US President Donald Trump has urged Israeli voters to re-elect Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as an “outstanding Warrior Prime Minister” ahead of the country’s legislative election.   Trump made the appeal on Sunday through his Truth Social platform, citing the US-Israel war against Iran as an example of the two countries “winning together”. “When you go to the Polls please remember that Bibi has been an outstanding Warrior Prime Minister,” Trump wrote, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. His endorsement came as Netanyahu faced a strong challenge from former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, who pledged to unite a deeply divided Israeli society and restore public confidence in the country’s leadership. According to Channels Television, opinion polls had placed Netanyahu and Eisenkot neck and neck before restrictions on new polling took effect ahead of Tuesday’s election. Eisenkot Promises Unity and Change Eisenkot held his final major campaign rally on Sunday, promising to bridge divisions within Israeli society and prioritise national security and economic stability. “Our goal is not for one side to defeat the other. That is not our way,” he told hundreds of supporters. “We will work to bring all Israelis together again, those who voted for us and those who did not.” The former military chief has presented himself as an alternative to Netanyahu, whose long political career has been marked by persistent divisions and criticism over his handling of national security. Eisenkot also pledged to take responsibility for both successes and failures, while appealing to undecided voters and supporters of Netanyahu’s Likud party to back his campaign. “Deep down, you too know that Israel cannot go on like this,” he said. “Israel needs change.” Some supporters have been drawn to Eisenkot’s reputation for directness and his promise to restore trust in government. Yael Shkedi, a 66-year-old jewellery maker who attended his rally, described him as someone she could trust amid the country’s political turmoil. Eisenkot has also promised a state commission of inquiry into the security failures that preceded Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Netanyahu Focuses on Iran Threat Netanyahu has made national security a central theme of his campaign, highlighting his opposition to Iran’s nuclear programme and the military campaign launched against the Islamic Republic alongside Trump. He has also campaigned against the creation of a Palestinian state, with campaign posters carrying the slogan “Either the Right or Palestine”. Speaking on Israeli television after Eisenkot’s rally, Netanyahu accused his rival and his allies of supporting a Palestinian state, which he described as “a catastrophe for Israel”. “They will not destroy Iran’s nuclear programme,” Netanyahu said, insisting that his government had completed most of the work required to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities. “Who is going to do it? Eisenkot and the Muslim Brotherhood? No. Only I can do it,” he added. Eisenkot has said he opposes a Palestinian state but has pledged to take action against extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank who attack Palestinians. The prime minister also shared an AI-generated image depicting a mushroom cloud engulfing Tel Aviv, alongside a message portraying Iran as an existential threat to Israel. Eisenkot subsequently accused Netanyahu of using the Iranian threat for political advantage, arguing that the prime minister had failed to achieve the war objectives he had set. Opposition Accuses Netanyahu of Losing Grip Longtime opposition leader Yair Lapid, who has pledged to join a coalition with Eisenkot, also criticised Netanyahu’s handling of the campaign. Lapid questioned the prime minister’s messaging on US security assistance, economic sanctions and the Iranian threat, arguing that his statements demonstrated a loss of political judgement. “This man has lost his grip. We absolutely must send him home,” Lapid wrote on X. Netanyahu, who has been a dominant figure in Israeli politics for decades, is also facing trial on corruption charges, which he denies. The election is expected to test whether his security-focused campaign and Trump’s endorsement can secure him another term or whether voters will favour Eisenkot’s promise of political change and national unity.

Manchester United suffered a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday, deepening the club’s crisis and raising fresh questions about manager Michael Carrick’s future.   The defeat at Old Trafford on October 25 stretched United’s winless run to eight matches and left them 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone. Goals from Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson secured a convincing victory for Bournemouth, managed by Marco Rose, who recorded their third 3-0 win at Old Trafford in four seasons. According to Channels Television, Carrick’s decision to leave captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench throughout the match proved costly as United struggled to respond to Bournemouth’s attacking threat. Bournemouth Punish United’s Defensive Errors Bournemouth took the lead in the 38th minute when Rayan connected with Justin Kluivert’s free-kick to beat the United defence. The visitors doubled their advantage five minutes later after United defender Leny Yoro stumbled under pressure from Adrien Truffert. The Bournemouth full-back took advantage of the error to square the ball for Tavernier, who tapped into an empty net. Despite expectations that Fernandes would enter the game at half-time, the United captain remained on the bench as the hosts continued to struggle. Evanilson appeared to have scored shortly after the restart, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Bournemouth continued to create opportunities, with United goalkeeper Senne Lammens denying Rayan before the Brazilian winger missed another chance after getting past Lisandro Martinez. Evanilson eventually sealed the victory with 20 minutes remaining, rounding Lammens before producing an exquisite finish from a narrow angle. Carrick Faces Growing Pressure The defeat intensified scrutiny of Carrick, whose decision to drop Fernandes came days after the midfielder reportedly criticised the manager’s tactics following United’s 4-1 defeat to Champions League newcomers Como. Carrick described his decision to leave Fernandes out as being based purely on footballing considerations. However, the captain’s continued absence, even as United struggled, fuelled questions about the manager’s selection. Bournemouth supporters taunted Carrick with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” during the match. The result also highlighted United’s poor start to the campaign. The club have recorded just two victories in 12 matches across all competitions, against newly promoted Ipswich and Azerbaijani side Sabah. Carrick had enjoyed a strong finish to the previous season during his interim spell in charge, guiding United to third place in the Premier League. However, the absence of European and domestic cup commitments helped their league campaign. Bournemouth, meanwhile, arrived at Old Trafford after a difficult start under Rose but continued their impressive run following a 3-0 victory over AC Milan three days earlier. Fans Turn Anger Towards United Owners As the match drew to a close, frustrated Manchester United supporters directed their anger towards the club’s unpopular owners, the Glazer family. Carrick applauded fans at the Stretford End and touched his chest as he walked towards the tunnel after the final whistle. The result leaves United facing renewed uncertainty over their managerial position, with the club struggling to find consistency following years of decline since former manager Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. Although Carrick’s future remains uncertain, the latest defeat underlines the scale of the challenge facing Manchester United as they attempt to revive their Premier League campaign.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has released the list of members of its national campaign council ahead of the 2027 general elections, with former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, named chairman.   The party also named its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as co-chairman and its vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as co-vice chairman of the campaign council. Channels Television reported on Monday, October 26, 2026, that the party announced the newly constituted council on Sunday as part of preparations for the forthcoming general elections. Senator Cleopas Zuwoghe was named vice-chairman, while former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, was listed as a member of the National Campaign Advisory Council. Other members of the campaign council include Ikenna Enekweizu, Sidi Abdul, Babatunde Alli, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Senator Victor Umeh, Buba Galadima, Yakubu Ochefu, Mahmud Jahun, Moshood Salvador, Dudu Manuga, Victor Ogene and Muktar Usman. Ibrahim Abdulkarim was named Director-General of the Presidential Campaign, while NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, was appointed Director of Communication and Media. A former defence spokesperson, Major General John Enenche (retd.), was appointed Director of Security and Intelligence. The party also constituted a 40-member National Campaign Advisory Council and appointed 37 state campaign coordinators to support its campaign activities across the country. NDC Outlines Campaign Council’s Responsibilities In a statement announcing the appointments on its official X account, the NDC said the campaign council would provide strategic leadership, coordinate campaign activities nationwide and mobilise Nigerians behind the party’s vision. The party said the council would work towards delivering a people-centred and issue-based campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections. It also called on party members, supporters and Nigerians to remain united as it prepares for the polls. The NDC is among the political parties preparing to contest the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. The party’s announcement comes amid preparations by political parties to organise their campaign structures ahead of the next electoral cycle.  

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed 53 people linked to Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola case under surveillance, including healthcare workers, domestic staff and the patient’s spouse.   The agency disclosed this in its Ebola Disease Situation Report dated October 24, 2026, as public health authorities intensify efforts to prevent further transmission of the disease. According to the NCDC, a suspected Ebola case reported by Rivers State on October 23 tested negative following laboratory investigations. NCDC Tracks 53 Contacts The NCDC said the 53 contacts linked to the confirmed case had been identified, categorised and placed under follow-up. The contacts include healthcare workers, household members and other individuals who may have been exposed to the patient. The index case involves a 42-year-old woman who arrived in Nigeria from Uganda through Addis Ababa on October 3, 2026, aboard an international flight to Abuja. The patient reportedly developed symptoms four days after arriving in Nigeria and visited a private health facility on October 10. She subsequently presented at another private facility on October 11, where she was admitted. The NCDC said it was notified of the case on October 19, prompting an investigation and sample collection. The agency’s National Reference Laboratory confirmed the Ebola infection on October 20. Symptoms reported at presentation included fever, diarrhoea, generalised body aches and a sore throat. The report stated that the patient had no reported bleeding. Contacts to Be Monitored for 21 Days NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, said the Federal Government was coordinating the response through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC, Federal Capital Territory health authorities and other partners. Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Idris acknowledged public concerns following the confirmation of the case but said established public health systems and response plans were being deployed to prevent further transmission. He explained that contact tracing was being coordinated through an Incident Management System and an Emergency Operations Centre, under the leadership of Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease. According to Idris, public health teams are working to identify individuals who may have been exposed, assess their risk levels and monitor their health for 21 days after their last possible exposure. The monitoring process covers healthcare workers, patients, caregivers, household members, travel-related contacts and other people with relevant exposure histories. Idris urged Nigerians contacted by public health officials to cooperate fully and provide accurate information about their movements, contacts and any symptoms they may have experienced. He stressed that being identified as a contact does not mean a person has Ebola, explaining that surveillance helps health authorities detect potential infections early and prevent further spread. NCDC Calls for Stronger Hospital Safety Measures The NCDC chief commended healthcare workers whose vigilance and clinical judgement helped identify the confirmed case and trigger the public health response. He also recognised the contributions of professionals involved in surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory diagnosis, case management, infection prevention, community engagement and public communication. Idris assured healthcare workers that the Federal Government would prioritise their safety, health and welfare throughout the response. He called on public and private healthcare facilities across Nigeria to review and strengthen their infection prevention and control measures. According to him, hospitals must consistently implement screening and triage procedures, maintain high levels of suspicion when patients present with compatible symptoms and relevant exposure histories, and observe standard precautions. He also highlighted the importance of hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, injection safety, safe handling of sharps and proper waste management. Healthcare facilities were urged to ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment was available in sufficient quantities and that staff were trained to use it correctly. Idris further advised that suspected cases should be promptly separated from other patients and reported to the relevant public health authorities without waiting for laboratory confirmation before taking necessary precautions. He emphasised that protecting healthcare workers was essential to safeguarding the communities they serve. The NCDC’s latest update comes amid ongoing efforts by Nigerian health authorities and their partners to monitor potential exposures and contain the confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory.