There are days when a city simply comes alive — not just with movement, but with meaning. Today 26th march 2026 was one of those days in the breathtaking city of Jos, as MTN CHAMPS transformed the iconic New Jos Stadium along Zaria Road into a grand stage of speed, hope, and rising stardom.
This is indeed a thing of pride as MTN as a brand in Nigeria are sustaining “MTN Champs” consistently for the fourth time since its inception.
From the very first light of day, the stadium in Jo’s wore a festive look. Buses rolled in, different school from the plateau arrived in excitement, and the stands gradually filled with students in uniform, their teachers guiding them, and government functionaries lending their presence to the occasion. It was more than a competition — it was a gathering of People united by belief in youth, talent, and opportunity.
The atmosphere was nothing short of electric. Cheers rang out even before the first race began, as anticipation built with every passing moment. When the events finally kicked off, the energy surged to a whole new level. Athletes took their marks, hearts pounding, eyes fixed ahead — and within seconds, the tracks came alive.
Sprinters blazed down the lanes with breathtaking speed, their movements sharp and determined, each stride carrying the weight of dreams. Distance runners followed with incredible endurance, pushing through every lap with discipline and resilience. In the field events, athletes soared through the air and powered through throws, drawing gasps and applause from a captivated audience.
Yet, beyond the thrill of competition, something deeper unfolded on that track.
MTN CHAMPS once again proved to be a powerful platform — one where young talents are not only seen but celebrated. For many of these students, this was their moment in the spotlight, a rare and valuable opportunity to showcase their abilities in front of coaches, scouts, and key stakeholders. Their teachers watched with pride, cheering louder with every stride, jump, and finish, knowing they were witnessing potential in its purest form.
The presence of government officials further underscored the importance of the event. It sent a strong message: that youth development, sports, and grassroots empowerment matter. Their attendance was not just ceremonial — it was symbolic of a growing recognition that the future of Nigerian athletics lies in nurturing young talent from the ground up.
The spectators, too, played their part beautifully. The stadium echoed with chants, applause, and encouragement, creating an environment that lifted every athlete. Strangers became supporters, competitors became inspirations, and the entire arena pulsed with a shared sense of purpose.
What stood out most was the raw passion on display. These were not just track and field events— they were stories unfolding in real time. Stories of discipline, sacrifice, ambition, and hope. Every finish line crossed was a small victory, every effort a step toward something greater.
MTN CHAMPS is steadily building more than just athletes — it is building confidence, character, and community. By investing in grassroots sports, it is helping to uncover hidden talents and shaping them into future champions who may one day represent Nigeria on the global stage.
As the sun dipped gently over Jos, painting the sky in warm golden hues, the excitement began to settle, but the impact of the day remained. Athletes walked away with more than medals — they carried new belief in themselves. Students left inspired. Teachers departed proud. And the city itself seemed to glow with renewed energy.
Today at the New Jos Stadium was not just a sporting event.
It was a celebration of youth.
It was a showcase of potential.
It was a reminder that greatness often begins in moments like these.
And in the heart of Jos, on the tracks of Zaria Road, the future of Nigerian athletics didn’t just appear — it announced itself, loudly and brilliantly.
The first day of the 3 days event went well and much is expected for the second day 27th March, 2026
A Senatorial Aspirant, Isaac Nwachukwu, has dragged Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, before a Federal High Court Sitting in Owerri, Imo State, over the fallout of the party’s National Assembly primaries.
Nwachukwu, in a suit filed through his Counsel, Cajethan Oguzie, accused the party of denying him the Imo North senatorial ticket after emerging a consensus candidate and paying N5m for the nomination form.
The suit also disclosed that Nwachukwu had paid N20m for the support of the party, but his support was unexplainably reduced to N10m when the list of those who supported the party was published.
The NDC Senatorial Aspirant, in his prayers before the court, demanded that a declaration should be made that he is the consensus candidate of the party in the state with regard to the Imo North Senatorial Zone in the 2027 General election.
“A declaration that the first defendant, NDC, be restrained from fielding another candidate except the plaintiff in the General election into the Imo North Senatorial Zone as he is the consensus candidate for the said election.
“A declaration that the second defendant, INEC, be perpetually restrained from recognising and accepting the candidacy of another person except the plaintiff in the Imo North Senatorial election pending the determination of the matter,” the suit stated.
In an affidavit supporting the originating summons, Nwachukwu stated that he purchased the expression of interest form to aspire for the position for Imo North senatorial zone, a copy of which is attached in the suit already filed.
The NDC Senatorial Aspirant added that upon the purchase of the form, he made a monetary contribution in support of the party’s growth in the tune of N20m into the party’s FCMB account number through his Counsel, receipt also attached in the suit as an exhibit.
“The first sign of irregularity and no compliance with the NDC constitution and electoral act came up when the N20m I paid for party support was allocated to one of the aspirants for my Senatorial District by the name Matthew Omegara, and the N10m that Matthew Omegara paid for party support was allocated to me by the Screening Committee headed by Sam Egwu and Buba Galadimma.
” In compliance with NDC’s directives, I participated in the NDC screening exercise and was successfully cleared as an aspirant to participate in the primary election.
After my consensus candidacy was ratified, my name was shortlisted as a Candidate for Imo North district. A copy of the result is hereby annexed as Exhibit 1U5,” the affidavit added.
Nwachukwu alleged that his name was substituted with Omegara after he had been declared the winner of the primary election.
The Imo North Senatorial Aspirant claimed that the National leader of the party, Seriake Dickson, had summoned him for a meeting telling him that his candidacy was affected after a party chieftain from his state said he didn’t know him.
Among other demands, Nwachukwu is asking the court to order NDC to issue him a certificate as its candidate for the Imo North Senatorial District.
Supporters and members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Anka and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas of Zamfara State have alleged attempts to manipulate the party’s membership records and card numbers ahead of internal political activities. The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Gusau by Nura Rabiu Cibiki, Director of Media and Strategy, Campaign and Mobilisation Committee for Abdulrahaman Yahaya, an aspirant for the House of Representatives seat representing Anka/Talata Mafara Federal Constituency.
The group warned against any attempt to alter or duplicate legitimate membership figures, saying such actions could deepen tensions within the party in the constituency.
“We strongly oppose any move to manipulate or duplicate legitimate membership figures, warning that such actions would only worsen existing tensions within the party and the Anka/Talata Mafara Federal Constituency,” the statement said.
The supporters maintained that ADC members in Anka and Talata Mafara were aware of the party’s authentic membership strength and were prepared to protect the integrity of the party’s records.
The statement added that while justice may be delayed, the truth could not be denied.
Meanwhile, Yahaya has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Gusau challenging alleged irregularities in the party’s primary election process in the constituency.
The court has fixed June 23, 2026, for mention of the case.