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Atletico Madrid players celebrate after the UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on April 14, 2026. (Photo by Javier SORIANO / AFP)

Sports

Atletico Madrid Edge Barcelona 3-2 on Aggregate to Reach Champions League Semi-Finals

admin Apr 15, 2026 0

Simeone’s men survive Barcelona comeback despite second-leg defeat. By A1 News International | Abuja, Nigeria Atletico Madrid have secured a…

(L/R) Jose Luis De Haro, IMF Communications Officer, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, Director of IMF Research Department, Petya Koeva Brooks, Deputy Director of IMF Research Department, and Deniz Igan, Division Chief of IMF Research Department, participated in an economic outlook briefing during the 2026 IMF and World Bank Group Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, on April 14, 2026. (Photo by Kent NISHIMURA / AFP)

Economy Investigations

IMF Cuts Nigeria’s 2026 Growth Forecast to 4.1% Amid Middle East Tensions

admin Apr 15, 2026 0

Global uncertainty and energy market shocks weigh on Nigeria’s economic outlook. By Baron Eloagu | Abuja, Nigeria The International Monetary…

Politics

Ribadu, Fayemi, Ezekwesili Warn Nigeria’s Nation-Building Incomplete, Urge Citizen Ownership

admin Apr 14, 2026 0

Leaders call for accountability, civic action, and structural reforms to strengthen democracy By Jumai Musa | Abuja, Nigeria Nigeria’s top…

Human Interest Security / Crime

NHRC Raises Alarm Over Rising Terror Attacks, Demands National Civilian Protection Policy

admin Apr 14, 2026 0

Human rights body urges rights-based security strategy amid escalating violence nationwide By A1News International | Abuja, Nigeria The National Human…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

Health Security / Crime

NDLEA Uncovers Cross-Border Cocaine Ring, Arrests Doctor, Ivorian and Multiple Drug Syndicate Members

admin Apr 13, 2026 0

Investigations expose ingestion trafficking, hidden coordinators, and nationwide drug network spanning airports, highways, and communities By Dan Adele | Lagos,…

Stakeholders rally behind Deputy Speaker as rival camp rejects move, warns of imposition crisis BYLINE + DATELINE: By A1 News International | Umuahia, Abia State INTRO: A fresh political rift has emerged within the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the endorsement of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, as a preferred governorship candidate for the 2027 elections. The decision, taken at a stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, has triggered sharp opposition from another faction within the party, deepening internal tensions ahead of the polls. BODY: The endorsement was made during a gathering of party leaders drawn from all three senatorial zones and the 17 local government areas of the state. Party stakeholders at the meeting argued that Kalu represents a strong electoral option capable of unifying the party and mounting a serious challenge in the 2027 governorship race. A party representative, Martins Azubuike, said the meeting was aimed at consolidating internal party structures and strengthening grassroots representation ahead of the elections. SUBHEAD: Kalu Reacts, Keeps Decision Open Responding to the endorsement, Benjamin Kalu expressed appreciation to stakeholders but stopped short of formally declaring his candidacy. He said his position on the governorship race would be made public in the coming weeks, signalling continued political consultations within party ranks. Kalu also stressed that the APC was positioning itself for a competitive return to power in Abia State, describing the party as focused on rebuilding its influence ahead of 2027. SUBHEAD: Rival Camp Rejects Endorsement However, the development has been strongly rejected by governorship aspirant Mascot Uzor Kalu, who described the endorsement as premature and exclusionary. In a statement, he alleged that the process sidelined other aspirants and warned against what he described as a “pre-arranged consensus” within the party structure. He argued that any attempt to impose a candidate without broad consultation would be resisted and could deepen internal divisions within the APC in Abia State. SUBHEAD: Growing Tensions Ahead of 2027 Political observers say the emerging rift reflects a broader struggle for control within the party as it attempts to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 elections. The endorsement of a frontrunner without unanimous agreement underscores ongoing factional negotiations and competing ambitions among key stakeholders. CONCLUSION: While APC leaders in Abia project unity and electoral readiness, the backlash from rival camps suggests that internal consensus remains fragile. As preparations for 2027 intensify, the party’s ability to manage internal disputes may determine its competitiveness in one of the South-East’s most politically contested states.

Politics

Abia APC Endorses Benjamin Kalu for 2027 Governorship Bid, Sparks Internal Party Uproar

admin Apr 13, 2026 0

Stakeholders rally behind Deputy Speaker as rival camp rejects move, warns of imposition crisis BYLINE + DATELINE:By Chinedu Nwamkpa |…

Environment Human Interest

Power Surge Triggers Fire in Ilorin, Kwara Fire Service Raises Safety Concerns

admin Apr 13, 2026 0

Quick response contained blaze at Pakata as authorities warn against unsafe electrical installations By Ayo Bankole | Ilorin, Kwara State…

Economy Investigations

CBN Raises N4.86trn via Treasury Bills as Yields Climb, Signals Aggressive Liquidity Tightening

admin Apr 13, 2026 0

Surging investor demand, rising yields, and policy shifts point to deeper monetary tightening with ripple effects across markets By Baron…

Nigerian bandit conflict - Wikipedia Nigerian bandit - Wikipedia

Security / Crime Judiciary

US Praises Nigeria’s Mass Conviction of 386 Terror Suspects, Raises Stakes on Justice, Due Process

admin Apr 13, 2026 0

Landmark terrorism trial wins global commendation, but scrutiny grows over speed, transparency, and long-term impact By A1 News International |…

Security / Crime Investigations

Air Force Probes Alleged Civilian Deaths in Jilli Airstrike, Deploys Investigation Team

admin Apr 13, 2026 0

Military activates CHAI-Cell as questions mount over civilian protection and operational oversight By Yahaya Jinjiri | Maiduguri, Nigeria The Nigerian…