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African News Digest, lagos, Owerri (2026)

22/05/2026

BREAKING: Sowore Says Tinubu, Atiku, Obi Others Responsible for Nigeria’s Problems

ABUJA, Nigeria – May 22, 2026 (African News Digest) – Human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, has said the political ideas of several leading Nigerian politicians are responsible for the country’s current challenges, including poverty, insecurity, and hardship.

Sowore made the remarks during an interview with media personality Seun, when asked why Nigerians should believe his ideas are better than those of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Responding to the question, Sowore said the political establishment had failed Nigerians over the years.

“Because all of the ideas of the people you’ve mentioned brought Nigeria into this circle of poverty, insecurity, pain, sorrow and tears,” Sowore stated.

The comments come amid increasing political debates and positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, as opposition figures and ruling party members continue to clash over the country’s economic direction and governance record.

Sowore has consistently positioned himself as an alternative to Nigeria’s mainstream political class, frequently criticizing both past and present administrations over corruption, insecurity, and economic hardship.

For more updates on Nigerian politics and the 2027 elections, stay with African News Digest.

22/05/2026

BREAKING: Guardiola Reveals Biggest Regret as He Leaves Manchester City

MANCHESTER, England – May 22, 2026 (African News Digest) – Departing Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has admitted that one of his biggest regrets during his time at the club was not giving former England goalkeeper Joe Hart an opportunity to prove himself.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola reflected on his arrival at Manchester City in 2016 and the decision to move on from Hart, who was then England’s number one goalkeeper and a two-time Premier League winner.

Hart failed to make a single appearance under Guardiola before leaving on loan to Torino and later joining Burnley permanently.

The Spanish manager opted to replace Hart with Claudio Bravo, believing the English goalkeeper did not fit his possession-based playing style.

“I want to confess something, I have just one regret – I didn’t give Joe Hart a chance with me, to prove how good a keeper he was,” Guardiola said.

“When you take a lot of decisions, you will make mistakes,” he added.

Guardiola’s comments come shortly after he officially confirmed his departure from Manchester City, bringing an end to one of the most successful managerial eras in English football.

During his time at the club, Guardiola transformed Manchester City into a dominant force in both domestic and European football, winning multiple Premier League titles and major trophies.

For more sports updates and global football news, stay with African News Digest.

22/05/2026

BREAKING: Amaechi Vows to Enforce Rule of Law if Elected President

ABUJA, Nigeria – May 22, 2026 (African News Digest) – Former Rivers State Governor and presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that enforcing the rule of law would be his first priority if elected President of Nigeria.

Amaechi made the remarks while criticizing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress of undermining democracy and weakening opposition parties.

“First thing I will do as President of Nigeria is enforce rule of law. There has to be order,” Amaechi stated.

The former minister also alleged that the current administration was creating economic hardship as a political strategy to influence voters.

“President Tinubu is creating hunger as a way of manipulating voters. A bag of rice does not solve hunger for the rest of the year,” he said.

Amaechi further questioned the APC’s democratic credentials, accusing the ruling party of using state institutions against opposition parties.

“If APC is as strong as they claim, why are they not allowing opposition parties to thrive? Why are they influencing government institutions against the opposition? Why won’t they leave the rule of law?” he queried.

His comments come amid rising political tension and intensified debates over governance, economic hardship, and electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

For more updates on Nigerian politics and the 2027 elections, stay with African News Digest.

22/05/2026

BREAKING: ADC Clears 1,657 Aspirants, Disqualifies 212 Ahead of Primaries

ABUJA, Nigeria – May 22, 2026 (African News Digest) – The African Democratic Congress has announced the completion of its screening exercise ahead of its nationwide primary elections, clearing 1,657 aspirants while disqualifying 212 others.

The exercise was conducted under the leadership of the party’s factional National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe.

According to the party, a total of 1,869 aspirants participated in the screening process across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The ADC stated that screening committees were constituted nationwide in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines to ensure a transparent and orderly process.

Providing a breakdown of the disqualifications, the party disclosed that 155 aspirants seeking State House of Assembly tickets failed the screening exercise, while 50 House of Representatives aspirants and seven Senate hopefuls were also disqualified.

The party explained that the affected aspirants failed to meet stipulated requirements, including inconsistencies in dates of birth and graduation records, absence of valid party membership cards, and non-compliance with electoral guidelines.

The development comes as political parties intensify internal preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with party primaries expected to shape emerging alliances and political contests across the country.

For more updates on Nigerian politics and the 2027 elections, stay with African News Digest.

22/05/2026

BREAKING: Crisis Rocks ADC in Benue as Primary Election Turns Violent

MAKURDI, Nigeria – May 22, 2026 (African News Digest) – A major crisis has erupted within the African Democratic Congress in Benue State following violent incidents, protests, and allegations of manipulation surrounding the party’s primary election process ahead of the 2027 elections.

Tension reportedly escalated across parts of Benue South after aggrieved youths stormed the office of Samson Okwu, accusing him of allegedly collaborating with Tiv political interests to deny the Idoma bloc the party’s governorship ticket.

The protesters carried placards and chanted solidarity songs while insisting that the Idoma nation deserves a fair opportunity to produce the party’s governorship candidate.

Amid the controversy, the National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark, has yet to publicly address the situation, a development that has reportedly intensified suspicion and tension among party supporters in the state.

The crisis deepened further in Okpokwu Local Government Area after reports emerged that the local chairman of the ADC was allegedly kidnapped by unidentified persons.

Following the incident, armed police officers reportedly took control of the party secretariat in Okpoga to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order as fear spread among residents and party members.

In a separate development, Ejembi Adaje called for the cancellation of the party’s primary election in Enone, alleging irregularities and claiming the exercise did not reflect the wishes of genuine party members.

The unfolding crisis is expected to test the internal stability of the ADC in Benue as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.

For more political updates and breaking news across Nigeria, stay with African News Digest.

22/05/2026

BREAKING: Fayemi Says He Helped Tinubu Win in 2023, Describes Peter Obi as ‘Phenomenon’

ABUJA, Nigeria – May 22, 2026 (African News Digest) – Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has revealed that he played a role in helping President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secure victory in the 2023 presidential election, while also describing former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi as a political “phenomenon.”

Speaking during an interview on the State Affairs podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Fayemi reflected on the 2023 elections and the changing dynamics of Nigerian politics.

According to him, Obi’s emergence disrupted the country’s traditional political structure and demonstrated growing public dissatisfaction with mainstream politics.

Fayemi also admitted that the ruling All Progressives Congress has drifted away from the ideals upon which it was founded.

“I helped Tinubu to become president, but the APC has lost its bearing, and Peter Obi is a phenomenon,” Fayemi stated during the interview.

The former governor criticized Nigeria’s winner-takes-all political culture, warning that excluding large segments of the population from governance could threaten national stability.

He called for more inclusive politics, transparent party primaries, and restructuring of the Nigerian federation to strengthen democracy and national unity.

Fayemi’s comments add to growing internal criticism within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, as debates over reforms, alliances, and the future direction of the ruling party continue to intensify.

For more updates on Nigerian politics and the 2027 elections, stay with African News Digest.

22/05/2026

ADC Alleges Intimidation Over El-Rufai Detention

Abuja, Nigeria – May 22, 2026

The opposition party, African Democratic Congress, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of intimidation and political harassment following the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said senior party leaders were denied access to El-Rufai during a visit to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja.
According to the statement, the delegation included the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, and ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee Secretary, Salihu Lukman.
The party alleged that while the leaders waited for a response to their request, “no fewer than three truckloads of armed police officers” arrived at the commission’s premises, creating what it described as a tense atmosphere.
The ADC condemned the heavy security deployment, insisting that its officials were unarmed and peaceful throughout the visit. The party argued that the response from authorities suggested “panic, fear, and an attempt to intimidate” opposition figures and Nigerians questioning El-Rufai’s treatment.
The statement further claimed that the ADC had previously written formally to the ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, requesting visitation rights for El-Rufai amid concerns over his wellbeing and alleged restrictions on access to family members and medical personnel.
Defending the former governor, the party stated that El-Rufai voluntarily presented himself to authorities and was entitled under the Nigerian Constitution to dignity, medical care, family access, and fair treatment.
The ADC warned that it would not remain silent over what it described as “harassment and calculated humiliation” of one of its leading figures, adding that both Nigerians and the international community were closely monitoring developments.
The party called on the ICPC to immediately grant unrestricted access to El-Rufai by his family, doctors, lawyers, and political associates.

22/05/2026

Alleged Coup Plot: Suspect Reveals Plan To Access Presidential Villa, “Capture Tinubu”

ABUJA, NIGERIA — May 21, 2026
A suspected coup plotter, Zekeri Umoru, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that discussions were held on how to cut electricity supply to the Presidential Villa as part of an alleged plan targeting President Bola Tinubu and other senior government officials.
Mr Umoru, identified as a staff member of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc working in the maintenance department at the Presidential Villa, made the claims in a video evidence presented before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik during court proceedings on Wednesday.
According to the video played in court, Umoru said he warned fellow suspects that switching off power at the Villa would immediately trigger investigations and lead to the detention of workers on duty.
He alleged that retired Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, described as the alleged mastermind, instructed him through Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim to recruit between 18 and 19 individuals working within the Presidential Villa.
The people allegedly targeted for recruitment included soldiers, operatives of the State Security Service (SSS), and workers of Julius Berger.
Umoru further claimed that Ma’aji said he intended to gain access to the Presidential Villa “with force” if insiders refused to cooperate. He also alleged that Inspector Ibrahim demanded ₦100 million to facilitate access through an ambulance route into the Villa, but that the request was rejected for being too expensive.
According to the suspect, Ma’aji allegedly insisted the operation could still proceed by force, despite the likelihood of “bloodshed.”
Umoru told investigators he later became uncomfortable with the alleged plan and attempted several times to return the money he had received. He said he realised that accessing the Presidential Villa “was no child’s play.”
He denied allegations that he planned to sabotage the Villa’s solar power system, insisting he had no access to the facility.
Explaining why he failed to immediately alert authorities, Umoru alleged that Inspector Ibrahim discouraged him from doing so and advised him to delete messages linked to the discussions because of an ongoing office audit.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter for continuation of the trial-within-trial aimed at determining whether statements obtained from the six defendants were made voluntarily.
The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, filed a 13-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026 against the suspects.
Those charged include retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who was also mentioned in the case, is reportedly listed as being at large.
The defendants are facing charges bordering on treason, terrorism, withholding security intelligence, and alleged terrorism financing.

22/05/2026

Wike Aide, Olayinka Slams VDM Over Claims Against Chinda

ABUJA, NIGERIA — May 22, 2026
Lere Olayinka, media aide to Nyesom Wike, has criticised social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over allegations linking Kingsley Chinda to an alleged land grabbing controversy in Abuja.
The controversy followed Chinda’s emergence as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election.
In a video shared on his page on Friday, VeryDarkMan referenced an earlier clip posted on December 11, 2024, where he accused Wike of revoking an estate located in the Life Camp area of the Federal Capital Territory and allegedly reallocating it to his associates and kinsmen.
According to VDM, Chinda allegedly had significant interest in the disputed property.
“Wike woke up one morning and said he had revoked it. One of those who has a big share in the whole of this thing is the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, in the name of Kingsley Chinda,” he claimed.
Reacting to Chinda’s emergence as the APC governorship candidate, VDM added:
“This same Chinda? Rivers State is finished.”
Responding in a Facebook post, Olayinka dismissed the allegations and described the social media critic as a “very dull man.”
He further alleged that VeryDarkMan promoted the claims after allegedly receiving money from the supposed owner of the property involved in the dispute.
According to Olayinka, both VDM and those behind the allegation went silent after evidence was presented showing that the disputed land had never been allocated to the claimant.
“Instead of Very Dull Man to apologise for misleading the public, he simply went dumb, moved on to other issues and continued with his game,” Olayinka stated.
The media aide also accused VDM of misleading the public and failing to retract the allegations after what he described as factual clarifications were made public.

22/05/2026

BREAKING: Justice M. G. Umar Releases Full Judgment Nullifying Independent National Electoral Commission Primary Guidelines

ABUJA, Nigeria, May 22, 2026 – African News Digest — Justice M. G. Umar of the Federal High Court has released the full text of his judgment striking down portions of the guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission regulating political party primaries.

The ruling, delivered earlier this week in Abuja, invalidated aspects of INEC’s framework guiding the conduct of party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Justice Umar held that the electoral body exceeded its powers in certain sections of the guidelines, insisting that political parties retain constitutional authority over their internal nomination processes within the limits of the law.

The judgment has already sparked reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape, with several parties and legal analysts describing it as a major development capable of reshaping preparations for upcoming primaries.

INEC is yet to officially indicate whether it will appeal the ruling or amend the affected guidelines in line with the court’s decision.

Political observers believe the verdict could significantly influence how parties conduct delegate selection, candidate screening, and primary elections in the lead-up to the next electoral cycle.

For more political and legal updates across Nigeria, stay with African News Digest.

22/05/2026

BREAKING: Pep Guardiola Confirms Exit from Manchester City After 10 Years

MANCHESTER, England, May 22, 2026 – African News Digest — Pep Guardiola has officially confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of his current spell, bringing an end to a historic decade at the Premier League giants.

The Spanish tactician announced his decision on Friday, stating that the timing felt right for him to step away from the Etihad Stadium despite still having one year remaining on his contract.

“And what a time we have had together,” Guardiola said.
“Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving.
There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time.”

The 55-year-old departs after winning 20 trophies with City, including six Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League crown, cementing his place among football’s most successful managers.

Guardiola’s final season ended with a domestic cup double, although City narrowly missed out on another league title following a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.

His departure is expected to trigger major discussions over who will succeed him at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, while tributes continue to pour in from football fans and pundits worldwide.

Premier League observers regard Guardiola’s era at City as one of the most dominant managerial reigns in modern football history.

For more updates on global football and major sporting developments, stay with African News Digest.

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