Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress. Yilwatda welcomed Mutfwang to the ruling party, describing his move as a boost to the APC’s growing political strength. “Your decision to join the progressive family is a bold and patriotic step, driven by a higher calling to serve the people of Plateau State and Nigeria. “Today’s registration is a statement of hope and a commitment to a shared vision of inclusive development, peace, and prosperity for Plateau State. The PUNCH had reported that Mutfwang had announced his resignation from the party amid rumoured plans to join the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Speaking at the site, Sanwo-Olu extended his condolences to families affected by the tragedy and urged everyone to comply with safety directives. The area remains unsafe, and only first responders are permitted on the site. Following a structural assessment, the GNI building is scheduled for demolition, and some surrounding structures will also be removed to prevent further risks. “Following a full structural review, the GNI building will be demolished using the safest possible methods. Sanwo-Olu assured Lagosians that the government remains committed to overseeing the recovery process and supporting affected families.

The National Working Committee of the New Nigeria Peoples Party has dissolved its Kano State Executive, as well as all local government and ward leaders, ahead of the defection of the state governor, Abba Yusuf’s defection to the All Progressives Congress. NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Oladipo Johnson, stated in a Friday statement that the NWC plans to establish a caretaker committee soon. Recall that the NNPP National Leader and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Yusuf have been embroiled in a political crisis. The Kano state chapter of the APC has confirmed that Yusuf is expected to join the party in a few days. “The NWC accordingly thanked all those who held positions at the State, Local Government, and Ward structures of the party in Kano State and assured them of the party’s appreciation for their invaluable contributions.”

Kidnappers have demanded a total ransom of N450 million for the release of a Kwara traditional ruler, his son, and other abducted residents of Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state. A family source of the monarch, who spoke to PUNCH Online on Friday on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the kidnappers made contact earlier in the day. The Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, also confirmed the ransom demands to PUNCH Online. A family source said about eight armed men attacked the palace, shooting sporadically and demanding to see the monarch and his wife. Efforts to get official comments from the Kwara State Police Command on the latest ransom demands were unsuccessful as of press time.

He said the faction had been handed over to Aaron Chukwuemeka, adding that the entire PDP was now united behind Wike. “I’m Sim’s PDP chairman. Today, I’m handing over the chairmanship and leadership of that faction to Aaron Chukwemeka. PDP is under one chairman, and under one leadership, under the FCT leader,” he said. Speaking further, the Chairman stated that he had been loyal to Fubara, believing that he was being intimidated by the FCT Minister.

When citizens conclude that outcomes are predetermined or easily distorted, voter registration becomes an empty ritual. This withdrawal is evident not only in voter registration figures but also in declining voter turnout and rising political apathy, especially among young people. The implications of persistently low voter registration are grave. Ultimately, voter registration statistics are not just numbers; they are a mirror reflecting the state of the nation. Rebuilding that trust is the real task before Nigeria, and until it is done, low voter registration will remain a symptom of a much larger national crisis.

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Photo: NTAThe Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed January 7 to rule on the bail applications filed by a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, and his wife, Bashir Asabe. The PUNCH reports that the EFCC, in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, named the ex-minister, his wife, and son as the first, second, and third defendants respectively in a money laundering case. The anti-graft agency accused the defendants of carrying out various suspicious transactions and attempting to conceal the unlawful origin of billions of naira through bank accounts and property acquisitions across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi. The alleged offences were committed between 2015 and 2025, a period that includes Malami’s tenure as AGF under the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

US Venus Williams attempts to return the ball to Switzerland's Celine Naef during their women's singles match on day two of the Libema Open tennis tournament in Rosmalen on June 13, 2023. (Photo by Sander Koning / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT / NETHERLANDS OUTSeven-time major singles champion Venus Williams was handed a wildcard to the Australian Open aged 45 on Friday, becoming the oldest woman ever to play at the season-opening Grand Slam. “I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” said Williams. She will become the oldest woman to play at the Australian Open since Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round in 2015. Williams, a four-time Australian Open doubles champion, is set to begin her preparations for the January 18-Feb 1 tournament at the Auckland Classic next week, having returned to the circuit at the US Open last year after a 16-month break.

The group stage XI was released by the Confederation of African Football on Friday. Nigeria’s coach, Chelle, who guided the team to the top of their group table with three wins, was also named the best coach of the group stage. “His clear vision and consistent choices allowed Nigeria to perform at their best during the group stage, showcasing a balanced style of play. Chelle’s ability to maximise the potential of his squad and build a collective identity was one of the highlights of the group stage,” CAF also wrote about the coach’s inclusion. Egypt’s 36-year-old goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy, was named as the best goalkeeper of the group stage campaign.

Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has ordered intensified security patrols across communities and forest areas of the state. The directive was issued on Thursday during a meeting with security chiefs in Akure, the state capital. The governor noted that security operatives, including members of the Joint Operations Task Force and Amotekun Corps, were already on patrol across the state and in forested areas. “Somehow, they were able to breach security, but the swift response of the security agencies helped greatly to curtail the situation. He explained that the emergency meeting with security chiefs focused on reviewing the incident, assessing the security response and ensuring that similar acts do not recur.

On the matter of the Oyo Empire and its legacy, we make no apologies for our pride. The Oyo Empire was built by the sweat, sacrifice, sword, and blood of our forefathers. So long as the Alaafin of Oyo sits upon the sacred throne of his ancestors, the Oyo Empire lives on. On the legacies of the Oyo Empire, we need not overburden history with lengthy explanations. The Yoruba story answers for itself:Awa la lédeAwa la l’asaAwa la l’orinAwa la ní ìlúAwa la ní ìlúAwa la l’ọba.

Panic erupted as bandits attacked a police station in the Ipele-Owo community, located in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State. Reports indicate that the suspects set the police station on fire. The attackers, numbering about 20, came into the Ipele community in a commando style and began to shoot sporadically before attacking the Police Divisional Station in Ipele. The sounds from the attack were terrifying, and none of us could withstand it,” the eyewitness said. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the attack but said details were still sketchy.

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has commended troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), for their courage, resilience, and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation. Addressing troops, Abbas extended New Year greetings and commended their courage, resilience, and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation. The Nigerian Navy is committed to maintaining a strong presence on the Lake Chad waterways to support peace, security, and economic revival in the region,” he said. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maintaining a robust presence on the Lake Chad waterways to support peace, security, and economic revival in the region. He stressed that sustained naval presence and coordination with other services remain crucial for maintaining security and supporting local communities.

A coalition of the people of Kontagora, Mariga, Mashegu and Wushishi Federal Constituency of Niger State has resolved to zone the 2027 member of the House of Representatives to Mashegu Local Council. Its coalition, Aliyu Jibrin Matene, disclosed this at a news conference in Minna yesterday. He said the decision was due to alleged marginalisation of the council area for over 25 years. Matene noted that the coalition, comprising youths, women, elders, and prominent stakeholders, insists that the Mashegu council area, which has been reportedly marginalised since 1999, should be given a chance in 2027. Consequently, Matene said the coalition had advised the current member representing the federal constituency in the National Assembly, Abdullahi Idris, from Kontogora, to step aside for proper zoning after serving five consecutive terms.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CoNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has said the Lake Chad and its adjoining waterways will be secured by the military to enable fishing, transportation and other socio-economic activities in the North-East. According to him, effective collaboration between the military and other security agencies is critical to securing the lake and insurgency-affected communities and ending the war. Abbas made the commitment yesterday in Maiduguri during a working visit to naval formations in the Lake Chad Basin, including those in Baga and along the lake’s shores. Earlier, Abbas inspected the ongoing construction of the Maiduguri Naval Base (MNAB), located about 10 kilometres east of the city along the Monguno Road, before proceeding to the naval base in Baga, Borno State. After returning from Baga, the Chief of Naval Staff, accompanied by senior officers from the Theatre Command, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum at the Government House in Maiduguri.