Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., the pioneering civil rights activist, Baptist minister, two-time Democratic presidential candidate, and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, has died at the age of 84.

Jackson passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from his family and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

A towering figure in American civil rights and politics for more than five decades, Jackson rose to national prominence as a close ally and protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s.

He marched alongside King, continued the fight for racial equality after King’s assassination, and became a powerful voice for economic justice, voting rights, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.

In the 1980s, Jackson made history with his groundbreaking presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, building a broad “Rainbow Coalition” of poor and working-class people across racial lines and galvanizing support for progressive causes.

His fiery oratory and moral vision reshaped the Democratic Party and inspired generations of activists.

Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to advocate for social and economic justice, and he frequently served as a bridge between grassroots movements and political power negotiating with world leaders, challenging corporate practices, and championing the voiceless both in the U.S. and abroad.

In recent years, Jackson had battled progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative condition, which led to his hospitalization in late 2025 and his stepping down from leadership roles at Rainbow PUSH in 2023.

His family described him as a “servant leader” who left an indelible mark on history. “Our father was a servant leader not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” the Jackson family said in their statement.

Reverend Jesse Jackson’s legacy endures in the ongoing struggle for civil rights, equality, and justice.

Further details on memorial services and tributes are expected in the coming days.

President Bola Tinubu on Monday assured Nigerians that his administration will continue its economic reforms with a stronger emphasis on citizen inclusion and empowerment to deliver widespread prosperity.

Speaking during a one-day official visit to Adamawa State, where he commissioned several landmark projects, the President highlighted tangible gains from the reforms, including major advancements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure across the country.

President Tinubu praised Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his outstanding leadership and prudent use of increased federal allocations to execute people-centered projects. He specifically commended the governor’s investments in education—such as the construction of 21 model schools—and critical infrastructure, including an eight-lane road with an underpass to boost mobility and commerce, as well as a modernized state High Court complex to strengthen justice delivery.

“You’re reflecting the true commitment of a government of the people, by the people and for the people,” Tinubu said. “Umaru Fintiri, I’ve seen a tremendous amount of renewal and commitment from you in investments in the education of our children, and I commend your vision and commitment to the development of Adamawa State.”

The President emphasized the importance of close federal-state collaboration, noting that sound policies have enabled larger allocations to states for impactful development. He urged all governors to channel more resources into poverty reduction, with particular focus on improving education quality for children.

Tinubu also expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and title holders for promoting peace, harmony, and unity in the state amid economic adjustments.

In a strong endorsement, the President hailed National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, an Adamawa native, for his exemplary leadership in the fight against insecurity. “National Security Adviser, the son of the soil, Nuhudeen Ribadu… you’re doing an excellent job, and we are seeing the result. With you, we will defeat the bandits and terrorists. You’re honest, bold, courageous and committed to the job,” Tinubu declared.

Governor Fintiri welcomed the President and thanked him for gracing the state with his first official visit to commission key projects. These included:

• One of 21 model schools built across the state’s local government areas (N24.8 billion)
• Expanded Galadima Aminu Road featuring an overhead bridge, underpass, and dualized Gimba Road with reinforced drainage (N15.6 billion)
• Remodelled State High Court Complex (N5.5 billion)
• New Government House office complex (N6.3 billion)

The governor reaffirmed Adamawa’s full support for President Tinubu’s reform agenda.

The event was attended by five fellow governors—Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), and Mai Mala Buni (Yobe)—as well as several ministers and senior government officials.

Watch video below:

Chaos erupted outside the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja on Monday as security operatives fired tear gas to disperse crowds amid heated clashes involving supporters of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The incident unfolded as El-Rufai arrived to honor an invitation for questioning over alleged corruption and financial misconduct during his tenure, including probes into approximately N432 billion in state funds. The appearance, which also marked his birthday, came after he voluntarily agreed to present himself at 10:00 a.m. following an earlier attempted arrest at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport last Thursday upon return from Cairo, Egypt.

Hundreds of El-Rufai’s supporters, many from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other loyalist groups, converged on the area in solidarity. They chanted slogans defending him and carried placards reading “El-Rufai is a citizen, not a suspect,” “We stand with El-Rufai,” and similar messages.

Rival demonstrators, including members of civil society and anti-corruption advocacy groups, gathered in opposition, demanding accountability with signs such as “El-Rufai Not Above The Law,” “Answer The Charges El-Rufai,” and “Let the law catch up.”

Tensions escalated into physical confrontations between the factions and with security personnel guarding the EFCC premises. Reports and circulating videos indicate that operatives deployed tear gas canisters to break up the crowds, with some accounts accusing authorities of using dogs and selectively restricting pro-El-Rufai groups while allowing opponents closer access. Protesters were heard vowing to return once the situation cleared, signaling ongoing determination.

El-Rufai entered the EFCC building amid the disruptions, accompanied by a large entourage, though details on the outcome of his questioning—whether detention, release on bail, or further proceedings—remain unclear at this time. The probe involves coordination with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he is slated to appear later this week.

The events have intensified public debate over the anti-corruption drive, political motivations, and the handling of high-profile investigations in Nigeria, with videos of the tear-gassing and protests spreading rapidly on social media. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the clashes.