Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has appointed Kenneth Okonkwo as spokesperson for his 2027 presidential campaign following his emergence as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).   According to TheCable, a copy of the appointment letter shared by Okonkwo on his X page on Thursday confirmed the development. In the letter, Atiku said the appointment was based on his confidence in Okonkwo’s competence, communication skills, integrity, political judgment and ability to professionally represent his public positions during the campaign. He added that he looked forward to Okonkwo’s contribution to the campaign and broader democratic engagement in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election. Reacting to the appointment, Okonkwo expressed gratitude to Atiku, describing the move as a reflection of the former vice-president’s democratic values. He said Atiku consistently chooses dialogue and compromise when addressing disagreements among associates, noting that this approach promotes solutions to political challenges. Okonkwo also revealed that discussions with Atiku and other ADC stakeholders had addressed concerns around the interests of the South-East within the framework of the Electoral Act 2026 and prevailing political realities. He thanked Ralph Nwosu and Ekene Onwuka for their contributions to the coalition and his appointment. The actor-turned-politician further asked supporters to pray for wisdom, courage and strength as he takes on what he described as a challenging responsibility. The 2027 presidential election will mark Atiku’s seventh attempt at Nigeria’s highest office and his fourth appearance on the ballot as a presidential candidate of a political party. Okonkwo previously served as spokesperson for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party. However, both men later fell out, with Obi recently filing a defamation suit against Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks.

President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the construction of the 125-kilometre Akwanga-Jos section of the Akwanga-Kaduna-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Superhighway and commissioned two major road projects in Nasarawa State.   According to Channels Television, the President performed the ceremony in Akwanga on Wednesday through APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda. The commissioned projects include the dualised Akwanga Township Road and a newly constructed underpass by the Nasarawa State Government. Speaking at the event, Abdullahi Sule described the Akwanga Township Road as one of the landmark projects of his administration. He said the road was completed without bank loans and funded entirely through improved state revenues linked to the Federal Government’s economic reforms. Sule also stated that residents and business owners affected by the project received full compensation, helping to secure community support. President Tinubu praised Governor Sule for delivering major infrastructure outside the state capital, describing it as a strong example of good governance. He said the projects reflected effective collaboration between the Federal Government and Nasarawa State, improving connectivity between Abuja, Akwanga and other strategic routes. The President also directed the Minister of Works and state governors to work with the Surveyor General of the Federation on setback plans for future road expansion. He further urged contractors to prioritise training and employment opportunities for local youths. Minister of Works David Umahi said the Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects were designed to connect key parts of Nigeria, drive economic growth and strengthen national integration. Umahi explained that the Akwanga-Jos road represents Section One, Phase One of the broader Akwanga-Maiduguri Superhighway under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The 125-kilometre stretch cuts across Nasarawa, Kaduna and Plateau states and forms part of a 700-kilometre corridor linking Akwanga to Maiduguri. He disclosed that construction had already started on the Gombe-Biu section, while procurement processes were ongoing for the Jos-Bauchi, Bauchi-Gombe and Biu-Maiduguri sections. Umahi also revealed that President Tinubu had approved the immediate release of N111 billion for the construction of Section One of the Akwanga-Jos road. The minister added that several other legacy road projects across the country were progressing, including sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the Trans-Saharan route. He noted that North Central Nigeria currently has the highest number of federal road projects nationwide, with 35 major projects, including five already completed.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has suspended the strike action by public school teachers in Oyo State, directing members to return to classrooms from Thursday, July 2, 2026.   The strike was triggered by the abduction of more than 40 teachers and learners in Oriire Local Government Area, a development that raised serious concerns over school safety across the state. According to a statement jointly signed by Oyo NUT Chairman Hassan Fatai and Secretary Olukayode Salami, the decision followed renewed engagements with the state government and directives from the union’s national leadership. The union said the suspension came after reviewing the security situation and considering assurances from the Oyo State government on efforts to improve safety in schools and secure the release of the abducted victims. Among the commitments made by the government are intensified rescue operations, the deployment of a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access routes, and improved emergency response systems. Other measures include strengthening the Safe School Initiative, upgrading school infrastructure, improving intelligence gathering, tackling criminal hideouts, and deploying technology to improve school security. The union also disclosed that authorities promised psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued victims, alongside continued engagement with affected families. Payment of gratuities and entitlements to families of deceased teachers was also listed among government commitments. NUT commended teachers, the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria for maintaining discipline and solidarity during the industrial action. While calling on teachers to resume duties, the union urged members to remain vigilant and promptly report security threats within their schools and communities. Seyi Makinde had earlier assured families and residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils. More than a month after the kidnapping, the victims remain in captivity, though authorities continue to express confidence in ongoing rescue operations.

Portugal is bracing for another intense heatwave, with authorities issuing red alerts in several regions as temperatures are expected to climb as high as 44C.   According to Channels Television, parts of Portugal, including the Lisbon region, will move to red alert as the country faces worsening heat conditions after initially escaping the worst of Europe’s ongoing heatwave. The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) said Lisbon and Setubal will be placed on red alert on Thursday, with the warning extending to Leiria and Coimbra on Friday. Temperatures in some areas could reach 44C. An orange alert was already in effect on Wednesday across four inland regions, including Evora, where temperatures were forecast to hit 41C. Residents say the unusual heat has arrived earlier than expected. Jose Bonifacio, a busker in Evora, noted that such temperatures are typically experienced in August rather than early July. The intense afternoon heat has emptied streets in the historic city, with many residents and tourists seeking shelter in cafés and shaded areas. Construction worker Carlos Guedes described the conditions as especially difficult for those working outdoors. IPMA warned that the current heatwave’s most significant concern is its expected duration, with extreme temperatures likely to persist for at least a week. Coastal regions may also experience hotter conditions due to reduced sea breeze, while nighttime temperatures are expected to remain unusually high at between 24C and 28C. The Portuguese government has urged residents to follow health advice and has instructed municipalities to prepare cooling shelters for vulnerable people. These may include public buildings, churches, shopping centres and hotels. Secretary of State for Health Ana Povo said the measures are aimed at protecting those most at risk during the prolonged heat. The heatwave comes as Europe continues to experience record-breaking temperatures. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution said the recent European heatwave was the most severe ever recorded and would have been virtually impossible in June without climate change. Temperature records have recently been broken across several European countries, including Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The United Kingdom and Switzerland also recorded their hottest June temperatures.