Former Borno State Governor and APC chieftain Ali Modu Sheriff has dismissed Peter Obi’s chances of winning the 2027 presidential election, claiming the former Labour Party presidential candidate will not secure support from Northern voters.   Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Sheriff said he was unconcerned about Obi’s renewed presidential ambition despite the former Anambra State governor’s strong performance in the 2023 election. Obi, who polled more than six million votes to finish third in the 2023 presidential race on the Labour Party platform, is seeking the presidency again in 2027 under the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). “I am not worried about Peter Obi at all because I know that Northerners will never vote for Peter Obi,” Sheriff said. When reminded that Obi won significant votes in states including Nasarawa and Plateau during the 2023 election, Sheriff argued that the political landscape had changed. He alleged that Obi, while serving as Anambra State governor, drove Northerners out of the state, a claim he did not substantiate during the interview. Sheriff also said some supporters of Rabiu Kwankwaso had expressed opposition to any political alliance involving Obi. The former Borno governor defended President Bola Tinubu against Obi’s repeated criticism over insecurity, insisting the President is making genuine efforts to improve security across the country. He pointed to Tinubu’s support for state police as part of measures to address the challenge. According to Sheriff, Nigeria’s security problems predate the Tinubu administration and should not be blamed solely on the current government. He also ruled out the chances of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, saying the North should wait until 2031 before seeking the presidency again, in line with what he described as an understanding on regional power rotation following the civil war. Sheriff expressed confidence that President Tinubu would win re-election in 2027 but said the APC would still work hard ahead of the polls. The remarks were made during an interview on Channels Television, which first reported the story.

The death toll from the devastating Venezuela earthquakes has risen to 3,535, while more than 16,700 people have been injured, according to updated official figures released on Monday.   The twin earthquakes, which struck on June 24, flattened entire neighbourhoods in La Guaira state, north of the capital, Caracas. Thousands of people remain missing as rescue and recovery efforts continue. Government officials said 16,740 people were injured in the disaster, while more than 17,000 residents have been left homeless. Although authorities have not released an official figure for those still trapped or missing, the United Nations estimates that up to 50,000 people could still be unaccounted for. Many survivors are now living in temporary camps set up on streets, public parks and car parks after losing their homes. As hopes of finding more survivors fade, the emergency response has shifted towards recovering bodies, clearing debris and supporting displaced residents. International rescue teams have also begun leaving Venezuela after weeks of search operations. Authorities on Sunday started burying dozens of unidentified victims in a mass grave at La Esperanza cemetery in La Guaira. Rows of simple white crosses, each marked with the date of death, June 24, 2026, now stand as a reminder of the scale of the tragedy. Channels Television reported that families continue searching for missing loved ones, hoping to recover their bodies and provide them with dignified burials.

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to using technology-driven military operations to combat insecurity and protect Nigerians, pledging increased investment in advanced defence systems, personnel training and indigenous innovation.   Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the grand finale of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration and the African Land Forces Forum in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Tinubu said the Federal Government was accelerating the modernisation of the Armed Forces to improve operational planning and combat readiness. He said the government would rely on intelligence-driven and technology-enabled operations to address evolving security threats across the country. Tinubu also stressed the importance of sustained investment in research and development, describing it as essential for strengthening military technology and expanding Nigeria’s indigenous defence capabilities. The President said the ongoing revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), alongside partnerships such as the African Land Forces Forum, would boost local military hardware production while creating skilled jobs. According to him, although previous administrations attempted to revive DICON, his government remains committed to fully modernising the corporation to improve the Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond to emerging security challenges. Tinubu commended the Armed Forces for their dedication to national and regional security, describing them as a source of pride for Nigeria and the African continent. He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, assuring their families that their sacrifices would never be forgotten. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara said hosting the event reflected the return of peace and stability in the state. He urged the Federal Government to continue improving the welfare of military personnel. Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defending the country’s territorial integrity and protecting lives and property. He noted that changing security threats continue to shape the Army’s operational strategies and thanked President Tinubu for his support. The event featured military demonstrations, research and development exhibitions, and the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards. Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other senior government and military officials attended the ceremony.

At least eight people have been killed and 275 others injured after powerful thunderstorms and strong winds swept through central China, while severe flooding in the country’s south claimed two more lives and forced tens of thousands from their homes.   According to Channels Television, citing AFP, multiple areas of Hubei province were hit by severe convective weather on Monday. State broadcaster CCTV reported that the storms affected cities including Huangshi and Huanggang, where the fatalities occurred. Authorities also confirmed that tornadoes struck some areas, with one person still missing. State news agency Xinhua said all 275 injuries were recorded in Huanggang’s Huangzhou district as of Tuesday morning. Officials also evacuated 408 residents to safer locations as rescue and relief operations continued. In southern China’s Guangxi region, heavy rainfall and flooding linked to Typhoon Maysak killed at least two people and prompted the evacuation of more than 48,000 residents by Monday evening. Floodwaters overwhelmed parts of the regional capital, Nanning, prompting authorities to raise the flood control emergency response to its highest level after torrential rains breached dams. Footage aired by CCTV showed a reservoir wall collapsing, sending a torrent of muddy water rushing downstream. Homes, vehicles and riverside areas were submerged, while rescue teams in life jackets and inflatable boats searched for stranded residents. Scientists have warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide due to rising global temperatures driven by fossil fuel emissions. China remains the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases but is also the leading investor in renewable energy, with a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.