Today’s Headlines: INEC Clears Chinda for Rivers Guber Poll;Three Dead in Plateau Mining Site Attack

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared former House of Representatives minority leader Kingsley Chinda to contest the 2027 Rivers State governorship election. Chinda, who appeared fifth on the commission’s list of 19 candidates released on Saturday, is the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer after previously belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His candidacy attracted attention following the Supreme Court’s restoration of provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 requiring political parties to submit their membership registers to INEC within the stipulated period. The ruling raised questions about the eligibility of candidates whose names were not included in the registers, but Chinda, an ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, was included on the final list.

Three men have died following separate attacks in Plateau State, including an assault by suspected gunmen on workers at a mining site in Jamus, Kazok villages, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. The attack occurred at about 5pm on Friday, with two victims identified as John Mafulul, 53, and Ezekiel Yohanna, 50. Bulus Chun Pam, who was wounded in an earlier attack on October 7, also died while receiving treatment at Jos University Teaching Hospital.

The Berom Youth Moulders-Association called on the Federal and Plateau State Governments and security agencies to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities, mining sites, farmlands and rural roads. It also urged authorities to investigate the attacks, arrest those responsible and improve security patrols, intelligence gathering and early-warning systems.

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels marked her 25th birthday by revealing that she had been experiencing severe pain and mobility difficulties for several months, leaving her dependent on a wheelchair. She said the condition began as a minor health issue but worsened after a children’s carnival she hosted, sometimes making it impossible for her to walk.

The mother of two said she was gradually recovering and credited her faith in God for helping her through the difficult period. She also described the emotional strain of relying on others for everyday activities and explained that improvements in her recovery encouraged her to share her experience with fans.

Professor Isa Ali Pantami has reacted to his exclusion from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election, assuring supporters that efforts are underway to resolve the issue. The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy defected from the All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party in May.

Pantami’s camp said its legal and liaison teams were engaging the PDP and INEC to ensure compliance with a court order and have the omission corrected within the period allowed by law. It urged supporters to remain calm, sustain their political mobilisation and remain confident that the matter would be resolved.

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