Morning recap: Pantami, Adebutu, Gwarzo face uncertainty, Tope Alabi threatens lawsuit, other top stories

The political ambitions of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Pantami, and Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, remain uncertain following the expiration on Saturday of the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission for addressing complaints over the omission of candidates from its final list for the 2027 elections.

In other news, Gospel singer, Tope Alabi, has threatened to sue a Canada-based pastor, identified as Tayo Kumuyi also known as Pastor Tayo Ministries, over allegations linking her to the death of gospel minister, Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, and other ministers.

These and many must-read stories lead today’s headlines

1. 2027: Pantami, Adebutu, Gwarzo’s fates uncertain

The political ambitions of former Communications Minister Isa Ali Pantami, Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, and Kano politician Aminu Gwarzo remain uncertain after INEC’s deadline for complaints over omitted candidates expired. The affected parties say they complied with electoral requirements and are considering legal options as they seek to have the omissions addressed.
Read the full story here:/https://punchng.com/2027-pantami-adebutu-gwarzos-fates-uncertain/

2. Tope Alabi threatens legal action over Toluwanisings’ death claims

Gospel singer Tope Alabi has threatened legal action against Canada-based pastor Tayo Kumuyi, also known as Pastor Tayo Ministries, over allegations linking her to the death of gospel minister Toluwanisings and other ministers. The dispute centres on claims she considers damaging to her reputation.
Read the full story here:/https://punchng.com/tope-alabi-threatens-legal-action-over-toluwanisings-death-claims/

3. How AI-generated photo cost kidnap victim N4m ransom – Freed Benue graduate

• Oyo APC campaign threatens APM gov candidate with defamation suit
• Tope Alabi threatens legal action over Toluwanisings’ death claims
• Lagos-Calabar highway lacks master design — Umahi

A graduate of Benue State University recounts how a journey to an NYSC orientation camp in Akure turned into a nightmare after he and 11 other travellers were abducted in Edo State. His account describes the torture and trauma he endured and the reported role of an AI-generated photograph in the ransom ordeal.

Read the full story here:/https://punchng.com/how-ai-generated-photo-cost-kidnap-victim-n4m-ransom-freed-benue-graduate/

4. Lagos-Calabar highway lacks master design — Umahi

Works Minister David Umahi has disclosed that the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is being designed and costed in separate sections rather than under a single comprehensive engineering design. The revelation raises questions about the planning and coordination of the major infrastructure project.

Read the full story here:/https://punchng.com/lagos-calabar-highway-lacks-master-design-umahi/

5. My wife died chasing nine-month retirement benefits from Ogun – Retiree

Retired head teacher Charles Ogunbanwo recounts his late wife Hannah’s struggle to obtain outstanding retirement benefits from the Ogun State Government. He says she died after undergoing two surgeries, highlighting the human cost of prolonged delays in settling retirement entitlements.

Read the full story here: https://punchng.com/my-wife-died-chasing-nine-month-retirement-benefits-from-ogun-retiree/https://punchng.com/my-wife-died-chasing-nine-month-retirement-benefits-from-ogun-retiree/