From political realignments in Abuja where Atiku Abubakar clinched the ADC presidential ticket, to revelations from Washington detailing a Trump-era directive that triggered anti-ISIS operations in Nigeria, the morning’s developments span politics, security and governance.
In Abia, Governor Alex Otti named the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal after Prof. Nnenna Oti, while nationwide attention remained fixed on the abduction of pupils in Oyo and Borno states.
In the United Kingdom, the Nigerian community is mourning Kayode Ogunbodede, a father of two who died in his sleep, as fundraising efforts continue for his family, and related developments continue across Nigeria and today.
Here’s your complete morning roundup:
Atiku wins ADC ticket, seeks unity with Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen
Mounting political consolidation followed the African Democratic Congress presidential primary in Abuja as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged winner of the party’s ticket for the 2027 general election.
The announcement was made at the Transcorp Hilton Congress Hall, where official results showed Atiku defeating Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen with a wide margin. Party leadership led by Senator David Mark presented the flag after the declaration.
“Atiku 1,846,370, Amaechi 504,117, Hayatudeen 177,120. Total votes cast in the election: 2,546,457,” the result reads. Atiku subsequently called for unity, stating, “I therefore appeal to all those who feel aggrieved to come back to our party and close ranks with the rest of us.”
He also invited his rivals to join him in national efforts, stressing cooperation ahead of the general election.
He further urged collaboration within the party, insisting that the contest should not divide members. “As I said previously, there are no winners and no losers,” he said, adding that he would work with stakeholders to strengthen the party ahead of the general election and broader political engagements.
Read Here: https://punchng.com/just-in-atiku-wins-adc-presidential-primary-election/
Trump directive triggered anti-ISIS strikes in Nigeria – Hegseth
Rising security disclosures from the United States detailed a counterterrorism operation linked to a directive from President Donald Trump that reportedly prioritised protection of Christians in Nigeria against ISIS-linked groups.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth explained the directive during a White House press conference, saying it shaped military coordination and intelligence operations in the Lake Chad Basin.
“Maybe a year ago, he heard the call of Nigerian Christians who were being targeted and killed by ISIS in Nigeria, and he said, ‘Pete, I want the War Department to focus on ensuring that we do everything we can to protect those Christians,’” Hegseth said.
According to him, the operation led to the killing of ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki during a joint US-Nigerian mission.
“And we got the assets there, and over the last month, and there hasn’t been much coverage of this, we killed ISIS number two in Nigeria, who’s most responsible for killing Christians and trying to target the U.S. homeland,” he stated.
He added that intelligence gathered also led to further strikes against ISIS fighters linked to attacks in Nigeria.
Read Here: https://punchng.com/trump-directive-triggered-anti-isis-strikes-in-nigeria-hegseth/
Otti names bus terminal after FUTO VC
Administrative recognition of electoral integrity and public service shaped the inauguration of the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal in Abia State by Governor Alex Otti on Wednesday.
The facility was named after Prof. Nnenna Nnannaya-Oti, the first female Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, in honour of her role as INEC returning officer during the 2023 governorship election.
“This terminal has been named after Professor Nnenna Nnannaya-Oti, the courageous INEC returning officer who demonstrated unflinching integrity in the discharge of her duties during a high-stakes election assignment here in Abia,” Otti said.
He added that the recognition symbolised individuals who resisted electoral manipulation across the process.
“So she’s just a representative of all of you—INEC staff who never bent, party officials who didn’t give in, security agencies… people who said no to intimidation,” he added.
The governor also outlined plans for expanded transport infrastructure, including electric bus services and improved urban mobility systems.
Read Here: https://punchng.com/otti-renames-bus-terminal-after-futo-vc/
Children’s Day: Captive Oyo, Borno pupils cast shadow over celebration
Widespread concern marked Children’s Day celebrations across Nigeria following the abduction of at least 82 pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno states during coordinated attacks earlier in May.
In Borno State, 42 pupils were kidnapped after armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas, while in Oyo another 40 pupils were taken during raids on multiple primary and secondary schools.
President Bola Tinubu said, “As we mark this special day, which coincides with Eid-el-Kabir, some Nigerian children and their teachers in Oyo and Borno should be with their families, but are being held captive by criminals.”
He added, “To those children, their parents and their teachers, I say this: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned.”
He directed security agencies to intensify intelligence-led rescue operations and strengthen school protection frameworks nationwide.
The Senate Leader also condemned the attacks, describing kidnapping as a crime against humanity, while the Nigeria Union of Teachers warned of possible nationwide school shutdowns if insecurity persists.
Read Here: https://punchng.com/childrens-day-captive-oyo-borno-pupils-cast-shadow-over-celebration/
UK-based Nigerian father of two dies in sleep
Tragic community reports have confirmed the death of UK-based Nigerian Kayode Ogunbodede, popularly known as Kay, who reportedly died in his sleep in Swansea, Wales.
A GoFundMe appeal stated that he left behind a wife who is a student and two daughters aged six years and six months, prompting fundraising efforts for funeral and family support.
“Our lives changed in ways we cannot imagine when our brother, husband and father, Kayode Ogunbodede, popularly called Kay, passed away suddenly in his sleep in the morning of Tuesday, 26th May, 2026, in Swansea, UK,” the appeal read.
Community members described him as peaceful and supportive, while fundraising campaigns continue to assist his family with expenses, childcare and education support for his wife and children.
Read Here: https://punchng.com/uk-based-nigerian-father-of-two-dies-in-sleep/
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