Morning recap: UK councillor convicted, ADC chairmen reject Mark’s removal, other top stories

• Gibbins. Photo: Chronicle Live

The conviction of a UK councillor over comments targeting Nigerians, fresh opposition to the removal of the David Mark-led African Democratic Congress leadership and concerns over possible electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections are among the major stories making headlines this morning.

Also, former NNPC boss Mele Kyari has denied allegations that N210tn was unaccounted for in the company’s financial records, while the Senate has warned that restrictions on commercial flights to accommodate VIP movements could endanger air travellers.

A student of Olabisi Onabanjo University also died after falling from a moving campus shuttle bus.

Here are the major stories and other developments you should know this morning.

1. UK councillor convicted over call to ‘melt’ Nigerians

A former Reform UK councillor, Glenn Gibbins, has been convicted by a UK court over a Facebook post suggesting that Nigerians in Sunderland should be melted down and used to fill potholes.

He was sentenced to a 12-month community order and 150 hours of unpaid work after being found guilty of making grossly offensive comments.

Read more: https://punchng.com/uk-councillor-convicted-over-call-to-melt-nigerians/

2. Mark’s removal: Northern ADC chairmen kick, head for NJC

Nineteen northern state chairmen of the African Democratic Congress have rejected the court judgment removing the David Mark-led national leadership.

They vowed to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal and petition the National Judicial Council, arguing that it contradicted an earlier judgment recognising the party’s leadership. Punch Newspapers

Read more: https://punchng.com/marks-removal-northern-adc-chairmen-kick-head-for-njc/

3. 2027: Abdulsalami panel flags 109 breaches, warns of election violence

The National Peace Committee has reported 109 breaches of the National Peace Accord across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory within 10 weeks of monitoring.

Its report identified political violence, thuggery, misinformation and disinformation as major violations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Read more: https://punchng.com/2027-abdulsalami-panel-flags-109-breaches-warns-of-election-violence/

4. No N210tn missing in NNPC, says ex-GCEO Kyari

Former NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari has denied allegations that N210tn was unaccounted for in the company’s financial records, describing the discrepancies as accounting entries rather than missing funds.

He made the clarification before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, which is investigating audit queries involving the company’s 2017–2023 financial records.

• UK councillor convicted over call to ‘melt’ Nigerians
• Kebbi ADC alleges police plot to arrest opposition members
• No N210tn missing in NNPC, says ex-GCEO Kyari

Read more: https://punchng.com/no-n210tn-missing-from-nnpc-kyari/

5. Ogun student dies after falling off shuttle bus

A 200-level student of Olabisi Onabanjo University has died after reportedly falling from a moving campus shuttle bus following a disagreement over a seat.

The Students’ Union Government alleged that the driver instructed the student to hold on to the moving vehicle.

The university subsequently suspended academic activities for two days.

Read more: https://punchng.com/ogun-student-dies-after-falling-off-shuttle-bus/

6. VIP flight restrictions pose risks to air travellers, Senate warns

The Senate has warned that frequent restrictions on commercial flights to accommodate VIP movements could trigger an aviation disaster.

The lawmakers urged aviation regulators to improve coordination and prevent commercial aircraft from remaining airborne for extended periods because of security arrangements for government officials.

Read more: https://punchng.com/vip-flight-restrictions-pose-risks-to-air-travellers-senate-warns/

7. NERC okays N30bn to meter Band A customers

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved N30bn for the third phase of its Meter Acquisition Fund to provide meters for unmetered Band A customers and expand coverage among Band B consumers.

The commission directed electricity distribution companies to complete installations by May 31, 2027, and warned that customers must not be charged for the meters.

Read more: https://punchng.com/nerc-okays-n30bn-to-meter-band-a-customers/

8. Senate splashes N100m on Flamingos

The Senate has announced a N100m donation to Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, following their victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the donation during plenary.

Read more: https://punchng.com/senate-splashes-n100m-on-flamingos/