Today’s Headlines: Tinubu Now in Panic Mode — ADC; Pope Leo Makes History With US Midterm Vote

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has accused President Bola Tinubu of going into panic mode ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the Federal Government’s proposed N50,000 monthly cash relief as an election gimmick.

The opposition party alleged that the announcement was driven by Tinubu’s desperation to regain public support following its promise to reduce the cost of living and make life more affordable for Nigerians if elected in 2027.

The ADC stated this in a press statement issued on Saturday, October 31, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.

The party argued that the timing of the proposed intervention raised questions about the government’s intentions, insisting that it was a reaction to the opposition’s campaign promises rather than a genuine effort to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.

Pope Leo XIV has voted in the United States midterm elections, the Holy See has confirmed.

He is the first pope known to have voted in a US election.

Leo, who is a US citizen, submitted his mail-in ballot in Chicago, the Holy See said in a statement on Friday.

The statement said the move was in keeping with the pontiff’s “long-standing practice of civic participation”.

“The Holy Father has also confirmed that, during his years of residence in Peru he exercised his right to vote whenever he was eligible to do so,” the statement reads.

“The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.”

𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻’𝘀 14-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗷𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺

The Christian Association of Nigeria has raised concerns over the 14-year imprisonment of a Christian woman, Lami Samuel Dawa, in Borno State, saying the case raises questions about religious freedom and the protection of fundamental rights.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the position known in a statement issued on Saturday, while disclosing that an appeal had been filed against the conviction.

The association said it was committed to allowing the judicial process to run its course but maintained that the case raised important questions about the constitutional rights of Nigerians to choose and practise their religion.

“The case raises important questions about the protection of religious freedom and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the association said.

Lola Shoneyin, founder of Book Buzz Foundation and Festival Director of the Ake Arts and Book Festival, has announced that the 14th edition of the literary festival will be held from November 19 to 21, 2026, at SilKwood Hotel (formerly BON Hotel), Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

Shoneyin made this known at a press briefing held at Ouida Bookstore, Opebi, Lagos, on Thursday, October 29, where she unveiled highlights of the three-day festival themed Native Intelligence.

According to her, the festival will feature 24 events, comprising 11 book chats, six panel discussions, poetry performances, music and film screenings, with eight events scheduled for each day.

“As usual, and as has become the winning formula that works, we have eight events taking place on each of those days,” Shoneyin noted.

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