TheCable

The Punch reports that pro-zoning forces in the country are angry over the emergence of a northern presidential candidate — Atiku Abubakar — in the PDP presidential primary election. The newspaper says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Abdulaziz Yari, former Zamfara governor, over alleged N22 billion fraud.

The Nation reports that the presidency has distanced President Muhammadu Buhari from a plot to draft former President Goodluck Jonathan as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The newspaper says Kalu Samuel Uche, Prelate of the Methodist Church, Nigeria, has been kidnapped in Abia state.

Daily Independent says Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos, is at risk of losing the APC presidential primary election over removal of statutory delegates from delegates who will vote at the national convention. The newspaper reports that southern and middle-belt leaders said the emergence of Atiku as PDP presidential candidate is an affront on southerners.

Daily Sun reports that northern leaders played a role in the emergence of Atiku as PDP presidential candidate. The newspaper says Pope Francis has named Peter Okpaleke, Catholic bishop of Ekwulobia, Anambra state, among 21 new cardinals of the church.

The Guardian reports that terrorists who abducted Abuja-Kaduna train passengers have asked the federal government to hasten the release of their eight children. The newspaper says the APC said its governorship ticket will not be given to Ike Ekweremadu, former deputy senate president.