Category: News

Brazilian football authorities have given Neymar Jr a strict ultimatum regarding his recovery ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Santos forward must prove his fitness by a set medical deadline or risk being left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s final squad for the tournament.

Neymar’s participation in the upcoming warm-up matches for the Selecao is now in serious doubt. The 34-year-old is currently nursing a grade two calf strain, which has caused mounting concern within the national team setup.

According to reports from Globo, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) went to extraordinary lengths to protect the player’s privacy during medical assessments. A local diagnostic center was temporarily closed to the public to allow Neymar to undergo an MRI scan without any distractions.

Although Santos had initially given Neymar clearance to play, the national team’s medical staff conducted further evaluations. Those tests confirmed the presence of a grade two muscle edema, ruling him out of action for the time being.

Dr Rodrigo Lasmar, the team physician, provided an update on Thursday. He stated: ‘Neymar arrived at Granja Comary yesterday and completed all medical exams, finishing with an MRI that revealed a grade 2 muscle injury. He is continuing treatment, and we anticipate he will be cleared to play within two to three weeks.’

The clock is now ticking for Neymar to regain full fitness if he hopes to represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. Ancelotti is expected to name his squad soon, and the superstar’s injury may force a difficult decision.

In a move that has brought widespread relief, Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has authorized the reissuance of appointment letters to more than 3,000 public servants who were previously branded as ghost workers and left unpaid for over a year. The decision was announced following a State Executive Council meeting chaired by the governor on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Addressing journalists in Jalingo on Wednesday, the Head of Service, Dr Hamidu Ahmed Kara, confirmed that the affected employees would be reintegrated into the state workforce after enduring months of uncertainty and financial strain. He noted that the step was taken to resolve the hardships caused by an earlier verification exercise that erroneously classified many as ghost workers.

During their time off the payroll, several of these workers reportedly struggled to support their families, pay school fees, and meet daily living expenses. The reinstatement has sparked jubilation across the state, especially among the affected staff and their households, who see it as a significant relief just ahead of the Sallah festivities.

Labor unions and local residents have praised the government, calling the intervention one of the most impactful actions in the state’s public service history in recent times. Beyond the reinstatement, Governor Kefas has also approved a fresh recruitment drive. According to Dr Kara, the governor directed the Office of the Head of Service to collaborate with the Taraba State Civil Service Commission to hire an additional 1,800 workers.

The new recruitment aims to correct federal character imbalances that were allegedly overlooked in prior hiring exercises. Analysts believe that both the reinstatement and the planned recruitment will have positive economic and social effects throughout the state.

In a coordinated operation in Yobe State, security forces have eliminated two suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The operation, which took place on May 27, involved troops from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters. The ambush was set near Kasaicia village, off the Damaturu–Buni Yadi road, following intelligence reports about insurgent movements in the area.

According to a statement from Headquarters Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, the joint team engaged the terrorists around 4:00 p.m., resulting in the neutralization of two fighters. The forces also recovered two AK-47 rifles and several empty magazines from the scene. The report highlighted that the security situation in the region remains fluid, but troops maintained high morale and operational efficiency.

This success underscores the ongoing efforts of Nigerian forces and local allies to combat insurgency in the northeast. The operation was part of Operation Desert Sanity V, aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities in the area.

Nuru Garwa, once a Special Adviser on Community Development to Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, has been taken into custody on suspicion of collaborating with a kidnapping ring in the region. The news came to light via a social media post from Zagazola Makama, a well-known security analyst focused on the Lake Chad area.

According to Makama, Garwa—who had recently stepped down from his position to run for a seat in the State House of Assembly—was picked up on May 24 as part of an inquiry into the abduction of an eight-year-old child. The boy was snatched on May 13 while heading back from a Quranic school.

The abductors initially asked for N50 million in ransom, but after negotiations, the sum was cut to N17 million, which the family eventually paid. Following the payment, the family alerted the Violent Crime Response Unit in Katsina, prompting a covert investigation.

On May 23, six individuals believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate were apprehended. Their questioning led authorities to Garwa, who is alleged to be the mastermind. A search of his home uncovered N7.5 million in cash hidden inside a Ghana-Must-Go bag, which is thought to be part of the ransom proceeds. Police also seized a motorcycle suspected to have been used for gang operations and other evidence.

Garwa remains in custody as detectives work to unravel the full scope of his involvement and track down any remaining accomplices in the kidnapping network.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Yakurr I State Constituency in Cross River State, James Ibor, has leveled serious accusations against the state House of Assembly, claiming its members are deeply compromised by bribery and undue executive influence. Ibor, a child rights lawyer, stated that this situation has eroded the constitutional principle of checks and balances, effectively turning the Assembly into an arm of the executive branch.

In an interview, Ibor alleged that every executive bill sent to the legislature comes with financial inducements. ‘Each bill that leaves the government house for the legislative house is accompanied by an envelope. Whenever you observe them quarreling, it means someone has mismanaged that envelope,’ he asserted. He further accused lawmakers of prioritizing personal enrichment over public service, pointing out that many focus on acquiring loans and properties shortly after assuming office.

Ibor expressed concern over the absence of a robust opposition in the Assembly, which he said has fostered complacency and weakened legislative oversight. ‘There is no rigorous debate, examination, or review of proposals. Our state is heavily indebted, and there is zero opposition. Everything is simply “the ayes have it,”’ he lamented.

Despite these challenges, Ibor dismissed fears of isolation or intimidation if elected on the PDP platform, vowing to fight for accountability. ‘My guiding principle has always been to take the battle to the enemy. I am heading into the enemy camp. My sole distraction will be the struggle. Of course, I expect them to resist, but I will not be sidetracked,’ he declared. He expressed confidence that support from civil society, his constituents, and governance advocates would ensure he does not stand alone in the Assembly.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially named Senator Sabo Muhammad Nakudu as the winner of its governorship primary in Jigawa State. The announcement was made by the chairman of the party’s electoral committee for Jigawa, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Zaki Ahmed, after the final collation of results.

Ahmed reported that while results from 19 local government areas were initially received, outstanding results from Auyo, Roni, and Kazaure councils delayed the process. However, after all remaining results were collated, the committee declared the outcome.

According to the figures, Hon. Bashir Adamu Jumbo garnered 19,537 votes, while Senator Nakudu secured a decisive 35,939 votes. Citing the authority vested in him, Ahmed proclaimed Nakudu the party’s flagbearer for the upcoming governorship election in Jigawa State.

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, has expressed optimism following the selection of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.

According to Mark, Atiku’s victory in the ADC primary serves as compelling evidence that democratic processes remain viable in Nigeria. He emphasized that the event was more than just the announcement of a candidate—it was a demonstration that political contests need not devolve into hostility.

Atiku secured the nomination after defeating former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in a competitive primary held in Abuja. Speaking at the results declaration, Mark stated: “This moment is about proving to Nigeria that democracy can function effectively. It shows that political rivalry can be conducted without becoming warfare, and that a party can prioritize principles over individual ambitions.”

Mark also praised Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen for their sportsmanship, highlighting that the ADC is unique among Nigerian parties for having three strong contenders vie for the presidential ticket. He remarked: “We are the only political party where three heavyweight aspirants contested for the ticket. This underscores our commitment to democratic ideals.”

Addressing party members, Mark acknowledged the challenges faced by the ADC, including skepticism from outsiders. He thanked members for their resilience, sacrifices, and faith in the party, stating that many had predicted division or collapse. “Instead, we have shown that unity and principle can prevail,” he added.

Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, has called on Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to unite with him in a bid to protect Nigeria’s democracy. During his acceptance speech in Abuja, Atiku recounted his victory in the recent ADC primary election, where he secured 1,846,370 votes, outpacing both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen. He emphasized the need for unity, stating that no one should be considered a winner or loser. Atiku extended an invitation to all primary contenders across the country to join forces with the winners, highlighting the collective responsibility to save the nation’s democratic process. Specifically addressing Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen, he urged them to collaborate in this critical fight for democracy, reinforcing his readiness to lead the country.

Isa Ashiru, a former contender for the Kaduna governorship under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has won the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket for the 2027 elections. The primary election saw Ashiru garnering 86,113 votes, a decisive victory that places him as the party’s standard-bearer.

Jafaru Sani, who previously served as Kaduna’s education commissioner, trailed in second place with 29,580 votes. Other aspirants in the race included Professor Muhammad San-Bello, who secured 13,559 votes; Ahmed Tijjani with 13,550 votes; and Shuaibu Mikati, who polled 10,819 votes.

Ashiru’s political journey includes previous runs for governor under the PDP banner in both 2019 and 2023. In 2019, he lost to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and in 2023, he was defeated by the incumbent Governor Uba Sani after accumulating 719,000 votes.

Despite his victory, the ADC primary in Kaduna was not without controversy. Some House of Representatives aspirants from the party have rejected the outcome, citing irregularities during the exercise. Samaila Makarfi, speaking on behalf of the aggrieved aspirants, labeled the process a sham and demanded a review of the primaries.

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a stern warning to the Presidency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the judiciary against meddling in the party’s internal matters. He declared that any further attempts to interfere would be met with strong opposition.

Speaking shortly after winning the ADC presidential ticket, the former Vice President defeated former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in the party’s primary election. Atiku expressed gratitude to the ADC for the opportunity to lead the party into the forthcoming electoral contest.

In a message shared on X, Atiku said: “I am deeply thankful for the honor of being chosen as the ADC presidential candidate. This privilege humbles me.” He emphasized that the party’s primary process demonstrated the vitality of democracy, in contrast to what he described as the ruling party’s oppressive tendencies.

Atiku lamented that despite careful efforts to build a coalition, the government and INEC have attempted to undermine the party, even seeking to deregister it. He warned: “Let me caution that any further interference in our party’s affairs by the Presidency, INEC, or the judiciary will be fiercely resisted. Enough is enough.”