Today’s Headlines: FCT Secured for Tinubu in 2027 — Wike; Ekiti Assembly Passes State Police Bill

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would secure electoral support in Abuja during the 2027 presidential election. Speaking at a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Wike urged political leaders to set aside differences and unite behind Tinubu. He highlighted infrastructure projects, administrative reforms and increased government allocations as achievements of the administration.

Wike, who coordinates Tinubu’s presidential campaign council in the FCT and Rivers State, defended the removal of petrol subsidies, describing it as a difficult but necessary decision. He announced that the campaign council would soon be inaugurated as preparations intensified for the election. He also encouraged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and support Tinubu and other party candidates in 2027.

The Ekiti State House of Assembly passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeking to establish State Police Services across Nigeria. All 21 lawmakers present supported the bill during Wednesday’s sitting. Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye directed the Assembly Clerk to forward the legislation and its observations to the National Assembly for further consideration.

Aribasoye described state policing as a necessary response to Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, including delayed emergency responses and inadequate community protection. He maintained that decentralised policing would improve security, accountability and public confidence. The Assembly endorsed the proposed constitutional amendment following a clause-by-clause review, subject to an adjustment to Section 317A(5), emphasising the need for constitutional safeguards against potential abuse.

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, urged Nigerians to remain calm following a reported confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). She disclosed that the patient had been isolated and was receiving treatment, while health authorities intensified contact tracing and surveillance. Umar assured the public that relevant agencies were coordinating efforts to prevent further transmission.

Umar advised Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with suspected patients and contaminated materials, and seek medical attention if symptoms developed after possible exposure. She also warned against misinformation, stigmatisation and unsafe handling of dead bodies. Recalling Nigeria’s successful containment of Ebola in 2014, she emphasised early detection, public cooperation and adherence to official health guidelines.

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen scored as Galatasaray defeated Lille 4-2 in Wednesday’s Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League encounter in France. Galatasaray took an early lead through Yunus Akgün before Soriba Diaoune scored twice to put Lille ahead. Alexey Batrakov equalised before half-time, while an own goal by Lille goalkeeper Berke Özer restored Galatasaray’s advantage in the 52nd minute.

Osimhen sealed the victory in the 61st minute, converting a pass from Baris Yilmaz to extend Galatasaray’s lead to 4-2. The Nigerian international had earlier missed a scoring opportunity and later had another effort ruled out for offside. Despite Lille’s late attacking pressure and the introduction of Olivier Giroud, Galatasaray maintained their advantage to secure three valuable points in their Champions League campaign.

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