Atiku Says Son’s Defection to APC Is Personal Decision
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has described his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as an “entirely personal” choice. Abba recently defected to the APC and pledged to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, a move Atiku said does not affect his own political stance.
Shettima Presides Over Armed Forces Remembrance Day as Tinubu Attends UAE Summit
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday presided over the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day activities in Abuja in the absence of President Bola Tinubu. The President, who has been out of the country since last year, is attending a summit in the United Arab Emirates, according to official sources.
Father, Son Killed While Farming in Benue Community
A father and his son, identified as Elder Abur Alam and Ikyaa Bashi, have reportedly been killed at Imande Avur in Abande community, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. Locals said the incident occurred on Wednesday while the victims were working on their farms, with security agencies yet to issue an official statement.
Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.15% in December 2025 – NBS
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate fell to 15.15 percent in December 2025, down from 17.33 percent recorded in November, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported. The NBS Consumer Price Index showed inflation remains significantly lower than the 34.8 percent recorded in December 2024.
Army Neutralises Seven Criminals in Kaduna Operations
The Nigerian Army on Thursday said troops of Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace recorded operational successes against criminal elements in Kaduna State. According to the Army, seven criminals were neutralised in gun duels, while kidnapped victims were rescued and arms and ammunition recovered.
Makinde Inaugurates Oyo Council of Obas; Alaafin Absent
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs after 15 years, with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, emerging as its first chairman. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was conspicuously absent from the ceremony held at the House of Chiefs in Ibadan.
Rivers Assembly Fails to Resume Plenary Amid Impeachment Rumours
The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, failed to resume plenary on Thursday, one week after adjourning its last sitting. The development came amid rumours that some lawmakers were planning to impeach the Speaker during the scheduled sitting.
Two Nigerians Arrested in India Over Friend’s Death
Two Nigerians living in India, Chukwudi Okafor, 31, and Samuel Eze, 34, have been arrested for allegedly beating their friend, Emeka Christian, to death in Pune. Indian authorities said the incident followed a dispute over a woman in the Pisoli-Phursungi area in the early hours of Monday.
Police Probe Fatal Crash on Potiskum–Damaturu Highway
The Yobe State Police Command has commenced an investigation into a road crash that claimed six lives along the Potiskum–Damaturu highway on Thursday. Eyewitnesses said the accident involved a truck and a trailer and was allegedly caused by wrong-way driving.
Dele Momodu Joins ADC After Leaving PDP
Veteran journalist and former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has officially declared his membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Momodu announced his defection in Benin City on Thursday, months after dumping the Peoples Democratic Party.
Atiku’s Son Defects to APC, Pledges Support for Tinubu
Abba Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has defected from the PDP to the APC, pledging loyalty to President Bola Tinubu. The defection was announced at the National Assembly, where he cited personal and historical reasons and directed members of his political structure to support Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Court Strikes Out FG’s Criminal Defamation Case Against Senator Natasha
An Abuja High Court on Thursday struck out criminal defamation charges instituted by the Federal Government against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The court acted on a Notice of Discontinuance filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, effectively ending the case.
Defeating Tinubu Requires ‘Red Eyes,’ Not Courts – Datti Baba-Ahmed
Labour Party chieftain and 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said defeating President Bola Tinubu in 2027 would require “red eyes” rather than reliance on court action. He made the remarks during an interview, criticising Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems.
ADC Criticises Tinubu’s Absence at Armed Forces Remembrance Day
The African Democratic Congress has criticised President Bola Tinubu for his absence at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration. The party said the physical presence of the Commander-in-Chief is a vital symbol of solidarity with the armed forces and their families.
FG Dismisses Claims of Suspending Tax Reform Laws as Fake News
The Federal Government has denied reports claiming it suspended the implementation guidelines for new tax laws. Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, described the reports as “fake news” amid ongoing public debate over the reforms.
Alaafin Absent as Makinde Inaugurates Olubadan as Council Chairman
Governor Seyi Makinde has inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas, appointing the Olubadan of Ibadanland as chairman for a two-year term. The absence of the Alaafin of Oyo at the event has sparked public reactions.
Davido Rejects Renewed Paternity Claim, Dismisses DNA Test Request
Afrobeats singer Davido has dismissed renewed paternity claims by an alleged daughter, stating that multiple DNA tests had already proven he is not her father. He urged the claimant and her mother to stop involving him in the matter.
I Won’t Remove My Tattoos Despite Faith Renewal – Tonto Dikeh
Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has said she will not remove her tattoos despite recommitting her life to Christianity. She explained that her faith does not require erasing the tattoos and cited concerns about skin damage from removal procedures.
Super Falcons Drawn in Group C for 2026 WAFCON
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The tournament will feature 16 teams for the first time and runs from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Super Eagles Turn Attention to AFCON Third-Place Match Against Egypt
The Super Eagles have shifted focus to Saturday’s third-place play-off against Egypt following their semi-final loss to hosts Morocco at the 2025 AFCON. The match will be played at the Mohammed V Stadium, with kick-off set for 5pm Nigerian time.