LONDON — Arsenal have confirmed the permanent signing of Ecuador international Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen, following a season-long loan that saw him play a crucial role in the club’s Premier League triumph.

The 24-year-old centre-back joined the Gunners at the start of the 2025/26 campaign and quickly established himself as a reliable option in Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup. His performances earned him a permanent deal, which will officially take effect on July 1.

Hincapié featured in 39 matches across all competitions, including 20 Premier League starts. His presence contributed to Arsenal’s defensive solidity, with the team conceding only 27 goals throughout the league season — one of the best records in the division.

He also started in the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, underlining his importance in high-pressure fixtures.

Before arriving in north London, Hincapié had already built a strong reputation in Germany. He made 166 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen and was part of the squad that won the Bundesliga title in 2023/24, completing an unbeaten domestic campaign.

His career began at Independiente del Valle in Ecuador before moving to Talleres de Córdoba in Argentina in 2020. After one season, he secured a move to Leverkusen, where he developed into one of the Bundesliga’s most dependable defenders.

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On the international stage, Hincapié has earned 54 caps for Ecuador and represented his country at four major tournaments, including the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. His experience at both club and international levels adds depth to Arsenal’s defensive options.

The permanent signing reflects Arsenal’s broader strategy of consolidating their squad after reclaiming the Premier League title. Manager Mikel Arteta has consistently emphasised the importance of defensive organisation, and Hincapié’s addition strengthens the team’s long-term plans.

The Gunners’ backline, which already includes William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, now has another proven performer capable of handling the demands of both domestic and European competitions.

With the deal finalised, Arsenal will enter the new season with renewed confidence in their defensive unit. Hincapié’s adaptability and composure are expected to provide balance and competition within the squad.

The move also signals Arsenal’s intent to maintain momentum after their title-winning campaign, ensuring they remain competitive in England and Europe.

Piero Hincapié’s permanent transfer marks a significant step in Arsenal’s preparations for the future. His successful loan spell, combined with his international pedigree, makes him a valuable addition to Arteta’s squad.

As the Gunners prepare for another demanding season, the Ecuadorian defender’s presence is set to reinforce their ambitions of sustaining success at the highest level.

KANO — The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has signaled readiness to enter alliances with other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing consensus and strategic partnerships as vital to its electoral prospects.

Kano State Chairman of the NNPP, Senator Mas’ud Doguwa, disclosed this during an interview, stressing that politics is about consultation and shared interests. He explained that the party would not rule out collaboration if such arrangements strengthen its position both in Kano and nationally.

Doguwa said the NNPP is focused on expanding its reach and consolidating its structures before the next election cycle. He noted that alliances could become necessary to advance the party’s objectives and deliver results for supporters.

“We are open to alignment with other political parties ahead of the 2027 elections, both at the state and national levels. Politics is about interest, consultation and building consensus, so we are ready to work with others where necessary,” he stated.

The chairman dismissed a faction led by a rival group within the party, describing it as illegitimate. He accused its leader, identified as Abia, of working in the interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilise the NNPP in Kano.

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“That faction is not part of us. As far as we are concerned, they do not represent the NNPP. We know what they are doing and who they are working for,” Doguwa said.

He alleged that the faction’s activities were designed to weaken the NNPP’s structure in Kano, but insisted that the recognised leadership remained intact and in control.

Despite recent defections and political realignments in the state, Doguwa expressed confidence in the NNPP’s relevance ahead of 2027. He said the party continues to enjoy grassroots support and remains a strong force in Kano politics.

He added that consultations with stakeholders and supporters are ongoing to reposition the party for future contests. According to him, the NNPP’s resilience and adaptability will ensure it remains competitive in the evolving political landscape.

The NNPP’s openness to alliances reflects a broader trend in Nigerian politics, where parties often form coalitions to strengthen their chances in national elections. With 2027 approaching, discussions around partnerships are expected to intensify as parties seek to consolidate influence.

In Kano, the NNPP has been a major player, particularly under the influence of former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whose political base remains significant. Doguwa’s remarks suggest the party is preparing to leverage both internal strength and external partnerships to remain relevant.

The NNPP’s position underscores the importance of strategy and consensus in Nigeria’s political process. By keeping the door open to alliances, the party signals its willingness to adapt and collaborate in pursuit of electoral success.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the NNPP’s ability to balance internal unity with external partnerships will determine its strength at the polls. For now, the message from Kano is clear: alliances are not off the table, and the party is ready to negotiate where interests align.

ABUJA — The Kebbi State Government has dismissed allegations by Senator Garba Musa Maidoki that his criticism of insecurity in Kebbi South led to his failure to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for re-election.

In a statement released by Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, the government described Maidoki’s claim as misleading and an attempt to explain away his political setback.

Senator Maidoki, representing Kebbi South, had alleged during a television interview that his outspoken remarks on insecurity, particularly in Zuru Emirate, cost him the APC ticket. He claimed his criticism of repeated bandit attacks in the area made him a target within the party.

The Kebbi Government rejected the claim, stressing that insecurity is a collective challenge requiring the efforts of government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and residents.

The statement argued that if insecurity was Maidoki’s primary reason for entering politics, then his constituents had the right to evaluate his performance. “Even if we accept his claim, it is only fair to ask what measurable impact he has made toward achieving that objective. The people have exercised their right to decide,” the government said.

The government also dismissed suggestions that Governor Nasir Idris influenced the APC primary outcome. It emphasised that the governor respects democratic principles and does not interfere with the political fate of elected officials.

“Political fortunes are determined by performance, acceptance and the confidence of the electorate, not by the governor,” the statement added.

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According to the government, the APC primary election outcome reflected the decision of party members and stakeholders who participated in the process. It maintained that the result was a product of internal democracy rather than external influence.

The statement highlighted progress made by the Idris administration in tackling insecurity in Zuru Emirate. It noted that improved security measures had enabled displaced residents to return to their communities and resume farming activities.

Ahmed Idris urged Senator Maidoki to accept the outcome of the democratic process in good faith and avoid making allegations capable of misleading the public.

The controversy follows the APC primary election ahead of the 2027 general polls, where Maidoki failed to secure the party’s ticket for another term in the Senate. His claim has sparked debate about the intersection of political ambition and insecurity in Kebbi State.

The Kebbi Government’s rebuttal underscores the tension between party leadership and aspirants as political alignments continue ahead of the 2027 elections. The dispute highlights the challenge of balancing political ambition with accountability in addressing insecurity.

While Senator Maidoki insists his criticism of insecurity cost him the APC ticket, the Kebbi Government maintains that his loss was a reflection of party members’ decision. The administration reiterated that performance, acceptance, and grassroots confidence remain the true determinants of political success.

As Kebbi prepares for the 2027 elections, the episode illustrates the growing importance of credibility, measurable impact, and unity in shaping political fortunes.