Enugu, Nigeria— Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi has defended the recent wave of defections into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while warning he will dump the party ahead of 2027 if its presidential primary becomes “transactional.” Speaking in Enugu on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, during his official defection ceremony to the ADC, Obi said the mass movement of politicians into the party was part of a “rescue mission” to save Nigeria’s democracy. He was joined by several South-East leaders including former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha and Senators Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and Enyinnaya Abaribe.  Obi argued that politicians “benefiting from democracy” are now “accessories to destroying it through coercion and gangsterism against the opposition”. He said the ADC coalition is meant to resist that trend: “We will resist rigging of the election by every lawful means in 2027”. Analysts note Obi’s move has already “energised the opposition coalition, ...

LONDON, UK— In an unusual legal twist, an Arsenal supporter has filed a lawsuit against Arsenal Football Club, claiming the club is liable for “emotional distress” and “professional negligence” following years of underwhelming performances and transfer dealings. THE CLAIM The fan, 38-year-old Mark Davies from North London, lodged the claim at the High Court on Friday, April 10, 2026. Court documents allege that Arsenal’s “consistent failure to meet reasonable expectations of sporting success” since 2004 caused him “severe anxiety, depression, and loss of earnings” due to match-day stress affecting his work. THE SUIT SPECIFICALLY CITES: 1. PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE — Claiming the club’s board and recruitment team breached a “duty of care” to supporters by making “objectively poor sporting decisions,” including transfer failures and managerial appointments post-Wenger.  2. *EMOTIONAL DISTRESS* — Alleging that repeated title collapses, cup final losses, and failure to qualif...

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed the appointment of veteran Portuguese manager Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars, just two months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off. The 73-year-old takes over from Otto Addo, who was dismissed in March following friendly defeats to Austria and Germany. Queiroz begins work immediately to prepare Ghana for the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, which starts on June 11, 2026.  “The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association, working with all key stakeholders, has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars... Coach Queiroz begins work immediately to prepare the Black Stars for the tournament.”  Queiroz brings 36 years of coaching experience and will be making his fifth consecutive World Cup appearance. He previously led Iran at the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, and Portugal at South Africa 2...

Paul Biya, Cameroon's 93-year-old president, has appointed his son Franck Emmanuel Biya as Vice President of the Republic and Head of the Armed Forces.  This move is seen as a consolidation of power and has raised concerns about succession planning and democratic governance in the country. Franck Biya has also been appointed Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Defence, giving him significant control over Cameroon's security architecture. 

Gennaro Gattuso, Italy's coach, sparked controversy by criticizing FIFA's World Cup qualification format, arguing that Africa's increased slots have made it tougher for European teams like Italy to qualify. He pointed out that in 1990 and 1994, only 2-3 African teams qualified, whereas now there are 10, making it unfair for European teams.  Gattuso's comments came after Italy's playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which dashed their World Cup hopes. He believes the system needs to change, citing South America's six automatic spots as an example. However, his remarks were met with criticism from African football icons like John Utaka, who called it "disrespectful" and "baseless". 

A devastating attack occurred on Palm Sunday in Plateau State, Nigeria, where gunmen stormed Christian communities in Jos, killing at least 26 people and injuring several others. The attack, which happened around 8 pm, targeted student-populated neighborhoods, including Angwa Rukuba and Eto Baba. Witnesses described the attackers as wearing military uniforms and riding motorcycles, sparking fears and outrage among residents.  The Plateau State Government has imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area to restore calm and investigate the incident. Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the attack as "barbaric and unprovoked," assuring residents that security agencies are working to apprehend the perpetrators. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also condemned the attack, calling it "unacceptable" and demanding swift justice for those responsible. US Congressman Riley Moore has warned that continued attacks on Christians in Nigeria co...

Israeli police blocked Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass, citing security concerns due to the ongoing Iran war. This marks the first time in centuries that church leaders were prevented from conducting Palm Sunday rites at the revered site. The decision sparked outrage from church authorities and international leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron, who condemned the action as an offense to religious freedom.  The Israeli government claimed the restriction was due to safety concerns, as the Old City has been targeted by missile attacks, and emergency response capabilities are limited. However, the Latin Patriarchate argued that the decision was "manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate," especially since the cardinal and other clergy were traveling privately and not as part of a procession...

A massive crowd gathered at Gidan Kwankwasiyya in Kano to witness the defection of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Kwankwaso, who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), made the move on Monday, March 30, 2026, citing the need for strategic political realignment. The event was attended by prominent politicians, including ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi.  Kwankwaso's defection is seen as a significant boost to the ADC, given his strong grassroots following, particularly in northern Nigeria. The ADC has welcomed Kwankwaso, describing him as a "game-changer" whose move signals a growing coalition for change ahead of future elections.