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Starmer pledges to prove his doubters wrong but faces wave of resignation calls

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged Monday to prove the “doubters” in his own party and among the electorate wrong as he struggled to fight off growing demands to step down after devastating local election results for his Labour Party.

Starmer said he would “face up to the big challenges” and restore hope to the country, in part by forging closer ties with the European Union, six years after the UK’s acrimonious departure from the bloc.

“I know I have my doubters and I know I need to prove them wrong, and I will,” Starmer said during a speech in London intended to kickstart his fightback against detractors.

It did not appear to have the intended effect. In the hours after the speech a steady stream of Labour lawmakers spoke to the media or posted on social media saying Starmer should resign, either now or soon.

Several of those calling for him to go were ministerial aides, in an apparently coordinated move aimed at putting pressure on Starmer’s Cabinet to deliver an ultimatum, perhaps at its weekly meeting on Tuesday.

Labour has been plunged into gloom by heavy losses last week in local elections across England and legislative votes in Scotland and Wales. The elections have been interpreted as an unofficial referendum on Starmer, whose popularity has plummeted since he swept to power in a landslide less than two years ago.

Starmer’s government has struggled to deliver promised economic growth, repair tattered public services and ease the cost of living, and been hamstrung by repeated missteps and policy U-turns on issues including welfare reform. He has been further hurt by his disastrous decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, a scandal-tarnished friend of Jeffrey Epstein, as Britain’s ambassador to Washington.

Last week’s elections saw Labour squeezed from both right and left, losing votes to both Reform UK and the “eco-populist” Green Party. The result reflects the increasing fragmentation of British politics, long dominated by Labour and the Conservatives.

Starmer had hoped to regain momentum with his speech and an ambitious set of legislative plans to be set out in a speech Wednesday by King Charles III at the State Opening of Parliament.

In Monday’s speech, he vowed to prove to millions of people “tired of a status quo that has failed them” that the government is on their side.

He said Labour is in “a battle for the soul of our nation,” and warned Britain will go down “a dark path” if Reform UK, the anti-immigration party led by Nigel Farage, comes to power.

Starmer told an audience of party lawmakers and activists that the government will take control of Britain’s energy, economic and defense security and make the country fairer. He announced plans to nationalize what is left of the once-mighty British Steel, a move that could save some industrial jobs in an area where working-class voters have deserted Labour for Reform UK.

Starmer also pledged to put Britain “at the heart of Europe” and forge closer ties with the 27-nation EU. Farage, who spearheaded the Brexit campaign, and Reform UK oppose any move to get closer to the EU.

Brexit has been a drag on the British economy, and President Donald Trump’s “America First” economic and foreign policy has spurred Britain to seek closer defense, security and economic cooperation with its European neighbors.

Labour supporters are largely anti-Brexit, which failed to deliver the benefits its backers promised. But Starmer has been reluctant to reopen a debate that bitterly divided the country. He has ruled out seeking to reenter the EU, or to rejoin the bloc’s customs union or single market, things that would make a big economic difference.

British politics allows parties to change leader midterm without the need for a new election.

None of the high-profile Labour politicians considered potential challengers to Starmer — including former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham — has yet called for him to resign.

Rayner did not explicitly call for Starmer to quit, but accused him of presiding over “a toxic culture of cronyism” and said the government must “stay true to Labour and social democratic values” and ease the cost of living for working people.

Labour lawmaker Catherine West, who had vowed to trigger a leadership challenge if Monday’s speech didn’t mark a major turning point, said she would hold off for now, though she urged Starmer to resign by September.

More than 60 other lawmakers, out of Labour’s total of 403, also urged him to announce a departure date, with the number ticking up in the hours after the speech.

“I don’t think we saw a plan from the prime minister this morning in order to implement the kind of change that this country needs,,” lawmaker Chris Curtis told Sky News.

Another legislator, Joe Morris, said: “the message from last week’s elections was clear: The prime minister has lost the confidence of the public.”

But some who attended Starmer’s speech said kicking out the man who led them to victory in 2024 would be counterproductive.

“You can’t be changing prime ministers two years in,” said Kevin Craig, a former local councilor in London. “It’s really important we stay grown-up now.” (JapanToday)

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Tinubu arrives in Kenya for Africa/France Summit

President Bola Tinubu has arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya, in the early hours of Monday to participate in the Africa/France Summit.

Tinubu’s aircraft touched down at approximately 00:18 a.m. local time. He was received on arrival by the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi; the High Commissioner of Kenya in Nigeria, Isaac Parashina; along with senior Kenyan government officials and members of Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Kenya.

The Africa/France Summit will be co-hosted by William Ruto of Kenya and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Tinubu’s participation, according to the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, highlights Nigeria’s enduring commitment to advancing African unity, deepening regional economic cooperation, and fostering strategic partnerships to accelerate sustainable development across the continent.

The summit brings together heads of state, policymakers, business leaders, development partners, and key stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on innovative pathways for economic transformation, trade expansion, digital innovation, infrastructure development, climate resilience, and collective prosperity for the continent.

During the event, Tinubu is expected to engage in high-level bilateral and multilateral discussions to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic relations with fellow African nations while reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership role in shaping the continent’s future.

His attendance reflects the administration’s steadfast dedication to promoting Africa-driven solutions to continental challenges and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda through strategic international engagement.

The President is accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

Others are the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPCO); the Minister of State designate for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; the Director General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Omotenioye Majekodunmi; and the Nigerian Ambassador to France, Amb. Ayodele Oke. (Channels)

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King sends ‘warmest congratulations’ to Sir David Attenborough on his 100th birthday

The King has led birthday tributes to Sir David Attenborough, sending his “warmest congratulations” to the environmentalist who has reached 100 years of age.

The monarch said in a birthday card message how the pair have known each other for more than 60 years, having first met in 1958, and their “paths have crossed many times since”.

He was shown writing the card in a clip at the conservationist’s birthday concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The 77-year-old royal said Sir David has revealed “the beauty and wonders of nature to audiences around the world in new and marvellous ways”.

He added that the broadcaster has shared the King’s “determination to highlight the urgent need to protect and preserve” Earth for future generations.

The King said he and the Queen were “delighted” to learn he will be celebrating the milestone and on behalf of the whole country wished him a very happy birthday.

Animals could then be seen delivering the letter across land, sea and air, before Sir David could be seen holding his royal birthday card aloft in the venue.

The card’s journey was initially thwarted by a fallen tree – only to be saved by the creatures, including an eagle, a fox, a red squirrel and an otter that travel across the UK to ensure that the wildlife presenter receives his royal dispatch.

The Prince of Wales spoke of his “profound” friendship with Sir David, adding that his children have grown up with the broadcaster’s “incredible storytelling” and that he has been a “guiding light” in efforts to protect the natural world.

He said in his speech: “David, for decades, your voice has been a constant in our lives, guiding us through rainforests and oceans, over mountains and into the very fabric of life.”

The audience in the Royal Albert Hall all sang happy birthday at the conclusion of the event.

The King and Queen also shared a carousel of photographs of Sir David on the official Royal Family Instagram account.

The caption read: “Wishing Sir David Attenborough a very happy 100th birthday. Enjoy your special celebration this evening!”

Sir David Beckham also marked Sir David’s big day with a post on his Instagram account captioned: “Happy 100th Birthday to our National Treasure.”

Meanwhile, fellow environmentalist and Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio called Sir David “one of the most enduring champions of our shared planet” in an Instagram post.

The Royal Albert Hall celebration was just one of many events to mark the broadcaster’s birthday, including a takeover of the Piccadilly Lights in central London, displaying a birthday message for Sir David.

The naturalist said he has been “completely overwhelmed” by goodwill messages and thanked well wishers “most sincerely”. (SkyNews)

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APC waives Tinubu screening, mocks opposition’s divisions ahead of 2027

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has waived the screening requirement for President Bola Tinubu, declaring him cleared to participate in the party’s primary elections without appearing before a screening committee.

The decision was taken at the NWC’s 188th meeting on Wednesday and announced by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.

“This decision was made pursuant to the powers conferred on the NWC under Article 13.4 (xiii) and (xiv) of the Constitution of APC to organise and supervise the party’s primaries and, in special circumstances, grant waivers, in the best interest of the party,” Morka said.

The NWC said the decision followed endorsements from key stakeholders, including the Progressive Governors Forum, National Assembly members and other party organs at the APC National Summit of May 22, 2025.

It added that as an incumbent who had already been screened ahead of the 2022 primaries, requiring another appearance would be unnecessary.

APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, told journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja that the influx of aspirants reflected the party’s strength ahead of 2027.

“As you can see, this place is a beehive of activities… people are here in their numbers, trying to submit their forms,” he said.

He noted that interest cuts across all geopolitical zones, with aspirants contesting various offices, including the presidency.

“We have a sitting President, yet people are buying forms to contest. We allowed it. We opened our party for competition,” he said.

On whether the sale of forms would be extended, he said the timeline remains fixed due to provisions of the Electoral Act.

“We would have loved to extend, but we are time-bound,” he added.

Addressing concerns over tensions surrounding primary modes in some states, Yilwatda acknowledged the issue but said measures were in place to ensure a smooth process.

On the emergence of the New Democrats Coalition (NDC) and recent defections, he downplayed their impact on the party.

“Seventeen out of 459 lawmakers is less than five per cent. Should I be worried? I am not,” he said.

He argued that challenges within opposition ranks were internal, not driven by APC.

“Nigerians are seeing that the contest is not APC versus opposition; it is opposition versus opposition,” he said.

Yilwatda maintained that APC remains united and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in 2027.

“When you aggregate these numbers, you can be sure that APC will win most of the seats,” he said. (Vanguard)

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PSG hold off Bayern to set up UCL final with Arsenal

Luis Enrique and Paris Saint-Germain are headed back to the Champions League final after a 1-1 second-leg semifinal draw with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.

PSG edged a thrilling 5-4 game in the first leg in Paris last week, and the defending champions made the advantage count to progress 6-5 on aggregate to set up a final in Budapest against Arsenal on May 30.

“It’s magnificent, two finals,” PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said after the game. “Now we will go there and try to fetch a second star. I said to the players we are warriors.”

PSG’s defense – breached four times in Paris last week – kept Bayern’s much vaunted attack of Harry Kane, Luis Díaz and Micheal Olise largely in check.

“We know how to suffer and we’re ready for what we have to face,” PSG midfielder João Neves said. “We’re very proud of how far we’ve come.”

Ousmane Dembélé blasted home a first-time finish to open the scoring, with the assist going to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after a blistering run down the left flank and cutback pass to the France international.

Bayern were up in arms shortly after the 30-minute mark when the referee neglected to call handball on Nuno Mendes, who was already on a yellow card, and then waved off shouts for another possible handball on João Neves — this one coming in PSG’s own penalty area.

It did not appear the VAR was consulted on either decision, while replays showed that the referee had already blown his whistle for a handball on Bayern’s Konrad Laimer before the perceived Mendes infraction.

With the assist, Kvaratskhelia became the first player to score or assist in seven consecutive Champions League knockout stage games in a single season and drew level with Kylian Mbappé for the most goal contributions in the UCL season with 16 (10 goals, six assists).

Try as they might, the hosts could not find a way back into the game in the second half until Kane scored a late consolation goal just before the final whistle blew. Bayern had won five of their past seven meetings with PSG in Munich, and were going for a repeat of the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup treble they won in 2020 and 2013.

That bid ultimately came up one goal short, with PSG looking more likely to score than Bayern in the second 45 minutes.

“I understand if they’re disappointed,” Bayern coach Vincent Kompany told TNT Sports when asked what he said afterwards to his players. “I think we gave everything.”

After the teams returned from the break, Manuel Neuer saved twice in quick succession from Désiré Doué and Kvaratskhelia. Doué tried again soon after with a low drive that brought the best stop yet from the Bayern goalkeeper.

The hosts came close again through Diaz, who was denied by Matvei Safonov, but PSG were carrying the greater threat. Doué blasted an effort inches wide of the post with Neuer beaten as the European champions looked to seal it.

Kvaratskhelia brushed past Bayern’s defence and bore down on goal but badly missed his kick, with the goal and tie at his mercy.

England captain Kane finally found space inside the box to lash a finish into the roof of the net deep in stoppage time, but a famous fightback was not to be.

PSG and Bayern came into the second leg as the top-scoring sides in the competition with 43 and 42 goals, respectively. It’s the first time two teams have scored more than 40 in the same season — with the expanded League Phase format playing a role.

“It was a game of details. I think we’ve played five times against PSG in the last two years and we’ve won two times, they’ve won two times and now was a draw, so it’s just been that kind of game every single time,” Kompany added. “We have to look at some of the phases that were decided by the officials across the two games which.

“It’s never an excuse for everything, but it matters.”

Arsenal sealed their spot in the final on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Atlético Madrid to advance 2-1 on aggregate over Diego Simeone’s side.

PSG will try to become only the second team to repeat as Champions League winners, with Real Madrid having done so twice by winning the competition three times in a row between 2016 and 2018. (ESPN)

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Police arrest suspected kidnappers in Oyo, free farmer

The Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of four suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of a farmer, Quadri Oloriegbẹ, in the Irawọ area of the state.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the command said the victim was abducted on April 29, 2026, at Olopoto Village via Abugbudu when five armed men invaded the community, shooting sporadically into the air before whisking him away to an unknown destination.

The statement noted that following a distress report, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, directed an intelligence-driven rescue and manhunt operation involving Police Tactical Teams, Amotekun Corps, Agbẹkọya operatives, vigilante groups, and local hunters.

According to the command, extensive bush-combing operations, surveillance patrols, and raids on suspected criminal hideouts across the area led to the arrest of one Umaru Bokolo, who was linked to the crime through intelligence and community identification.

Police said the sustained pressure mounted on the kidnappers eventually led to the release of the victim on May 5, 2026.

The victim was thereafter debriefed by investigators and taken to a medical facility for evaluation before reuniting with his family safely.

The command added that further coordinated operations at Irawọ town and surrounding areas resulted in the arrest of three additional suspects identified as Zada Abubakar, Husein Rabiu, and Abubakar Mohammed.

The suspects, according to the statement, are undergoing further investigation and would be transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for possible prosecution.

The Police Commissioner commended the efforts and collaboration among security agencies and local security outfits involved in the operation and reassured residents of the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Oyo State. (TVCNews)

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CNN founder and ”pioneer of cable TV” Ted Turner dies aged 87

Ted Turner, the outspoken founder of CNN, has died aged 87.

Turner, who launched the first 24-hour all-news TV network in 1980, died on Wednesday, according to Turner Enterprises website.

No cause of death was given, but his website said he died “after a long battle with Lewy body dementia”.

In September 2018, Turner revealed he had the degenerative nerve disease that causes a mental decline with physical symptoms similar to Parkinson’s.

His website described him as “the audacious cable pioneer, arguably best known for creating CNN and Turner Broadcasting”.

The billionaire, who was known for being brash and outspoken, owned professional sports teams in Atlanta and was an avid yacht racer, defending the America’s Cup in yachting in 1977.

He was a philanthropist, donating $1bn to United Nations charities, which he called “the best investment I’ve ever made”. (SkyNews)

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Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (Agg: 2-1): Bukayo Saka scores decisive goal as Gunners reach Champions League final

Arsenal reached the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years as Bukayo Saka’s goal clinched a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium to complete a 2-1 aggregate victory.

On a momentous night for the club, Saka turned home the decisive goal just before half-time after Leandro Trossard’s shot had been parried by Jan Oblak, ensuring that Arsenal will face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 30.

The Gunners, aiming to lift the trophy for the first time in their history having been beaten by Barcelona in their only previous final appearance in 2006, were deserving winners but had to come through another fiercely-contested encounter with Atletico.

It might have turned out differently had the excellent Declan Rice not made a vital tackle to prevent a certain goal from Giuliano Simeone in the first half. There was another goal-saving challenge on the same Atletico player by Gabriel Magalhaes after half-time.

But Arsenal, dogged in claiming a draw in last week’s first leg, produced another outstanding defensive display to limit Atletico’s chances, clinching a ninth clean sheet in 14 European games and a 30th in all competitions this season.

They also missed chances to kill the tie at the other end of the pitch.

The tireless Viktor Gyokeres spurned the best of them, firing over the crossbar from substitute Piero Hincapie’s low cross when well placed to score in the centre of the box.

In the end, though, Saka’s goal proved sufficient, as Arsenal saw out the closing stages in relative comfort before jubilant scenes of celebration which included manager Mikel Arteta sprinting onto the pitch to join his players after the final whistle.

Arsenal will now switch their focus back to the Premier League title race, with West Ham next up on Super Sunday, knowing they will have the chance to finish an epic campaign on an unprecedented high in Budapest at the end of May. (SkySports)

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PGF denies reports of Uzodimma’s removal as Chairman

The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has dismissed reports claiming that its Chairman, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, has been removed from office.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Forum described the reports as false, misleading and without any basis.

The Director General of the PGF, Folorunso Aluko, said no meeting was held where such a decision was taken, stressing that the Secretariat has no record of any resolution to remove Uzodimma.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the report is entirely false, baseless, and without an iota of truth,” the statement said.

Aluko affirmed that Uzodimma remains the Chairman of the Forum, adding that the body remains united and focused on its responsibilities.

He urged members of the public, party faithful and the media to disregard the report in its entirety. (TVCNews)

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2027 election: Tinubu, APC bigwigs pick forms, GAC backs Hamzat

The 2027 political race in the ruling All Progressives Congress gained some momentum on Tuesday as President Bola Tinubu and other aspirants obtained their nomination forms.

Also, Osifo Stanley from Edo State purchased N100m presidential nomination forms to challenge Tinubu for the APC ticket at the primaries.

This comes as Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, secured the backing of the Governance Advisory Council as the APC consensus candidate in the state.

The Founder of Tinubu Support Groups, lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke, who picked the N100 million expression of interest and nomination for the President, dismissed concerns over the emerging coalition against Tinubu, insisting they posed no threat to the APC.

According to the party’s 2027 schedule of activities, the sale of forms was scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 25, and end on Saturday, May 2, 2026. However, the process commenced three days later than planned. Party officials clarified that despite this brief delay, the overall deadline for form submission and aspirant eligibility remains unchanged, and all scheduled activities will still proceed as planned. This assurance is intended to help aspirants and stakeholders plan accordingly and reduce any uncertainty caused by the shift in timing.

Our reporter, who visited the designated venue, Abuja Continental Hotel, observed that the Ladi Kwali Hall, ballroom 2, was filled with APC aspirants.

Inside the hall, Senate and House of Representatives aspirants were seen collecting their forms from the zonal desk. The desk for governorship aspirants was positioned separately from the others.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.

The commission also disclosed that party primaries, including the resolution of related disputes, will take place from April 23, 2026, to May 30, 2026.

INEC further announced that campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while those for Governorship and State Assembly elections will begin on September 9, 2026.

With the commencement of nomination form sales, political realignments across the six geopolitical zones and fresh succession calculations have been set in motion as the lawmaker representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, picked up the APC governorship nomination form for the 2027 Ogun State election.

Similarly, Senator Shehu Buba of Bauchi State and Senator Isah Jibrin (Wadada) of Nasarawa State picked up their governorship expression of interest and nomination forms as they seek to succeed Governors Bala Mohammed and Abdullahi Sule, respectively.

Speaking to journalists after obtaining President Tinubu’s re-election bid forms, Faleke maintained that the APC remains “strategically positioned and unaffected by opposition alignments,” stressing that the party’s internal cohesion and electoral machinery remain strong. He cited examples such as APC’s ongoing grassroots mobilisation campaigns, targeted voter outreach, and the strengthening of local party offices as concrete ways the party is securing its advantage heading into 2027. According to Faleke, these preparations are backed by intensive member training and the deployment of sophisticated data tools to enhance campaign effectiveness at both state and national levels.

“So, for all support groups who have made efforts, who have contributed money to purchase the form, I have done so on their behalf, on behalf of Nigerians. There is no one particular person who has done this. It is on behalf of all Nigerians.

“Just as we did before the 2023 election, I was also privileged, with some leaders, to buy the form. Here again, I am privileged to buy the form on behalf of all Nigerians, for our President, for our performing President.”

He added, “And by the grace of God, 2027 will be a reality. By the grace of God, he will contest, and he will win the election. At the same time, I am also privileged, with my friend here, Honourable Ajala, to pick the form for the incoming governor of Lagos, Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat.

“And let me also say that those of us who contributed money to buy this form are more than 1,000 in Lagos. It is not just one person. None of us can come here and pick the form. Only representatives are sent. And I am also lucky to be one of those who have been sent to pick the form. At the same time, I picked my own form to return to the House of Reps. You can see the form with me.”

He added, “I am also waiting to get the receipt for our incumbent Senator Idiat Adebule from my West Senatorial District. This is just to let you know that everything is intact and God is in charge.”

He noted that the recent political movements and coalition talks are part of normal democratic competition and would not disrupt the ruling party’s preparation for 2027. (Punch)