Nigeria Helps Restore Democratic Order in Benin Republic
Nigeria played a key role in helping re-establish democratic control in Benin Republic on Sunday after mutinous soldiers announced the dissolution of the government on state TV. The coup plotters failed to penetrate President Patrice Talon’s heavily guarded residence despite seizing the national broadcaster.
Nigeria joined regional partners in responding swiftly to the attempted takeover, which briefly unsettled the capital.
PDP Crisis Deepens as Faction Sets Up Caretaker Committee
The Peoples Democratic Party plunged deeper into internal turmoil on Sunday after the Abdulrahman Mohammed faction inaugurated a caretaker committee ahead of the expiration of the National Working Committee. The decision, approved by the NEC at a meeting hosted by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, marks a new escalation in the party’s leadership struggle.
The move further widens the rift between factions ahead of the December 9 transition.
Niger Govt, CAN Await Confirmation on Reported Release of Abducted Pupils
The Niger State Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria said Sunday they have yet to receive official confirmation of the reported release of 100 abducted children from St Mary’s Catholic schools in Papiri.
Both bodies said they are relying on ongoing security updates following the November 21 mass abduction.
Macron Reaffirms Support for Nigeria Amid Rising Insecurity
French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday pledged stronger collaboration with Nigeria as it battles worsening security threats, particularly terrorism in the North. Macron wrote on X that he spoke with President Bola Tinubu and assured him of France’s continued support.
He also urged other global partners to step up assistance to Nigeria.
Atiku Condemns Coup Attempt in Benin Republic
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the attempted coup in Benin Republic, describing it as “utterly unacceptable.” He warned that recurrent military interventions in West Africa threaten regional stability.
Atiku wrote on X that the era of military rule “is long over.”
JAMB Releases Guidelines for 2026 UTME Registration
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Sunday issued detailed instructions for the 2026 UTME registration, highlighting common challenges candidates may face.
The board said the guidelines aim to ensure a smoother registration process for prospective applicants.
Shettima Arrives Abidjan for Ouattara’s Swearing-In
Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Abidjan on Sunday to represent President Tinubu at the inauguration of President Alassane Ouattara for a fourth term.
He was received by top Ivorian officials ahead of Monday’s ceremony.
NDLEA Seizes Tramadol Pills, 76,000kg of Cannabis Nationwide
The NDLEA has intercepted more than 7.6 million tramadol pills and over 76,273 kilograms of cannabis variants in nationwide operations.
Several suspects linked to the trafficking networks were arrested, the agency said.
APC Chair Predicts Landslide Victory in 2027 Elections
APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda on Sunday projected a decisive win for the ruling party in the 2027 general elections.
He told a women’s advocacy group in Abuja that growing acceptance of Tinubu’s administration positions the party for sweeping victories.
Atiku Visits Jonathan After Ex-President’s Guinea-Bissau Trip
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar visited ex-President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja on Saturday, their first meeting since Jonathan returned from an election observation mission.
Atiku shared photos of the visit, calling it “a pleasure catching up.”
FG Secures Release of 100 Abducted Niger Schoolchildren
The Federal Government has reportedly secured the release of 100 pupils abducted from St Mary’s Catholic schools in Papiri, Niger State. Bandits kidnapped 315 individuals on November 21, with 50 managing to escape within 24 hours.
Security forces launched extensive ground and aerial searches as Tinubu cancelled foreign engagements to coordinate the rescue efforts.
Benin Presidency Says Coup Attempt Collapsing
Benin Republic’s presidency said Sunday that President Patrice Talon is safe and that the army is regaining control after a brief coup attempt by a small military faction.
Officials told AFP the group “only controls the television,” insisting the government remains in charge.
Shettima Departs Nigeria for Côte d’Ivoire Inauguration
Vice President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on Sunday to attend the inauguration of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara for his fourth term.
He is expected to join leaders from across Africa at Monday’s ceremony.
Wike Vows to Prevent PDP from ‘Dying’
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on Sunday said he and other PDP founding members will not allow the party to collapse.
Speaking at his faction’s NEC meeting, he accused the rival faction of violating court orders and attempting to destroy the party.
US Lawmakers in Nigeria Over Alleged Christian Genocide Probe
U.S. Congressman Riley Moore arrived in Nigeria on a fact-finding mission linked to allegations of Christian genocide.
NSA Nuhu Ribadu confirmed receiving the delegation as part of ongoing security discussions with Washington.
PDP NEC Appoints 13-Member Caretaker Committee
The PDP NEC on Sunday appointed a 13-member caretaker committee headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed to oversee party affairs pending a national convention.
The committee has 60 days to conduct outstanding congresses and organise a convention.
Macron Extends Support to Nigeria on Anti-Terror War
President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday reaffirmed France’s commitment to helping Nigeria combat terrorism.
He said France will deepen cooperation with Nigerian authorities and support communities affected by violence.
Bimbo Akintola Reveals Nine-Year Stalking Ordeal
Actress Bimbo Akintola has opened up about being stalked for nine years by a man who called her up to 50 times daily and sent disturbing messages.
She said the harassment stopped abruptly without explanation.
Kcee Says He Once Rejected Flavour for Lack of ‘Potential’
Singer Kcee has said his early encounter with Flavour may have contributed to rumours of a rift, revealing he once refused to sign him because he “didn’t see potential.”
He said some colleagues underestimate him because he avoids bragging.
Chike Explains Why He Stopped Attending Church
Singer Chike says he stopped going to church regularly after running into someone from his past, which left him uncomfortable.
He added that his faith remains intact and that personal experiences taught him to live rightly and treat others well.