Makinde Picks Ibrahim Adamu Bala as Running Mate for 2027 Presidential Election APM Completes Presidential Ticket with North-South Pairing Ahead of General Polls NIGERIA — July 15, 2026 By Poet of Afrique Reporter The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples' Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has selected Ibrahim Adamu Bala as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election. The development completes the party's presidential ticket as preparations intensify for the forthcoming general elections. Information available on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal indicates that Bala, 51, hails from Bauchi State, creating a North-South presidential ticket for the APM. Political observers say the choice is expected to strengthen the party's appeal across different regions of the country as it seeks to broaden its support base ahead of the polls. Sources familiar with the nomination process disclosed that Bala Mohammed played a significa...

 *Audacious Falsehood or Brazenness of Ignorance: Presenting the Otoge Government in a failing light* Written by: Bisi Kristien Some PDP supporters and others dissatisfied with the Kwara APC's choice of its 2027 governorship candidate have claimed that the Otoge government failed to deliver on its promises to Kwarans. I have repeatedly asked myself whether this assertion is true, and my answer remains no. Yet, one should never assume that one's position is beyond scrutiny. In December 2019, I withdrew from my brief engagement in the Dynasty's political media after realising that it was no longer justifiable to continue criticising Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's administration—a task I had undertaken for seven months. I have never regretted that decision, for I can only imagine how far I might have strayed from the truth had I remained committed to portraying this government as a failure. This is yet another occasion that compels one to ask how anyone could, in sincer...

  Igbo Community in Offa, Oyun Pledges Support for AMS Ahead of 2027 Elections NDC House of Representatives Candidate Intensifies Stakeholder Consultations Across Constituency OFFA, KWARA STATE — July 15, 2026 By Poet of Afrique Reporter The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Asiwaju Mashood Shittu (AMS), has disclosed that the Igbo community in Offa and Oyun Local Government Areas of Kwara State has pledged its support for his candidacy ahead of the 2027 general elections. Shittu made the disclosure following a consultative meeting with the leadership of the Igbo Community Association in Offa and Oyun Local Government Areas on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The meeting brought together the association's president, executive members, and chairmen representing the five Igbo state associations resident within the constituency. According to Shittu, the engagement formed part of his ongoing consul...

  Senate Donates ₦50 Million to Families of Victims of Oyo School Abduction Rescue Operation Lawmakers Commend Sacrifice of Fallen Heroes, Pledge Support for Bereaved Families ABUJA, NIGERIA — July 15, 2026 By Poet of Afrique Reporter The Nigerian Senate has announced a donation of ₦50 million to the families of five individuals who lost their lives during the rescue operation for abducted schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The donation was unveiled as part of efforts to support the bereaved families and honour the sacrifices made during the operation that led to the rescue of the kidnapped pupils and teachers. Members of the Senate described the deceased as heroes who paid the ultimate price in the service of humanity and national security, noting that their courage and sacrifice would not be forgotten. The lawmakers expressed condolences to the affected families and commended security agencies and other stakeholders involved in securing the releas...

  Fintiri Declares End to Absenteeism in Local Government Administration Governor Charges Newly Inaugurated Council Chairmen on Accountability, Grassroots Service YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE — July 15, 2026 By Poet of Afrique Reporter Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has declared an end to absenteeism in local government administration, warning newly inaugurated chairmen of the state's 21 local government councils to remain at their duty posts and maintain close contact with the people they were elected to serve. The governor issued the directive on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected council chairmen held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Yola. Fintiri emphasized that grassroots leadership is a full-time responsibility that requires commitment, accountability, and consistent engagement with residents. He stressed that local government offices must remain operational, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the people, noting that ef...

  FIFA Set to Introduce 30-Minute Halftime Show at 2026 World Cup Final Historic Super Bowl-Style Entertainment Expected to Extend Traditional Halftime Break NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — July 15, 2026 By Poet of Afrique Reporter FIFA is set to stage a historic Super Bowl-style halftime show during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with the interval expected to be extended to approximately 30 minutes. The move marks the first time in the tournament's history that the World Cup final will feature a dedicated halftime entertainment spectacle, departing from the traditional 15-minute break between halves. The expanded halftime is expected to accommodate a star-studded musical performance curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin in partnership with Global Citizen. The lineup includes Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay. The final is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 19, at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with FIF...

  Governor Approves Recruitment of Teachers for Ekiti Public Primary Schools Move Aimed at Strengthening Basic Education and Enhancing Learning Outcomes ADO-EKITI, EKITI STATE — July 15, 2026 By Poet of Afrique Reporter Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the recruitment of teachers into public primary schools across the state as part of efforts to strengthen the basic education sector and improve learning outcomes. The recruitment initiative is aimed at addressing manpower needs in public primary schools, enhancing the quality of teaching, and ensuring that pupils receive effective and uninterrupted learning experiences. According to the state government, the approval forms part of Governor Oyebanji's commitment to improving the education sector and providing a conducive environment for teaching and learning. The move is expected to bridge existing gaps in teacher availability, particularly in underserved communities, while supporting the government's br...