A principal official of the ADC disclosed that the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance was originally proposed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Obasanjo openly campaigned for Obi in 2023 and mobilised support for him across the country against the All Progressives Congress candidate, now President Bola Tinubu. Former President Obasanjo is the one who connected the two of them (Obi and Kwankwaso), and he is committed to their alliance. Obidients welcome Obi, Kwankwaso allianceHowever, the Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, a group of Obi’s loyalists, Yinusa Tanko, expressed openness to the alliance move. Obi’s camp pushes for zoningMeanwhile, supporters of former Anambra State governor are intensifying calls for the party’s presidential ticket to be zoned to the South.

January 18, 2026 07:25 UTC

Arrangements are in top gear for the marriage ceremony of nine children of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. According to the invitation, which has the minister’s picture, the weddings will hold at the Central Mosque, Abuja, by 1:30 pm on February 6. The names of the children are: Ibrahim, Suraj, Safiya, Maryam, Aisha, Fahad, Muh’d, Nana Firdausi, and Farida. He said, “By the grace of God, the ceremony will be conducted at the Abuja Central Mosque on February 6. I also want to say that the minister’s children who are getting married are five sons and four daughters.

January 18, 2026 06:49 UTC

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has expressed delight at winning the man of the match award following Nigeria’s penalty shootout victory over Egypt in the third-place playoff at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Nwabali saved two penalties in the shootout as Nigeria defeated the Pharaohs 4-2 on spot-kicks following a goalless draw at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday. The Chippa United shot-stopper dedicated the award to Nigerian fans and his teammates after helping the Eagles secure a record-extending ninth AFCON bronze medal. I dedicate this man of the match to them. The victory marked Nigeria’s ninth consecutive win in AFCON third-place playoffs, having now won all nine they have contested.

January 18, 2026 06:45 UTC

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has pledged not to support, directly or indirectly, any action capable of undermining peace and safety in the state. He said he remains the governor of Rivers State, stressing that he is committed to delivering on the promises made to the people of Rivers State. “What is important is that I am still the Governor of Rivers State, and we will continue to do what we have promised the Rivers people,” he said. It shows that we are working and that Rivers State is safe. He however assured that despite the political challenges, his administration would continue to discharge its responsibilities and support all individuals and groups genuinely committed to the progress of Rivers State.

January 18, 2026 01:28 UTC

In a new interview with longtime radio host Abe Kanan of Audacy, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist Zoltan Bathory was asked about the progress of the songwriting and recording sessions for the band's upcoming follow-up to its ninth studio album, "AfterLife", which came out in 2022. As for the musical direction of the new FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH material, Zoltan said: "The new record has a little bit of this soundtrack quality. Earlier this month, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH announced the first leg of its 2026-2027 world tour. FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's 20th-anniversary world tour will showcase new material from the band's upcoming tenth studio album alongside the anthems that defined a generation of fans. FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's current albums, "Best Of - Volume 1" and "Best Of - Volume 2", feature newly re-recorded versions of the band's biggest hits, including the No.

January 17, 2026 23:49 UTC





President Bola Tinubu has concluded his high-level participation at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) and departed the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, returning to Nigeria after a week of intensive diplomatic engagements centered on climate action, energy transition, and global partnerships. The President’s departure was confirmed in a post on X by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who shared a brief vi…

January 17, 2026 22:50 UTC

In a statement on social media, the FSF protested about a lack of adequate security on arrival, inadequate accommodation, confusion over training facilities and insufficient tickets being provided for Senegal fans. Having beaten Egypt in Wednesday’s semi-final in Tangier, the Senegal squad made the 75-minute journey south to the capital on the Al-Boraq high-speed train. “We have to say what happened is abnormal, abnormal for a team like Senegal to be left with the crowd like that,” the Senegal manager, Pape Thiaw, said on Saturday. Tensions have been inflamed over the past few days with visiting teams accusing Morocco of seeking every conceivable advantage. Refereeing has been a recurring problem with the officials for all four quarter-finals changed less than 24 hours before kick-off, in part because Morocco protested about the Egyptian official they had been allocated for their game against Cameroon.

January 17, 2026 22:49 UTC

A former member of the House of Representatives, Shina Peller, has commended the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their resilience and impressive performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Peller gave the commendation in a statement issued on Saturday after the Super Eagles defeated Egypt’s Pharaohs 4–2 on penalties to claim the bronze medal in a tense third-place playoff at the Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca. However, fate favoured the Moroccans that day, leaving the Super Eagles without the desired outcome,” he said. He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Eagles in future international engagements and continue to make the country proud. “The Super Eagles made us proud.

January 17, 2026 22:38 UTC

Some yet to be identified gunmen have reportedly killed a police officer and abducted a Chinese expatriate principal at Aqua Triton Company in Ogunmakin Area of Ibadan in Oyo State. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed this in a statement, on Saturday, in Ibadan, the state capital. The statement read, “There was an attack at Aqua Triton Company in Ogunmakin, near Ibadan, Oyo State, where yet to be identified gunmen stormed the facility in a commando-style operation. “One police officer tragically died while repelling the attack, injuring some of the assailants, and the Chinese expatriate principal was abducted. “Immediately informed, the state Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, directed the AC Operations to lead the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and tactical teams to the scene.

January 17, 2026 22:36 UTC

The Super Eagles defeated Egypt’s Pharaohs 4-2 on penalties on Saturday to claim the bronze medal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense third-place playoff at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca. The teams went into the break level, and Lookman replaced Onuachu at the start of the second half. Simon and Iwobi scored calmly, and after Mahmud Sabir reduced the deficit for Egypt, Lookman sealed victory with the decisive kick. Nigeria had reached the playoff after a heartbreaking semi-final loss to hosts Morocco on penalties, while Egypt fell 1-0 to Senegal in their last-four clash. Egypt, seven-time champions, progressed from Group B and eliminated Benin and Ivory Coast before their semi-final defeat.

January 17, 2026 22:25 UTC

“This bronze medal surely feels good like gold,” Tinubu said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu congratulates Super Eagles on AFCON bronze medal.’Tinubu stated that the Super Eagles players, through their victory, have once again demonstrated the determination, persistence, and can-do spirit associated with Nigeria. The Super Eagles overpowered Egypt, defeating the seven-time AFCON winner in a penalty shootout after regular time, in which the Nigerian team dominated. “We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold.”

January 17, 2026 22:10 UTC

Manchester United gave Michael Carrick the dream start to his interim tenure as manager on Saturday, beating Manchester City 2-0 to deal a huge blow to their local rivals’ Premier League title aspirations. Mikel Arteta’s men can open up a nine-point lead at the top when they visit Nottingham Forest later on Saturday. Harry Maguire also returned for his first start in two months and should have scored inside the first two minutes. City played a big part in their own downfall when the opening goal finally arrived 25 minutes from time. But the damage had already been done to City’s title aspirations, making victory all the sweeter for Carrick on his return to the Theatre of Dreams.

January 17, 2026 21:43 UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump's motorcade drives to Trump International Golf Club on January 17, 2026 in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)European Union leaders on Saturday warned against US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on European countries until he has achieved his purchase of Greenland. And one senior German MEP said Trump’s latest threat raised a question mark over the EU-US trade deal agreed last year. “The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland,” said the EU statement. trade deal, but given Donald Trump’s threats regarding Greenland, approval is not possible at this stage,” he posted on X.

January 17, 2026 21:37 UTC

Nigeria’s health regulators have also been under pressure to improve coordination among professional bodies, as rising healthcare costs and disease burdens place additional strain on the system. The ACPN said it remained committed to lawful practice and collaboration with other health professionals, stressing that patient safety and public health must remain the priority. “We respect other professionals in the health sector and expect the same in return,” Ezeh said, adding that pharmacies would continue to operate within the limits of the law while supporting national health objectives. It emphasizes the necessity for the House to reclaim its oversight responsibility, reaffirm its commitment to the rule of law, and prevent the weakening of Nigeria's digital economy. और पढो »Rivers State House of Assembly Moves to Impeach Governor Fubara and DeputyThe Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated proceedings to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu.

January 17, 2026 21:25 UTC

The Federal Government has congratulated the Super Eagles following their victory over Egypt’s Pharaohs in the third-place match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. According to a statement issued on Saturday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, praised the national team for securing the bronze medal and for their overall performance at the tournament. “Securing a bronze medal adds to Nigeria’s remarkable record in AFCON history, as the Super Eagles have continued their strong legacy at this level. “Although the ultimate prize may have eluded you this time, know that this bronze medal was earned with dignity and effort. PUNCH Online had reported that the Super Eagles defeated Egypt’s Pharaohs 4–2 on penalties to claim the bronze medal in a tense third-place playoff at the Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca.

January 17, 2026 21:17 UTC