NATO allies unveiled defence contracts worth billions of dollars at the alliance’s summit in Ankara, Turkey, as European leaders sought to demonstrate stronger military commitments and ease tensions with United States President Donald Trump over security and defence.   According to AFP, as published by Channels Television, the two-day summit comes a year after NATO members agreed to increase defence spending to five per cent of GDP following pressure from Trump. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said member states were delivering on those commitments by boosting military budgets and taking greater responsibility for Europe’s security. Ahead of the main leaders’ meeting, NATO announced several major defence projects, including contracts for drones, aerial refuelling aircraft and surveillance systems designed to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities. Rutte said the agreements, worth billions of dollars, would improve security, support economic growth and create hundreds of thousands of jobs across member countries. The announcements come after Trump criticised European allies for restricting the use of US military bases during operations against Iran, accusing them of failing to fully support Washington. European leaders are hoping to avoid a diplomatic clash with Trump during the summit, amid concerns that divisions could weaken NATO’s unity. Diplomats believe Trump’s relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and continued engagement with Rutte could help maintain a constructive atmosphere. European nations are also exploring a possible naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz, led by France and the United Kingdom, to support regional security following heightened tensions involving Iran. However, officials say any deployment will depend on the stability of the current US-Iran agreement. The summit also reflects Washington’s push for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defence, following recent US decisions to reduce some military assets assigned to NATO operations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to secure a commitment from European allies to provide at least €70 billion in military assistance to Kyiv annually throughout 2026 and 2027. Zelensky is also scheduled to meet Trump during the summit as he seeks additional support for Ukraine’s air defence and renewed pressure on Russia to return to peace negotiations. The summit continues in Ankara with defence spending, European security and support for Ukraine dominating discussions.

The Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has led a peaceful road walk in Ikeja, calling for improved security across Nigeria and an end to kidnappings and violence.   According to Channels Television, the march began and ended at the Chapel of Christ the Light in Alausa, attracting clergymen, Christian faithful and concerned citizens advocating for peace, unity and national development. Participants carried placards bearing messages including “Pray for Nigeria”, “No to Schoolchildren Abductions”, “Release the Oyo Schoolchildren Now!”, “Nigeria Must Succeed”, and “No to Terrorism”. Addressing participants before the rally, Lagos CAN Chairman, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said the demonstration was aimed at promoting peace and urging Nigerians to reject violence, especially during the election year. He called for the unconditional release of kidnapped victims, particularly schoolchildren, and appealed to politicians to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process. Adegbite also urged Christian and Muslim leaders to work together in promoting national unity and to avoid statements capable of inflaming political tensions. He stressed the need for collective prayers for a safer Nigeria and warned against actions that could undermine the country’s stability. The Special Adviser on Christian Affairs to the Lagos State Governor, Very Rev. Bukola Adeleke, also appealed to Nigerians to reject violence and terrorism while praying for the nation’s leaders. He encouraged citizens to offer constructive criticism of government policies responsibly, noting that positive achievements should also be acknowledged alongside areas requiring improvement. Personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) monitored the event to ensure the rally remained peaceful.

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.