Politics

BOLSONARO BEATS POLL EXPECTATIONS, FINISHES AHEAD OF LULA AS BRAZIL CONFIRMS PRESIDENTIAL RUNOFF

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro has finished ahead of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the first round of Brazil’s presidential election, outperforming most pre election polling. Bolsonaro secured about 47 percent of valid votes, while Lula finished with approximately 45 percent. Neither candidate reached the more than 50 percent required for an outright victory. The two will now face each other in a decisive runoff election on October 25. Bolsonaro’s stronger than expected performance has reshaped the race and could also influence Brazilian financial markets as investors assess the possibility of a change in government.

TRUMP ANNOUNCES WHITE HOUSE BAN ON CNN MS NOW AND POLITICO

President Donald Trump has announced an immediate White House ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico, accusing the organisations of false reporting. The precise implementation remained unclear shortly after the announcement, while the move raises renewed questions over press access and First Amendment protections.

TOYIN ABRAHAM REJECTS LAGOS APC CAMPAIGN COUNCIL APPOINTMENT

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham has rejected her inclusion in the Lagos APC Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 elections. Abraham says her name was placed on the list without her knowledge and has reiterated that she intends to stay out of politics.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION BEGINS 47 MILE BORDER WALL PROJECT IN BIG BEND TEXAS

The Trump administration has begun installing border wall panels along a 47 mile section of the Big Bend region in West Texas. The project is part of a wider $46 billion border infrastructure programmed and faces opposition from landowners, environmental groups and Native American communities.

PUTIN ENVOY AND AFD LEADERS PREPARE TALKS ON RESTORING RUSSIAN GAS TO GERMANY

ZELENSKYY LAUNCHES CARPATHIAN EIGHT TO STRENGTHEN REGIONAL SECURITY AND TRADE

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has launched the Carpathian Eight, a new regional framework bringing together eight Central and Eastern European countries to strengthen security, energy, logistics, trade and investment cooperation. Around €1 billion in investment and trade agreements have been prepared around the inaugural summit.

RUSSIA SUMMONS SENIOR BRITISH DIPLOMAT OVER UK WEAPONS SUPPLIES TO UKRAINE

Russia has summoned Britain's chargé d'affaires in Moscow, Danae Dholakia, to protest what it describes as increasing British weapons supplies to Ukraine. The move follows earlier Russian warnings over Ukraine's use of British supplied weapons against Russian territory.

CANADA WELCOMES CLOSER EU TIES BUT ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP REMAINS UNDEFINED

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal for Canada to become the EU's first associate member. However, the status does not currently exist under EU treaties and its terms would have to be negotiated. The proposal comes as Canada seeks deeper cooperation with Europe across trade, defence, energy, critical minerals and technology.

MAHAMA SAYS GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE INHERITED POLICIES BUT NOT AKUFO ADDO’S PERSONAL CATHEDRAL PLEDGE

President John Mahama says his government will continue viable policies inherited from previous administrations but does not consider the National Cathedral one of them, describing it as former President Nana Akufo-Addo's personal pledge to God. Mahama says he does not oppose a cathedral but believes taxpayers should not finance it.

HOUTHIS SEIZE MOCHA AND PERIM ISLAND AS RED SEA CONFLICT ESCALATES

Iran aligned Houthi forces have captured Yemen's strategic port city of Mocha and Perim Island in the Bab al Mandeb Strait, increasing concerns over Red Sea shipping and global energy supplies. Saudi Arabia reportedly sought US military assistance as the Houthis advanced, but Washington stopped short of launching direct strikes.

ATIKU OUTLINES FRAMEWORK FOR DOMESTIC FUEL SUBSIDY

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has proposed a production subsidy framework that would reduce crude oil input costs for qualifying Nigerian refineries rather than force producers to sell petrol below cost. He says the system would support domestic refining while potentially lowering pump prices for consumers.

ANAMBRA SENATOR URGES INEC TO PHASE OUT AD HOC STAFF AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTIONS

Senator Victor Umeh has urged INEC to recruit and train more permanent personnel and gradually reduce its reliance on ad hoc election workers ahead of the 2027 general elections. He argues that INEC should eventually have its own trained officials handle duties including result collation and returning officer responsibilities.

SOLUDO, WIFE RECEIVE OLUREMI TINUBU IN ANAMBRA FOR FOOD BANK LAUNCH, ICT CENTRE COMMISSIONING

Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has arrived in Anambra State, where she was received by Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Nonye Soludo. Her visit includes the South East launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme and the commissioning of an ICT Centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.

COURT ORDERS INEC TO APPROVE AND UPLOAD NDC MODIFIED LOGO

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered INEC to approve and immediately upload the Nigeria Democratic Congress's modified logo for use in elections. The ruling also restrains the electoral commission from interfering with the party's use of the new design as the NDC prepares for the 2027 general election.

Police arrest 46 over Peter Obi convoy blockade in Benue as condemnation grows

Benue State Police have arrested 46 people following the obstruction of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi's convoy during his visit to the state. Police say officers avoided using force to prevent the situation from escalating and investigations are continuing. The incident has drawn condemnation from political groups and rights organisations demanding accountability.

Wontumi campaign backs John Boadu for NPP National Chairman

The campaign team of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has endorsed former NPP General Secretary John Boadu for National Chairman. The team says it will redirect its grassroots and organisational network towards Boadu ahead of the NPP's October 3 national executive elections.

UK, FRANCE AND CANADA MOVE TO BAN ISRAELI SETTLEMENT GOODS AS 12 NATIONS INCREASE PRESSURE OVER WEST BANK

Britain, France and Canada are moving to ban imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as part of coordinated action involving 12 countries. The governments cited expanding settlements and increasing settler violence as threats to a two state solution. Israel responded by ordering the closure of Britain's consulate in East Jerusalem and announcing restrictions against British nationals.

TEXAS GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT ORDERS CRACKDOWN ON GROUPS ALLEGEDLY OPERATING SHARIA COURTS

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered state and local authorities to investigate organisations accused of operating unauthorised Sharia tribunals and attempting to exercise powers belonging to legally established courts.