SPECIAL REPORT
BREAKING! Biden drops out of US Presidential Race
U.S. President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign on Sunday after fellow Democrats lost faith in his mental acuity and ability to beat Donald Trump while endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the party’s candidate.
Biden, 81, in a post on X, said he will remain in his role as president and commander-in-chief until his term ends in January 2025 and will address the nation this week.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote.
His initial statement had not included an endorsement of Harris, but he followed up a few minutes later with an expression of support.
Harris, 59, would become the first Black woman to do run at the top of a major-party ticket in the country’s history.
Former President Trump, the Republican candidate in the Nov. 5 election, told CNN on Sunday that he believed Harris would be easier to defeat.
Biden had a change of heart, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. The president told allies that as of Saturday night he planned to stay in the race before changing his mind on Sunday afternoon.
“Last night the message was proceed with everything, full speed ahead,” a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. “At around 1:45 p.m. today: the president told his senior team that he had changed his mind.”
He announced his decision on social media within minutes.
It was unclear whether other senior Democrats would challenge Harris for the party’s nomination – she was widely seen as the pick for many party officials – or whether the party itself would choose to open the field for nominations.
Biden’s announcement follows a wave of public and private pressure from Democratic lawmakers and party officials to quit the race after his shockingly poor performance in a June 27 televised debate last month against Republican rival Trump, 78.
Biden’s failure at times to complete clear sentences took the public spotlight away from Trump’s performance, in which he made a string of false statements, and trained it instead on questions surrounding Biden’s fitness for another 4-year term.
Days later he raised fresh concerns in an interview, shrugging off Democrats’ worries and a widening gap in opinion polls, and saying he would be fine losing to Trump if he knew he’d “gave it my all.”
His gaffes at a NATO summit – invoking Russian President Vladimir Putin’s name when he meant Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and calling Harris “Vice President Trump” -further stoked anxieties.
Only four days before Sunday’s announcement, Biden was diagnosed with COVID-19 for a third time, forcing him to cut short a campaign trip to Las Vegas. More than one in 10 congressional Democrats had called publicly for him to quit the race.
Biden’s historic move – the first sitting president to give up his party’s nomination for reelection since President Lyndon Johnson in March 1968 – leaves his replacement with less than four months to wage a campaign.
If Harris emerges as the nominee, the move would represent an unprecedented gamble by the Democratic Party: its first Black and Asian American woman to run for the White House in a country that has elected one Black president and never a woman president in more than two centuries of democracy.
Biden was the oldest U.S. president ever elected when he beat Trump in 2020. During that campaign, Biden described himself as a bridge to the next generation of Democratic leaders. Some interpreted that to mean he would serve one term, a transitional figure who beat Trump and brought his party back to power.
But he set his sights on a second term in the belief that he was the only Democrat who could beat Trump again amid questions about Harris’s experience and popularity. In recent times, though, his advanced age began to show through more. His gait became stilted and his childhood stutter occasionally returned.
His team had hoped a strong performance at the June 27 debate would ease concerns over his age. It did the opposite: a Reuters/Ipsos poll after the debate showed that about 40% of Democrats thought he should quit the race.
Donors began to revolt and supporters of Harris began to coalesce around her. Top Democrats, including former House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a longtime ally, told Biden he cannot win the election.
Biden initially resisted pressure to step aside. He held damage-control calls and meetings with lawmakers and state governors, and sat for rare television interviews. But it was not enough. Polls showed Trump’s lead in key battleground states widening, and Democrats began to fear a wipeout in the House and Senate. On July 17, California’s Rep. Adam Schiff called on him to exit the race.
Biden’s departure sets up a stark new contrast, between the Democrats’ presumptive new nominee, Harris, a former prosecutor, and Trump who is two decades her senior and faces two outstanding criminal prosecutions related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election result. He is due to be sentenced in New York in September on a conviction for trying to cover up a hush-money payment to a porn star.
BIDEN STRUGGLED BEFORE DEBATE
Earlier this year, facing little opposition, Biden easily won the Democratic Party’s primary race to pick its presidential candidate, despite voter concerns about his age.
However, his staunch support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza eroded support among some in his own party, particularly young, progressive Democrats and voters of color.
Many Black voters say Biden has not done enough for them, and enthusiasm among Democrats overall for a second Biden term had been low. Even before the debate with Trump, Biden was trailing the Republican in some national polls and in the battleground states he would have needed to win to prevail on Nov. 5.
Harris was tasked with reaching out to those voters in recent months.
During the primary race, Biden accumulated more than 3,600 delegates to the Democratic National Convention to be held in Chicago in August. That was almost double the 1,976 needed to win the party’s nomination.
Unless the Democratic Party changes the rules, delegates pledged to Biden would enter the convention “uncommitted,” leaving them to vote on his successor.
Democrats also have a system of “superdelegates,” unpledged senior party officials and elected leaders whose support is limited on the first ballot but who could play a decisive role in subsequent rounds.
Biden beat Trump in 2020 by winning in the key battleground states, including tight races in Pennsylvania and Georgia. At a national level, he bested Trump by more than 7 million votes, capturing 51.3% of the popular vote to Trump’s 46.8%.
-Reuters
SPECIAL REPORT
Morocco to Showcase Tourism and Football Heritage at African Football Exhibition in Abidjan
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
The Moroccan National Tourist Office (MNTO), in collaboration with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), will be actively participating in the upcoming African Football Exhibition, scheduled to take place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on June 28 and 29, 2025.
The joint participation underscores Morocco’s commitment to leveraging its rich football heritage and dynamic tourism industry to foster cultural diplomacy and pan-African collaboration. The two-day event, expected to attract thousands of visitors, including football legends, officials, fans, and media professionals from across the continent, is being billed as a unique convergence of sport, culture, and tourism.
The MNTO will be showcasing Morocco’s diverse tourist offerings—from its vibrant imperial cities like Marrakesh and Fez, to its scenic coastlines, desert adventures, and cultural festivals—while highlighting the kingdom’s growing reputation as a global hub for sports tourism.
Visitors to the Moroccan stand will experience immersive presentations, destination marketing materials, and interactive sessions designed to promote travel to Morocco, especially ahead of upcoming global football events.
Meanwhile, the FRMF will spotlight Morocco’s footballing milestones, including the historic semi-final run by the Atlas Lions at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the country’s increasing influence in continental football development.
The exhibition comes at a time when Morocco is gaining prominence on the international sporting stage, especially in light of its successful bid to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
According to organizers, the African Football Exhibition aims to celebrate Africa’s rich football heritage while serving as a platform for strategic networking among federations, tourism boards, sports ministries, and private sector stakeholders.
Morocco’s participation reflects its broader vision of using sports, particularly football, as a soft-power tool to deepen ties across Africa and position the kingdom as a leading destination for major events and experiential tourism.
Further announcements regarding Morocco’s exhibition activities, special guests, and cultural showcases are expected in the coming days.
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SPECIAL REPORT
Thirty-two years after the June 12 saga, there is no one like MKO Abiola, Africa’s Only Pillar of Sports
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Today marks 32 years since the historic Nigerian presidential election of June 12, 1993—an election widely regarded as the most credible in the nation’s history. At its heart stood Bashorun MKO Abiola, a towering figure in Nigerian public life whose legacy continues to resonate in both politics and sports.
Despite widespread pre-election challenges—including fuel shortages, a media blackout, and deliberate attempts to incite unrest—Nigerians turned out en masse to vote, transcending ethnic, religious, and social boundaries. Much of this unity was inspired by Abiola’s unifying campaign, “Hope ‘93”, and the credibility he brought through his pan-Nigerian identity, philanthropy, and deep-rooted support for the masses.
One of his most enduring legacies was his lifelong commitment to sports, often described as the “opium of the masses.” No individual in Africa has been more closely associated with the advancement of sports on the continent than MKO Abiola.
Africa’s Pillar of Sports
In 1980, the African Sports Journalists Union (ASJU) awarded Abiola the unique title of “Africa’s Pillar of Sports“—a distinction no one else has held since. His support for sports was vast and pan-African, encompassing not just Nigeria but 14 other countries, including Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia, and Zambia.
In January 1992, during a ceremony in Dakar, Senegal, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inducted Abiola into its Hall of Fame, bestowing upon him its Order of Merit in Gold—CAF’s highest honour. On that occasion, Abiola also donated and endowed the CAF Cup trophy with $100,000, further solidifying his role as one of Africa’s greatest sports philanthropists.
A Life Deeply Interwoven with Sports
Unlike many business and political leaders, Abiola’s devotion to sports was unwavering. He sponsored events, clubs, and athletes across various disciplines and countries. Yet, his foray into politics in the early 1990s ultimately overshadowed his contributions to sports, cutting short a golden era of private-sector support.
The annulment of the June 12 election by General Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime set off a chain of political crises. Abiola, who had won the election, was arrested and detained for over a year as he insisted on his right to the presidency. He died in detention on July 7, 1998, under unclear circumstances.
It wasn’t until 2018 that June 12 was officially recognized as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, replacing May 29.
January 11, 1993: The Quiet Prelude to June 12
Before June 12 came January 11, 1993, a lesser-known but significant moment in Nigeria’s political history—and in Abiola’s personal journey.
I was part of MKO Abiola’s delegation to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for the inaugural CAFSuper Cup match between Africa Sports and Wydad AC of Morocco. The match, attended by CAF President Issa Hayatou, was preceded by discussions about donating a new trophy on behalf of President Babangida for the continental U-17 football tournament. The “Renaissance Cup”, designed by Patrick Okpomo, was born.
Earlier, I had submitted the design for the CAF Cup, which featured a gold-plated map of Africa on a stylised base—produced in Germany, just like the Renaissance Cup. That night at Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire, Okpomo and I were tasked with drafting a speech for Babangida’s formal presentation of the trophy to CAF. When asked how much to include as the president’s endowment, Abiola—true to form—quoted a Yoruba proverb: “You can’t shave a man’s head in his absence.” He left the amount blank and faxed the speech to the State House.
A Turn of Events in Abuja
Two days later, we boarded Abiola’s private jet to Abuja with Hayatou and other Cameroonian officials. Also on board were journalists Paul Bassey and Tony Nezianya (NAN). It was my first visit to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
At the event, Babangida formally presented the Renaissance Cup. But what followed shocked us: he announced the re-composition of the Local Organising Committee(LOC) for the postponed 1995 FIFA U-20 World Cup and removed MKO Abiola as head of the Presidential Monitoring Committee (PMC), replacing him with Major General Yohanna Kure.
Had Abiola fallen out of favour? We were left to speculate.
After the ceremony, Abiola informed us of a change in plans. Quoting another proverb—“When two logs fall on each other, you attend to the one on top”—he instructed that travel arrangements be altered. Dr. Doyin Abiola (his wife and Managing Director of Concord Press) was to ensure CAF officials got to Dakar. Three days later, Abiola returned to Lagos and declared his presidential ambition.
From Calabar to Barcelona: The Long Road to Politics
Back in 1990, during the Nigeria Universities Games (NUGA) in Calabar, I asked Abiola if he would consider running for office again. He said his wife, Simbiat, a fellow sports enthusiast, would never approve.
Her passing in 1992 marked a turning point. In light of the repeated delays in the transition programme, I asked if he believed Babangida genuinely intended to hand over power. Abiola replied with a cryptic proverb:
“It’s like a man who claims he has no interest in a woman but gets agitated when another man courts her.”
It was clear that he remained cautious, yet hopeful.
I recall another conversation during the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games, when the political climate in Nigeria was tense and uncertain. Abiola remained a loyal interpreter of Babangida’s shifting actions, always trying to make sense of the unfolding drama.
Legacy and Loss
Abiola’s death in 1998 shocked the world. Yet his contributions to sports and democracy endure. For many, June 12 represents not just a stolen mandate. It is also a national aspiration. Abiola remains its most potent symbol.
In sports, his legacy remains unmatched. In politics, he is remembered not just as a martyr of democracy. He is also remembered as a man of vision, passion, and immense generosity.
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Morocco advocated Thursday before the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU-PSC) for an ethical, responsible, beneficial, and sovereign African AI.
“The future of AI in Africa can’t sidestep the need to build an African AI, by Africa and for Africa. The AI we want must be ethical, responsible, and adapted to our realities,” Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita stressed in a speech delivered via videoconference to the AU-PSC Ministerial Meeting, which Morocco holds chairmanship for March, on “Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Peace, Security, and Governance in Africa.”
In this context, the Minister, who chairs this ministerial Meeting, called for mobilization and collective action to make AI a true lever for development, peace, and security for Africans.
Aware of this reality, Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is committed to contributing to Africa’s boom in the field of AI, Bourita stated, reaffirming the Kingdom’s strong and dynamic commitment to the emergence of a united African leadership in AI.
Highlighting the challenges and opportunities that AI presents for the African continent, the Minister pointed out that while AI is a tool for development and progress for humanity, it is also a double-edged sword because, if misused, it could worsen divisions, fuel instability, and serve as a tool for the most destructive non-state actors.
The figures are telling: a 900% surge in deepfake videos since 2019, a 300% rise in AI-driven cyberattacks between 2019 and 2022, and 40% of terrorist groups have already used autonomous drones in their attacks. Additionally, 47 countries were affected by disinformation campaigns in 2023, directly impacting their democratic processes.
In the face of these challenges, Bourita underscored the need for Africa to position itself as a key player in the global governance of AI.
The Minister also reminded that AI not only involves security and stability challenges, but is also an astounding driver of economic growth. By 2030, AI is expected to inject $15.7 trillion into the global economy, increase agricultural production by 10 to 15%, and accelerate the growth rate of certain countries by 40%, he pointed out.
However, Bourita noted that Africa must overcome structural gaps to fully harness AI’s potential, adding that 60% of Africa’s population currently still lacks internet access, less than 2% of the data used in AI is sourced from Africa, and only 1% of the global AI talent is based in Africa.
To address this, Morocco suggested a series of concrete measures, including the creation of an African AI Fund, the establishment of a pan-African strategy for data collection and valorization, and the launch of a massive training program to build an African elite in AI.
Bourita also recalled that the Kingdom, a pioneer in AI on the continent, has already taken significant initiatives: the “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy aiming to train 100,000 talents annually, the launch, two weeks ago, of a national program to introduce children to AI, and the establishment of the first African UNESCO AI center, “Ai Movement,” based in Rabat.
On the international front, Morocco has also played a key role in the adoption of the first UN resolutions on AI and co-founded the Group of Friends on Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development, which brings together over 70 countries, he stated.
In his speech, Bourita also called for coordinated and concrete African action, stressing that “inaction is our common enemy.”
In this regard, the Kingdom has put forward the institutionalization of a network of African national AI centers and the establishment of a panel of African experts to support the implementation of the continental strategy.
Finally, Bourita reaffirmed Morocco’s willingness to work hand in hand with its African partners to make AI a tool for development and stability.
“Africa must believe in its ability to take its destiny into its own hands,” Bourita said, quoting His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
The Minister concluded by stating that “AI will not wait for us to be ready. It is already here, reshaping power dynamics. The choice is simple: either we unite to master this transformation, or we will suffer the consequences.”
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