By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections, leading socio-political groups—Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum, and Northern Elders Forum—have jointly endorsed the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The endorsement was unveiled during a high-level meeting in Ilesha, bringing together influential stakeholders from across the country.

The gathering included representatives from all 19 northern states, the Conference of State Chairmen of the SDP, and top figures from the endorsing organizations.

Speaking at the event, SDP National Leader Prince Adewole Adebayo emphasized the importance of the diverse coalition, describing it as a powerful, unifying force capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

“The people present at this meeting can solve the problem of Nigeria,” he stated, noting the presence of key northern and southern blocs.

Reaffirming the party’s commitment to democratic principles, Adebayo declared that the SDP aims to secure power through the ballot:

“We’ll get the power through the ballot—we will not snatch it, we will not grab it… We’ll get it from the people and put in place a responsible government.”

He added that such governance would revive what he described as “Afenifere politics” and “Afenifere governance.”

The event featured prominent figures, including Oba Oladipupo Olaitan, Murtala Aliyu, and Salisu Mohammed.
Other attendees included Bello Fadile, Usman Bugaje, and Olufunmilade, alongside members of the SDP’s National Working Committee.

Political Observers are of the opinion that the convergence of these major northern and southern groups signals a strategic alliance that could play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

From Joseph Amedu Lokoja

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Kogi Secretariat, has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming a corps member serving in the state was castrated.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Femi Osungbohun, refuted the rumour in an interview with our Correspondent in Lokoja.

Osungbohun described the claim as “Fake news”, stating the Corps member is alive, healthy, and serving at his Place of Primary Assignment (PPA).

The state Coordinator urged the public to disregard the falsehood, reassuring that the safety and welfare of Corps members remain a top priority.

“We confirm the corps member in question is safe, healthy, and actively serving at his deployment location.

“The NYSC Kogi State management assures the public that corps members’ welfare and security remain top priorities, in line with the Director-General’s directives.

“We urge everyone to verify information before sharing to prevent unnecessary panic.

“The corps member has been located and is in good health, carrying out his duties as usual.

“We encourage the public to disregard the false report and support our efforts to maintain a positive environment for our corps members,” he said.

Speaking on the rumour, the Corps member, Obdarekpe Abdusalam Oshiorenua, KG/26A/0133, serving at Dangote Cement Factory, identified a social media acquaintance, AvinofLagos, as the perpetrator of the falsehood.

The 27-year-old, Oshiorenua from Edo State, described the incident as an “absolute falsehood”, stating that it stemmed from a minor disagreement on social media that escalated into abusive exchanges.

“The individual then used my NYSC picture to create and spread the false narrative, causing distress to me, the NYSC and my family,” he said.

The Corps member urged security agencies to track down AvinofLagos and bring him to justice, while also calling for social media regulation to prevent similar incidents.

“I think social media should be regulated. Everybody should look from each other’s view, not post or comment anyhow to hurt one another,” Oshiorenua said.

Armed assailants killed 73 people at a gold mine in South Sudan, government officials said on Monday, in violence linked to a dispute over gold extraction.

The attacks occurred on Saturday near Jebel Iraq in Central Equatoria state in the south of the country, Vice President James Wani Igga said.

At least 25 others were injured and some fled the scene.

Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as the search for missing people continues.

It remained unclear which group was responsible for the attack.

The vice president said an official investigation would be launched and security measures at mining sites and commercial centres would be strengthened.

Charles Madut, the governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal state in the country’s north-west, condemned the attack, describing the violence against innocent civilians as unacceptable and said that the perpetrators must be brought to justice.