Chelsea vs Arsenal: Premier League Showdown Set to Shape Title Race

The Premier League’s most anticipated clash of the season takes place on Sunday as leaders Arsenal travel to second-placed Chelsea in a match that could transform the title race — or push the Gunners closer to ending their two-decade wait for a league crown. Arsenal hold a six-point advantage at the top heading into the weekend. With Liverpool collapsing in form and Manchester City struggling to keep pace, the title appears increasingly within Arsenal’s grasp. Chelsea, however, remain their closest challengers. Fresh off winning the FIFA Club World Cup and boasting a squad assembled at a cost exceeding $1bn, Enzo Maresca’s youthful side is pushing well ahead of expectations. The Blues head into the derby on a three-match winning run and have won nine of their last 11 matches in all competitions, losing only once. Arteta’s side is unbeaten in 16 matches across all competitions, winning 14 of them. Widely regarded as one of the strongest squads in Europe, Arsenal have shown consistency that has escaped their main rivals. Arteta: Chelsea “fully deserve” their spot Despite Chelsea being labelled outsiders for the title, Mikel Arteta is not buying into that narrative. “They are there because they fully deserve to be,” Arteta said on Friday. “The squad they have assembled, the quality they have, the numbers they’re producing — it makes sense. They’re very tough.” Arteta called Chelsea one of the teams he most enjoys watching due to their fluidity, individual brilliance and tactical clarity. “It’s a big London derby. They’re in really good form. We know the challenge — and the opportunity — on Sunday. We are fully ready.” Are Chelsea Arsenal’s biggest threat? This match represents the most difficult test yet for Chelsea’s title aspirations. Eighteen-year-old Brazilian sensation Estevao, with nine goals in his last 13 appearances for club and country, has been a revelation. His arrival from Palmeiras has added dynamism and unpredictability to Chelsea’s attack. With Liverpool in crisis — having lost nine of their last 12 matches — and Manchester City’s inconsistency continuing, Chelsea appear the only team capable of sustaining a push against Arsenal. City, however, could climb temporarily into second place if they defeat Leeds United on Saturday. Recent history After finishing runners-up for three consecutive seasons, optimism is building that Arsenal may finally reclaim the trophy. Chelsea’s last match Chelsea delivered one of their best performances of the season on Tuesday, beating Barcelona 3–0 in the Champions League. Maresca, in his second Premier League campaign, continues to blend youthful talent with an evolving tactical identity. Sunday’s encounter at Stamford Bridge now stands as a pivotal moment in the Premier League narrative — one that could define the season’s closing months.

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Wike’s PDP Faction Heads to Court to Void Ibadan Convention

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has taken fresh legal action, asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to invalidate the national convention held in Ibadan by the camp aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/250/2025, the plaintiffs — the PDP, Acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu — are urging the court to declare the November 15–16 Ibadan convention “null, void and of no effect.” They also want the Independent National Electoral Commission barred from recognising any decisions or officers produced by the exercise. This latest lawsuit follows a series of earlier challenges by aggrieved members who argued that proceeding with the convention violated the PDP constitution, the Electoral Act, and several court rulings. Among those who had previously gone to court were Imo PDP Chairman Austin Nwachukwu, Abia PDP Chairman Amah Abraham Nnanna, and South-South PDP Secretary Turnah Alabh George. Ahead of the event, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court restrained INEC from recognising the convention, while Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the exercise could not hold until former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido — who was barred from purchasing a nomination form — was allowed to participate. However, the Makinde-led faction secured a counter-order from Justice A. L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, permitting the convention to go ahead. Despite the conflicting judicial positions, the Ibadan convention proceeded under tight security. During the event, Anyanwu, Wike, former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, and eight others were expelled from the party. In the new suit dated November 21, the plaintiffs listed 18 defendants, including INEC, the Inspector-General of Police, the FCT Commissioner of Police, the State Security Service, and several PDP officials. They argue the convention was held “in flagrant disregard” of three existing Federal High Court orders and are seeking to stop the recognition of the newly elected officers, regain control of party offices at Wadata Plaza and Legacy House, and compel security agencies to enforce previous judgments. They also want the court to determine whether any authority can legally acknowledge the Ibadan convention given the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the PDP constitution. The matter is yet to be assigned to a judge, and no date has been fixed for hearing.

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Atiku Dumps PDP, Officially Joins ADC

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the coalition-backed party he is expected to align with ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku made the announcement on Monday through his X handle, posting a photo of himself holding his ADC membership card with the brief caption, “It’s official.” His move follows his July resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had been mired in a prolonged internal crisis.

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Atiku Dumps PDP, Officially Joins ADC

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the coalition-backed party he is expected to align with ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku made the announcement on Monday through his X handle, posting a photo of himself holding his ADC membership card with the brief caption, “It’s official.” His move follows his July resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had been mired in a prolonged internal crisis.

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Wike Blasts Turaki for Calling on Trump, Warns Against Threats to Nigeria’s Democracy

Nigerian politician Nyesom Wike has condemned PDP factional chairman Tanimu Turaki for publicly appealing to former U.S. President Donald Trump to “save” Nigeria’s democracy, describing the move as reckless and a threat to national security. Speaking to journalists, Wike questioned why Turaki would call on a foreign leader when his own party struggles to comply with court rulings. He also slammed Turaki’s claims that the government is committing a “genocide against Christians,” calling the statement misleading and dangerous. “You come out on national television to say it is not only killing — genocide against Christians. Essentially, you are telling the world that the government is committing genocide,” Wike said. “If we invite someone with facts, nobody complains. But if it is Wike, they cry foul. This is a threat to national security.” Wike stressed that political disputes within parties should be handled internally, not through inflammatory statements to the public or foreign powers. He added that Nigeria’s democracy is resilient and that the real danger comes from politicians who exaggerate internal conflicts for personal or factional gain. “He is calling Trump to come and save their democracy when they cannot even obey a simple court judgment,” Wike said, warning against unnecessary foreign involvement. His remarks highlight ongoing tensions within the PDP and serve as a caution against using external actors to influence domestic political matters.

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Police Seal PDP National Secretariat After Factional Clash, Turaki-Led Group Vows To Enter Office

Police have cordoned off the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja following a clash between two rival factions on Tuesday. A visit to Wadata Plaza on Wednesday revealed that barbed wire had been placed around the premises to prevent entry, with only a few police officers stationed on the ground. Leaders of both factions were notably absent. A prominent member of the faction led by Kabiru Turaki opposed the police barricade, insisting that the group would still access their offices. “No one can stop us from coming to our office,” he said, underscoring the ongoing tension within the party.

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Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas Postpones APC Defection Following Kebbi Schoolgirl Abductions

Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has put on hold his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in response to the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State. In a statement released Tuesday in Jalingo, the governor described the kidnapping as a heartbreaking tragedy, saying it would be inappropriate to continue with political activities while families and the nation are still grieving. “My decision follows the deeply saddening kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, because I believe the safety and well-being of the children are far more important than any political activity,” Kefas said. He expressed sympathy to the families of the abducted girls and offered condolences to the Federal Government, calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the victims. The defection event, originally scheduled for November 19, 2025, has been suspended pending further consultations and an improvement in the security situation. Political realignments in Taraba State have continued, with all PDP members in the State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, cabinet members, and senior officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, defecting to the APC in recent days. Several party leaders commended the governor’s decision to postpone the rally, describing it as a demonstration of solidarity with the kidnapped schoolgirls and their families.

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Wike-Backed PDP Faction Expels Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Dauda Lawal And Bode George

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu has intensified the party’s internal conflict by announcing the expulsion of several top members, including Governors Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed and Dauda Lawal, as well as elder statesman Bode George. The group also listed PDP BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, newly inaugurated National Chairman Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja and others among those removed. In the same move, they dissolved the party structures in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, Edo and Ekiti, ordering fresh caretaker committees and new congresses in all affected states. These actions come in the wake of last weekend’s chaotic national convention in Ibadan, which itself resulted in Wike and his loyalists being expelled by the opposing bloc—further widening the party’s bitter divide. Reading the communiqué, Senator Anyanwu said NEC had reviewed a report accusing several leaders of violating Articles 58(1) and 59(1) through acts considered harmful to the party, including open disobedience to court orders and engaging in activities that undermine the PDP’s image. A long list of members was placed under disciplinary investigation, including Wabara, George, Turaki, Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Dauda Lawal, Arapaja, Udom Emmanuel, Mohammed Kadade and others. The faction also demanded that Chief Ali Odefa refund every salary and allowance he received after his expulsion in December 2024. They confirmed several acting NWC positions and approved the Edo State executive led by Barr. Nosa Ogieva-Okunbor. In a broader directive, the group instructed the party’s legal department to begin constitutional processes aimed at retrieving seats from all elected officials who defected from the PDP, citing the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. They concluded by announcing a major reconciliation drive and a comprehensive membership audit ahead of the 2027 elections—while stressing that any peace efforts must not compromise internal discipline.

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