Morning recap: S’West ADC leaders revolt against Atiku, APGA candidates fear protest votes, other top stories

File: Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar.

Political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections dominate today’s headlines, with South-West leaders of the African Democratic Congress expressing dissatisfaction with Atiku Abubakar’s handling of the party’s regional structure.

Meanwhile, the decision by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo to coordinate President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaigns has reportedly unsettled some National Assembly candidates. Elsewhere, an HIV advocate has recounted the stigma he faced after disclosing his status, while Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo says residents now call him “Okpe’s baby”.

Here are five top stories to follow this morning.

1. 2027: S’West ADC leaders revolt against Atiku

Many leaders of the African Democratic Congress in the South-West have expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as the marginalisation of the party’s regional structure by its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 election.

Read here: https://punchng.com/2027-swest-adc-leaders-revolt-against-atiku/

2. APGA candidates fear protest votes over Soludo-Tinubu pact

The decision by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo to coordinate President Bola Tinubu’s campaign in their respective states has caused anxiety among National Assembly candidates.

Read here: https://punchng.com/apga-candidates-fear-protest-votes-over-soludo-tinubu-pact/

3. My mum, church rejected me over HIV status — Advocate, Ekezie

Chika Ekezie, an Imo State native living with HIV, has recounted his experience with stigma after disclosing his status in November 2024, following seven years of self-denial.

• Edo residents now call me ‘Okpe’s baby’ — Okpebholo
• My mum, church rejected me over HIV status — Advocate, Ekezie
• Tinubu’s cloned voice and Pate’s sanitiser duty

In an interview with PUNCH, he speaks about his diagnosis, rejection at work, stigma from his family and church, and how treatment has helped him.

Read here: https://punchng.com/my-mum-church-rejected-me-over-hiv-status-advocate-ekezie/

4. Edo residents now call me ‘Okpe’s baby’ — Okpebholo

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo says residents have changed his nickname from “Akpako Rescue” to “Okpe’s baby”, adding that the reception he receives from the public gives him joy.

He made the disclosure during a live broadcast shared by ITV and Radio on Saturday, recounting his experience while walking along Sapele Road.

Read here: https://punchng.com/edo-residents-now-call-me-okpes-baby-okpebholo/

5. Osimhen, other Nigerian scoring streaks as Iheanacho’s run ends

Kelechi Iheanacho’s scoring run in Turkey ended on Saturday, but he is not the only Nigerian forward to have found the net in consecutive matches for his club.

The report highlights scoring streaks involving Nigerian forwards, including Victor Osimhen.

Read here: https://punchng.com/osimhen-other-nigerian-scoring-streaks-as-iheanachos-run-ends/