Today’s Headlines: Osimhen Warns Galatasaray Ahead of Barca Clash; PDP Rallies Supporters in Kwara

Victor Osimhen has cautioned Galatasaray against underestimating Barcelona ahead of their UEFA Champions League encounter on Tuesday, describing the Spanish side as a strong opponent with quality players. The Nigerian striker made the remarks after returning from a groin injury in Galatasaray’s 3-1 victory over Kasımpaşa, providing an assist for Mario Lemina’s stoppage-time goal despite his team playing with 10 men.

Osimhen expressed excitement about facing Barcelona, whom he previously played against while at Napoli. Galatasaray will be seeking their first points in the competition after losing 3-1 to Sporting CP, while Barcelona opened their campaign with a 5-1 victory over Feyenoord. The Turkish champions will hope Osimhen’s return can strengthen their chances of securing a positive result at home.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State held a mega rally across major communities on Saturday to mobilise support for its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections. The procession began at Omoda Roundabout and passed through several communities before ending at Oja Oba, near the Emir of Ilorin’s palace, with members from the 12 political wards, youths, women, traders and transporters participating.

Party leaders used the rally to canvass support for the governorship candidate, Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, and other candidates contesting legislative seats. The PDP leaders criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress administration, alleging that it had failed to address residents’ needs, while promising purposeful leadership, inclusive governance, improved security and development if elected.

Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement presidential candidate Seyi Makinde has said the 2027 election should mark the end of what he described as politics of deceit and lies in Nigeria. Speaking at a campaign town hall meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, he criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over its handling of electricity, compressed natural gas and electric vehicle policies, as well as the naira-for-crude initiative. Makinde also urged the Federal Government to publish its petroleum pricing template to enable Nigerians understand how fuel prices are determined and contribute possible solutions.

Makinde promised that, if elected, his administration would establish an inclusive transitional government of national unity that would last no longer than four years. He said the government would ensure that power was not concentrated in one part of the country, protect citizens’ rights and listen to contributions from Nigerians across different regions. He added that his proposed administration would prioritise honesty and practical solutions to the country’s economic and other challenges.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published a list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship and State House of Assembly elections, with all incumbent officeholders seeking re-election included. However, the list reportedly excludes Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidates Oladipupo Adebutu in Ogun State and Isa Ali Pantami in Gombe State. Pantami’s omission comes amid a Federal High Court ruling nullifying the primary that produced him and ordering a fresh exercise, while Adebutu’s eligibility has faced questions over his name’s absence from the party membership register submitted to INEC.

The commission’s list shows that the number of parties contesting varies across states, ranging from 13 to 18. INEC’s regulations allow parties 14 days after publication to report missing candidates’ names, supported by affidavits from their national chairman and secretary. However, the Ijebu East PDP ICT, Media and Publicity Committee rejected reports of Adebutu’s exclusion, describing them as propaganda and insisting that the list displayed at the commission’s state office was preliminary rather than final.

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