Tension in Kano as Governor Abba Yusuf Defects to APC
There was palpable tension and unease across Kano State on Monday following the defection of Governor Abba Yusuf from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection, initially scheduled for January 5, was postponed to Monday. Although there was no official announcement, speech or ceremony to mark the move, developments around the Government House and party structures indicated that the governor and his administration had effectively exited the NNPP platform.
95 Princes, Princesses Seek Awujale of Ijebuland Stool
No fewer than 95 princes and princesses from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House have declared interest in the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland. The Olori Ebi of the ruling house, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, disclosed this on Monday at the commencement of the nomination meeting held at Bisi Rodipe Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode. He said the large number of aspirants reflects the importance of the traditional institution.
Police Arrest Over 50 After Ekpoma Protest Turns Violent
Over 50 persons who participated in last Saturday’s protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, have been arrested by the police. The suspects were apprehended at different locations within the town. The protest degenerated into violence, leading to the looting of shops and the vandalisation of the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma.
APC Chairman Warns State Coordinators Over E-Registration Exercise
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has directed state coordinators overseeing the party’s nationwide electronic membership registration to ensure all members are captured. He warned that failure to effectively carry out the exercise could result in the loss of their appointments, stressing the importance of credible party records ahead of future elections.
Buratai Warns Military Deployment Weakening Police Capacity
Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has cautioned that the increasing deployment of the Armed Forces for internal security duties is weakening the Nigeria Police Force and other civilian agencies. Speaking on Monday, Buratai said the military’s widespread presence across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory is eroding the growth, professionalism and effectiveness of the police.
Six Family Members Found Dead in Rivers, Police Suspect Generator Fumes
Six members of a family have been found dead in their residence at Ogale Eleme community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. The bodies were discovered on Sunday after police operatives forced open the door of the apartment at about 3pm. The state police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, said preliminary investigations point to possible generator fume poisoning.
Pastor Chris Okafor Questioned by Police Over Allegations
The Lagos State Police Command has questioned Pastor Chris Okafor, the Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, over multiple allegations. Sources disclosed that the cleric honoured the police invitation and was grilled for several hours at the State Criminal Investigations Department, Panti, Yaba, on Monday.
Kidnappers Demand ₦100m for Abducted Edo Community Indigenes
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have demanded ₦100 million ransom for the release of eight indigenes of Imoga community abducted on Friday night. The Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, confirmed the demand during a telephone interview on Monday, stating that the victims were taken from a hotel along the Imoga-Ibillo Road in Edo North.
Suspected Cultists Kill Man in Makurdi
Suspected cultists have shot dead a man identified as Tyohee Aseer in the Wurukum area of Makurdi, Benue State. The incident occurred on Sunday night, barely a week after deadly cult clashes rocked parts of the state. The Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Council, Joseph Keffi, condemned the killing in a statement issued by his media aide on Monday.
Emeka Ihedioha Joins ADC, Receives Membership Card
Former Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Ihedioha registered on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Mbutu Ward in Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area, where he was issued an ADC membership card numbered 001.
Nigerians Tired of Press Releases, Obi Questions Tinubu’s Absence
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over the whereabouts and silence of President Bola Tinubu amid national challenges. In a post on his X handle on Monday, Obi said the president spent more days abroad in 2025 than in the country, adding that Nigerians are grappling with hunger, insecurity and unemployment while leadership remains distant and unresponsive.
Two Rivers Lawmakers Withdraw From Fubara Impeachment Process
Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have withdrawn from the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo and Peter Abbey said on Monday that while there were constitutional concerns, the issues should be resolved amicably in the interest of peace.
APC Wants Opposition Wiped Out Before 2027 – ADC Alleges
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to cripple opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections. ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged on AIT’s Focus Nigeria that the APC engineered crises in the PDP, NNPP and Labour Party to weaken democracy.
Fresh Arms Probe Complicates Malami’s Bail Process
Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has yet to perfect his bail conditions amid a fresh probe into arms allegedly discovered at his Kebbi residence. Security sources said the Department of State Services has commenced investigations after weapons reportedly found by EFCC operatives were handed over for further action.
Fayose: ADC Risks Irrelevance Without Peter Obi
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has warned that the ADC may become politically irrelevant if it fails to field Peter Obi as its presidential candidate in 2027. Speaking on Arise Television, Fayose described Obi as the party’s strongest asset, capable of attracting nationwide support.
₦3.5tn New Projects Found in 2026 Budget Despite FG Directive
An analysis of the 2026 Appropriation Bill has revealed that ₦3.5 trillion worth of new projects were inserted despite government directives to prioritise ongoing ones. Findings showed that at least 82 Ministries, Departments and Agencies included new capital projects, contrary to budget guidelines issued in December 2025.
AFRIMA 2026: Rema Wins Three Awards in Lagos
Nigerian music star, Rema, emerged the biggest winner at the 2026 All Africa Music Awards held in Lagos. The ‘Calm Down’ crooner won three major awards, beating industry heavyweights including Burna Boy, Davido and Wizkid, and thanked fans for their continued support.
Saheed Osupa Slams Cleric Over Death Prophecy
Fuji legend, Saheed Osupa, has fired back at a controversial Islamic cleric who allegedly prophesied his death. Reacting during a live performance on Sunday, Osupa dismissed the claim and said those wishing him death would die in his place.
Real Madrid Appoint Álvaro Arbeloa as Head Coach
Real Madrid have appointed former defender Álvaro Arbeloa as their new first-team coach following the exit of Xabi Alonso. The club confirmed the appointment on Monday, noting that Arbeloa was promoted from Real Madrid Castilla after Alonso’s departure by mutual consent.
Algeria Petitions CAF, FIFA Over Refereeing in AFCON Loss to Nigeria
The Algerian Football Federation has petitioned CAF and FIFA over alleged poor refereeing in its 2025 AFCON quarter-final defeat to Nigeria. The federation said the decisions during the match raised serious concerns and called for a full investigation into the officiating.