Nigeria's APC Faces Criticism Over Candidates; Pope May Visit

Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is under fire for allegedly manipulating the results of its National Assembly primaries. Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Labour Party, have accused the APC of undermining internal democracy and compromising the integrity of its candidate selection process ahead of the 2027 general elections. The APC, however, has dismissed these criticisms, urging its rivals to focus on their internal challenges.

In diplomatic news, the Vatican has signaled a potential visit by Pope Leo XIV to Nigeria in the future. This possibility emerged after discussions between President Bola Tinubu and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, during his visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting suggests strengthening ties between Nigeria and the Holy See.

Meanwhile, former Senate President Bukola Saraki has offered his support to Adisa Blessing Oluwafikayo, a first-class Mathematics graduate from the University of Ilorin. Oluwafikayo secured a fully funded master’s scholarship at the University of Calabria in Italy, and Saraki has pledged to cover her remaining relocation expenses, aiding her pursuit of higher education abroad.

Additionally, the Federal Government has officially inaugurated a new 10-member Board of Directors for the Bank of Agriculture. The newly appointed members have been tasked with enhancing corporate governance and providing strategic leadership to advance the institution's mandate. The government aims to revitalize the bank to better support the agricultural sector.