Mali in the final, securing their 12th AfroBasket title.
The win cements Angola’s status as the tournament’s most successful team, going unbeaten in all six games. It also marks their first continental triumph since 2013 in the Ivory Coast.
D’Tigers were knocked out in the quarter-finals after losing 91–75 to Senegal, who later won the bronze medal. Despite this, Nigeria secured fifth place overall after winning three games and losing only one.
Nigeria had earlier topped Group B by beating Madagascar, Tunisia, and Cameroon.
The final standings placed Angola first, Mali second, Senegal third, Cameroon fourth, Nigeria fifth, Egypt sixth, while the Ivory Coast and Cape Verde completed the top eight.
The Nigerian team will return in November for the FIBA Men’s World Cup Qualifiers as they aim to book a spot at the 2027 tournament in Qatar. They missed out on the last edition in 2023. (Punch)
Detectives of Iju Division of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a security guard for conspiracy, house breaking, and stealing, with exhibits recovered.
In a statement by the Lagos State Police spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on August 15, 2025, a resident of the Ifako area reported that upon returning home, he discovered his house had been broken into by unknown persons.
Hundeyin said among the stolen items included one Sumec generator, one Fireman generator, one National air conditioner and three air conditioner compressor engines, all valued at ₦1,785,000.
Following the investigation, police detectives arrested one Yisa Hassan, aged 38, a security guard in the same neighbourhood.
Further investigations revealed that the suspect conspired with others still at large to commit the crime.
Hundeyin said that the stolen items have been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend Hassan’s accomplices, and the case will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation.
He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, assured residents that the command will leave no stone unturned in bringing criminal elements to justice while urging them to always do proper background checks of employees before engaging them.” (Guardian)
Manchester United is still searching for its first win of the season in the Premier League after squandering the lead in a 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday.
Everton did get off the mark, though, beginning life in its new waterfront home at Bramley-Moore Dock with a 2-0 win over Brighton thanks to an impressive display by Jack Grealish.
United was looking to follow up a mostly encouraging display in defeat to Arsenal in the opening round last weekend and missed a chance to take a first-half lead against Fulham when Bruno Fernandes blazed a penalty over the crossbar, moments after stumbling into the referee.
It needed an own-goal by Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz, who deflected in a header at a corner from United’s Leny Yoro, to give United the lead in the 58th.
Ruben Amorim’s team couldn’t hold on as substitute Emile Smith Rowe poked home a cross from Alex Iwobi for the 73rd-minute equalizer.
It means a United player has yet to score a goal this season following an offseason when the club spent around 200 million pounds ($270 million) on revamping its attack with the additions of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. Sesko was a second-half substitute for the second straight match.
In his first start for Everton, Grealish showed glimpses of the player who once was the poster boy of English soccer.
The England forward, who is on loan from Manchester City in a bid to resurrect his career, dribbled into the area and crossed for fellow winger Iliman Ndiaye to volley home the first goal of a new era for Everton following the team’s emotional departure from Goodison Park, its long-time home. Coincidentally, Ndiaye also scored the last goal at Goodison in May.
By providing a layoff for James Garner to drive home Everton’s second goal from outside the area, Grealish grabbed a second assist of the game — as many as he managed in total across the past two Premier League seasons at City.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford saved a penalty from Danny Welbeck to the delight of the home fans among the 51,759 inside their new stadium that was built in the hope of taking an underachieving club in recent years to a new level. Not for the first time, Pickford was seen checking his water bottle ahead of a penalty kick because he keeps the name of potential opposition penalty-takers on the drinking vessel and where they might hit their attempt.
It was Everton’s first win of the season, after a 1-0 loss at Leeds in the opening round.
Crystal Palace fans weren’t afraid to make their feelings known about Nottingham Forest during the teams’ 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park.
Palace, the FA Cup winner last season, was demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League last month for breaching UEFA rules on club ownership, in a saga the club believes was influenced by Forest and owner Evangelos Marinakis, who benefited by being promoted to the Europa League at Palace’s expense.
A spicy pre-match banner took a pop at Marinakis, as did some abusive chants from Palace’s notoriously boisterous supporters that also targeted UEFA.
Ismaila Sarr gave Palace a 37th-minute lead before Callum Hudson-Odoi equalized in the 57th for Forest, whose manager Nuno Espirito Santo was in the dugout for the match despite concerns about his job amid rising tensions with Marinakis over the summer. (SportsNet)
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