Former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has revealed he was offered three ministerial slots by senior government officials in a bid to dissuade him from transforming the ADC into a coalition platform for Nigeria’s opposition. Nwosu made the disclosure during the final National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party, where leadership was officially handed over to former Senate President, David Mark, now serving as interim National Chairman. Also, former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, was unveiled as the party’s new National Secretary. According to Nwosu, the offer—reportedly from individuals linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—was aimed at stopping the ADC’s transformation into a formidable opposition force. “Some people tried to discourage us with promises of automatic ministerial appointments,” he said. “They wanted to give me three ministerial slots—one for me and two to give away. But I said no. I chose the democratic future of Nigeria. Nigeria cannot be a one-party state after all we did to send the military back to the barracks.” Nwosu emphasized that the ADC’s decision to proceed with the coalition has made it Nigeria’s most populous opposition party, claiming over three million members, 28 senators, and more than 60 members in the House of Representatives. ADC Leadership Restructuring The NEC meeting was monitored by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and served as the formal conclusion to the party’s internal restructuring. A motion was passed to dissolve the outgoing National Working Committee (NWC) led by Nwosu. The transition was finalized with all former NEC and NWC members stepping down. Zonal Chairman for the South-West, Razzaq Eyiowuawi, moved the first motion for the handover, while Zamfara State Chairman, Kabiru Garba, called for the recall of all members expelled in 2022. Both motions were unanimously passed. The new Caretaker Committee led by David Mark also announced key leadership appointments: The newly constituted committee members took an oath of office to signify their commitment to the party’s reformation goals. David Mark Pledges Internal Democracy and Inclusion In his acceptance speech, David Mark described his appointment as the beginning of a “new chapter” for ADC and pledged to uphold internal democracy, transparency, and merit-based leadership. “I pledge to serve this party with integrity, courage, and vision. This is not just the start of a new NEC, but a rebirth of ADC,” he said. Mark commended Ralph Nwosu and his team for building the foundation of the party and promised to institutionalize democratic principles, including a commitment to collective leadership, inclusive representation, and structured financing. “We will open the gates for the next generation. Our leadership will reflect genuine inclusion of youth and women, not just tokenism,” he added, noting that 35% of positions have been reserved for women and that younger members will also be prioritized. The party also announced plans to form a 50-member Policy Committee to redefine its manifesto and address key national issues across sectors such as health, education, technology, economy, and infrastructure. A Clear Vision for Opposition Mark concluded with a call to action for Nigerians seeking change. “ADC is the only party that guarantees equal opportunity to everyone regardless of age, gender, religion, or region. We will be a party defined not by personalities but by ideology, policies, and patriotic governance.

England’s Lionesses were given a hero’s welcome in London as thousands of fans lined the streets to celebrate their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 victory with an open-top bus parade and rally outside Buckingham Palace. The triumphant team, led by head coach Sarina Wiegman, lifted the trophy high as they toured the capital before taking the stage for a celebratory event featuring music, cheers, and emotional speeches. One of the most memorable moments came when Wiegman joined Afro-fusion superstar Burna Boy on stage, singing and dancing along with her favourite artist to the delight of fans. The surprise collaboration marked a joyful climax to the team’s historic win. The Lionesses secured their Euro 2025 title following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Germany in the final, cementing their place as one of the most successful women’s football teams in the world. Draped in flags and medals, the players addressed the crowd, thanking supporters and pledging to continue inspiring the next generation of female athletes. The celebration marked not only a sporting achievement but also a powerful moment of unity and national pride.

Tragedy struck in Jigawa State as a wooden boat carrying mostly school-aged girls capsized, leaving six people confirmed dead and seven others still missing. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) confirmed the incident, which occurred in Zangon Maje, Taura Local Government Area of the state. According to officials, the boat was transporting 17 passengers—16 of them girls aged between 10 and 13—from Digawa in Jahun Local Government Area to Zangon Maje when it capsized midway across the river. So far, six bodies have been recovered and two survivors rescued. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining seven missing passengers. The accident has once again raised serious concerns about the safety of informal transport systems, particularly on inland waterways and among vulnerable groups such as children. Authorities have urged community members to exercise caution and avoid overcrowded or unlicensed water transport vessels, especially during the rainy season when water levels are high and unpredictable. The state government is yet to issue an official statement, but local emergency response teams remain at the scene to assist with recovery efforts and provide support to affected families. Ask ChatGPT

Thirty-five women and children who were abducted by bandits in Niger State have been rescued by the Nigeria Police and are now set to be reunited with their families and communities. The victims, comprising 16 women and 19 children, were taken hostage at different times, with some of the abductions dating as far back as 11 years ago. The most recent incidents occurred in February 2024 in Shiroro and Rafi Local Government Areas. According to police sources, the rescue operation took place between July 3 and 5, when the victims were intercepted while being moved to another location by their captors. Tragically, many of the rescued women had been forcibly married to their abductors and now have children born during their captivity. One of the victims, Zuera Ahmed, disclosed that she was kidnapped from Maiduguri in 2013 and has since given birth to two children while in captivity. Authorities revealed that following their initial rescue, some of the women expressed a reluctance to return home, citing psychological trauma and long-term attachment to their captors. However, after days of therapy and counselling, the victims have agreed to reintegrate into society. Plans are currently underway to facilitate their safe return and provide continued psychosocial and economic support to aid their recovery and reintegration. The rescue comes amid heightened security operations across the country, with Nigerian security forces stepping up efforts to dismantle bandit camps and restore peace in affected regions. This latest success underscores the ongoing commitment by security agencies to combat kidnapping and other forms of insecurity, particularly in the North Central region.