US Withdraws Military Presence from Nigeria, Tinubu Reaches Out to First Lady Iya Alakara, Atiku Pledges to Continue 2027 Battle, and More Key Developments

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Security cooperation, politics, and economic tensions lead Friday morning’s headlines, as the United States withdraws most troops from a joint counterterrorism operation in Nigeria following the killing of an ISIS deputy.

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reaffirms his 2027 presidential bid after a court ruling affirms David Mark’s leadership of the African Democratic Congress.

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Here are the top stories making headlines for Friday morning, July 3.

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US pulls troops from Nigeria after ISIS deputy’s killing

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The United States has withdrawn most of its forces deployed for a joint counterterrorism operation in Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin.

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However, the country continues intelligence sharing and other forms of security cooperation with Nigeria.

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Read the full story: https://punchng.com/us-pulls-troops-from-nigeria-after-isis-deputys-killing/n

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Atiku vows 2027 fight as court clears Mark-led ADC

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The Federal High Court, Abuja on Thursday affirmed David Mark’s leadership of ADC, a ruling the party welcomed even as Abubakar said he would continue his pursuit of the 2027 presidency.

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Atiku described the judgment, which dismissed a suit filed by a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, as victory for constitutional democracy and a rejection of attempts to use the judiciary for political ends.

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Read the full story: https://punchng.com/atiku-vows-2027-fight-as-court-clears-mark-led-adc/

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‘My wife, Iya Alakara,’ Tinubu playfully nicknames First Lady

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President Bola Tinubu on Thursday playfully referred to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as “Iya Alakara” (Mama Akara Seller), in an apparent light-hearted reference to the recent controversy surrounding her remarks on small-scale businesses.

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The President made the remark while observing protocol during his address at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House, Abuja.

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Read the full story: https://punchng.com/my-wife-iya-alakara-tinubu-playfully-nicknames-first-lady/n

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Shock as Ogun Ifa priest sets self on fire, dies

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Residents of Adebiopon Village in Ogun State’s Obafemi Owode LGA were shocked after a 50-year-old Ifa priest, Muritala Shodiya, allegedly doused himself with petrol and set himself ablaze in an uncompleted building.

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He was rescued but later died in hospital. Police have commenced an investigation.

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Read the full story: https://punchng.com/shock-as-ogun-ifa-priest-sets-self-on-fire-dies/n

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Dangote, importers battle as petrol holds above N1,000

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Petrol prices remain above N1,000 per litre despite falling global crude prices, as Dangote Refinery and importers engage in a standoff.

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The refinery cites high crude costs and urges importers to lower prices on cheaper imports, while marketers watch Dangote’s moves amid gradual reductions.

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Read the full story: https://punchng.com/dangote-importers-battle-as-petrol-holds-above-n1000/n

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