Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from Arsenal Football Club’s Premier League title win.

Arsenal won their first Premier League title in 22 years after Manchester City played out a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday night.

The result means that Mikel Arteta‘s side are now an unassailable four points clear at the top of the table with one game remaining.

Eli Junior Kroupi’s brilliant, curling finish put the hosts ahead in the first half before Erling Haaland’s stoppage-time goal gave the visitors late hope, but Man City failed to secure the win they needed to at least delay the title celebration at the Emirates Stadium.

Reacting in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku congratulated Arsenal, its players, coaching crew, and millions of loyal supporters across Nigeria and the world on their remarkable Premier League triumph.

He also described the Gunners’ triumph as a powerful testament to resilience, discipline, strategic leadership, and an unyielding belief in long-term vision—qualities he said mirror the values that have defined his lifelong commitment to public service, economic reform, and national development.

“Arsenal’s victory did not happen overnight. It is the product of years of rebuilding, disciplined planning, bold decision-making, and the courage to stay the course even when success seemed distant. These are the same principles that have guided my journey in both public life and the private sector,” he said.

Atiku further noted that his economic blueprint has consistently emphasized private sector-led growth, job creation, and the restructuring of the Nigerian economy to unlock productivity and prosperity.

The former VP added that, like a well-managed football club, a nation must create an enabling environment where talent can thrive, innovation is rewarded, and performance is sustained.

“My vision has always been to build an economy that works for all—driven by enterprise, strengthened by institutional reforms, and powered by the energy of our youth.

“Just as Arsenal invested in youth development and a clear footballing philosophy, Nigeria must invest in its people, reform its institutions, and stay committed to a coherent economic strategy,” he added.

He particularly hailed the unwavering support of Nigerian fans, who have stood firmly behind the club through highs and lows, describing their loyalty as “a reflection of the enduring Nigerian spirit—hopeful, resilient, and unbreakable.”

Drawing a parallel to his political path, Atiku emphasized that meaningful change, like great sporting success, demands patience, courage, consistency, and the willingness to keep striving despite setbacks.

“Arsenal’s triumph is a powerful reminder that persistence, discipline, and an unwavering belief in one’s mission ultimately produce results. My own journey in public service has been defined by resilience, consistency, and an unshaken commitment to the Nigerian project,” Atiku said.

• Peter Obi

Mr Peter Obi, yesterday, emerged the sole Presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The NDC National Secretary, Mr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, disclosed that following the closure of the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for its 2027 presidential ticket, only Obi bought the forms.

Accordingly, the party, has extended by one week the deadline for the collection of Expression of Interest Forms for other elective positions, including governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly seats.

He said that the deadline earlier fixed for 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, had been extended to 12 midnight on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

The statement said the extension applied only to aspirants seeking tickets into the State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and Governorship positions.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has been officially declared the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Ogun East Senatorial District.

The primary, held on Monday, saw Abiodun emerge victorious as the party’s candidate for the senatorial seat ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Details of the vote margin and other results from the primary are expected to be released by the APC Ogun State chapter in due course.