E-registration: ADC’s coercion allegations baseless, says APC
In a press statement issued in Abuja on February 2, 2026, the ruling party said the ADC was “terrified by massive All Progressives Congress (APC) membership registration in the ongoing electronic-registration exercise” and had resorted to “nonsensical allegation[s]” to undermine the process. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, characterised the alleged action as economic coercion aimed at forcing party membership on public servants. APC swiftly dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated. APC, however, dismissed the allegation outright, insisting it was “entirely false and baseless” and designed to discredit what it called “the cutting-edge and pathbreaking digitization of our Party’s membership register.”According to the APC, the accusation forms part of a broader pattern of disinformation. “While the ADC continues to fumble and peddle falsehood,” the APC declared, “our great Party remains focused on its onward march as Africa’s standard-bearer of digital and democratic innovation.”
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 15:07 UTC
Liverpool agree £60m deal for Rennes defender Jacquet – Reports
Liverpool have beaten off competition from Chelsea to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet for a fee of up to £60 million ($82 million), according to British media reports on Monday. However, the 20-year-old is not set to move to Anfield until the end of the season despite Liverpool’s need for defensive reinforcements. Jacquet had been linked with a transfer to Chelsea earlier this month but was reportedly put off the move by the competition for places at centre-back in the Blues’ bloated squad. French under-21 international Jacquet has only made 31 appearances for Rennes since breaking into the first team of the Ligue 1 side last season. Liverpool will reportedly pay an initial £55 million with a further £5 million contingent on add-ons.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 15:03 UTC
Benue killings: Suspects plead not guilty to terrorism charges
Nine suspects accused of involvement in the deadly Yelwata attack in Benue State on Monday pleaded not guilty to a 57-count amended charge bordering on terrorism before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suspects were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik following the withdrawal of charges against the sixth defendant, Yakubu Mamman, by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). Ibrahim Angulu (SAN), Christiana Sylvester and Aminu Abubakar Bagudu represented the 1st, 8th and 9th defendants, respectively, while A.I. He also asked that the defendants be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial and that a trial date be fixed. The prosecution informed the court that it intended to call eight witnesses during the trial.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 14:17 UTC
How Murtala Muhammed’s simple lifestyle made his assassination easy – Daughter
Aisha Muhammed, daughter of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, has said her father’s simple lifestyle and leadership approach contributed to the ease with which he was assassinated. Muhammed, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, said this while speaking on ARISE News’ Morning Show on Monday. She said her father believed corruption was a “cankerworm” capable of destroying society and did not merely speak against it but lived out his anti-corruption stance through his personal conduct and leadership style. According to her, Murtala Muhammed deliberately avoided the trappings of power, including heavy security details, motorcades and sirens, insisting on living like the ordinary Nigerian. “So, and that was why it was actually easy to assassinate him, because he didn’t have a whole slew of security with him.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 14:07 UTC
Onitsha main market reopens amid tight security
Onitsha Main Market, the largest commercial hub in Anambra State, reopened on Monday after a one-week shutdown following a directive from Governor Charles Soludo. Responding to his directive, traders began returning to the market as early as 8:45 a.m., with shops reopening along major corridors such as Egerton, Ose Foodstuff Market, The Young Park, Emeka Offor Plaza, Sokoto Road, Lagos Line, and Marine. The state government’s stance was reinforced by heightened security measures across the market and surrounding areas. The police further assured residents of intensified patrols, intelligence-led surveillance, and robust security operations to prevent any threats to lives and property. The government also reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of traders and the general public as commercial activities resumed.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 13:52 UTC
How clean energy is delivering measurable results for Nigerian businesses — Operator
Clean energy is no longer a future aspiration, but a practical, reliable and economically viable solution already delivering measurable results for Nigerian businesses and institutions. Jammal made this plea in a media engagement when commemorating the International Day of Clean Energy 2026 by JMG in Lagos. It reinforced its leadership in the country’s clean energy transition, spotlighting the real-world impact of its solar and hybrid energy solutions across key sectors of the economy. “As more countries move toward sustainable solutions, clean energy has become an economic imperative for Nigeria. “At JMG, clean energy is more than technology; it is a responsibility.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 13:42 UTC
Obi signals intention to contest 2027 presidential election
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has again indicated his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election. Addressing supporters, Obi linked the AMAC poll to his broader political ambition, urging them to back the ADC candidate. “This coming election, support us in AMAC; it will help me,” he said. Obi, however, dismissed such suggestions, reiterating that he intends to contest the 2027 election as a presidential candidate. Urging supporters to mobilise votes for his preferred candidate in the AMAC poll, Obi described their backing as “crucial” to his political journey.
Source:The Guardian
February 02, 2026 13:23 UTC
Onitsha traders reopen shops following Soludo threats
Traders at the Onitsha Main Market have resumed business after a one-week shutdown, following directives from Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo. The market was previously ordered closed by Soludo after reports suggested that some traders were following a Monday sit-at-home call issued by IPOB. “Traders of the Onitsha Main Market have reopened their shops in compliance with a directive by the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo,” a report by Channels Television on Monday said. “It is clear that the traders are complying with government directives to ignore the sit-at-home order,” the report added. The Anambra State Police Command on Sunday also issued a strong warning to residents, highlighting the threats posed by non-state actors on social media.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 13:21 UTC
Benzema in talks to join rivals Al-Hilal after contract dispute
Striker Karim Benzema, who is at odds with his club Al-Ittihad, has entered into negotiations to join rivals Al-Hilal, the Saudi Arabian league leaders, a source told AFP on Monday. “Negotiations are underway between the parties: Al-Hilal would like to sign Benzema for the remaining six months of his contract with Al-Ittihad, but the player’s agent is demanding a one-and-a-half-year contract,” the source told AFP. Both Al-Hilal, who play in Riyadh, and Al-Ittihad, in Jeddah, are owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). Benzema reportedly received an offer from Michael Emenalo, sporting director of the Saudi league, which he considered “insulting” as it would amount to “playing for free”, apart from his image rights, according to his entourage. This season Al-Ittihad trail leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 13:21 UTC
Police urge NLC, TUC to reschedule Tuesday’s Abuja protest
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to reschedule their planned protest billed for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, citing security concerns. On Sunday, the unions announced plans to hold a peaceful solidarity rally in Abuja on Tuesday, February 3. The NLC and TUC directed all affiliates and state councils in the Federal Capital Territory to ensure effective mobilisation and timely dissemination of the information to their members, adding that full participation in the lawful and peaceful action was expected. The statement partly read, “The FCT Police Command is aware of a planned peaceful protest by the NLC FCT Council, scheduled to hold tomorrow, Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, within the Federal Capital Territory. The NLC and TUC subsequently accused the FCT authorities of intimidation and vowed to resist it.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 13:12 UTC
Ifunanya Nwangene: What to do after snakebite in Nigeria
The tragic passing of Ifunanya Nwangene, the 26-year-old architectural graduate and standout contestant on The Voice Nigeria, has left the nation in mourning. Despite her efforts to seek medical attention, she succumbed to the venom at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi. Why it matters: Doctors need to know if they should administer Polyvalent anti-venom (for general bites) or a specific Monovalent anti-venom (like Echi-Tab for Carpet Vipers). DO NOT Apply Heat or Ice: Neither will neutralise the venom; ice can actually worsen the local tissue damage. For the average citizen, the rule remains: Stay calm, stay still, and get to a major hospital immediately.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 12:52 UTC
First Abu Dhabi Bank to open Nigerian office in sub-Saharan push
First Abu Dhabi Bank has announced that it will open a representative office in Lagos, Nigeria, as part of its sub-Saharan expansion push. This was disclosed on Monday at the first Investopia Africa event held in Lagos by the Group Head of Wholesale Banking at First Abu Dhabi Bank, Martin Tricaud. The PUNCH reports that First Abu Dhabi Bank partnered with Afreximbank to provide $1.126bn in financing for the execution of Phase 1, Section 2 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway. We were absolutely convinced that we needed a presence in sub-Saharan Africa. So, we will open a representative office.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 12:50 UTC
FG, states, LGs share N1.969trn in December 2025 revenue
A total sum of N1.969 trillion, being the December 2025 Federation Account revenue, has been shared among the Federal Government, states and local government councils. The communiqué stated that the N1.969 trillion total distributable revenue comprised statutory revenue of N1.084 trillion, Value Added Tax revenue of N846.507 billion and Electronic Money Transfer Levy revenue of N38.110 billion. It said the LGs received N513.272 billion, while the sum of N96.083 billion, representing 13 per cent of mineral revenue, was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue. “The LGs received N203.656 billion, while the sum of N96.083 billion, representing 13 per cent of mineral revenue, was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue. “From the N846.507 billion distributable VAT revenue, the Federal Government received N126.976 billion, the state governments received N423.254 billion and the LGs received N296.277 billion,” it said.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 12:49 UTC
Kano market fire guts popular Singa Market in early morning
An early morning fire on Monday razed parts of a popular Kano market, also known as Singa Market. PUNCH Online gathered that the fire broke out in the early hours of the day, causing damage to sections of the busy market. Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Yusif, said the service received a distress call at about 3:16 am and immediately deployed firefighting personnel to the scene to contain the blaze. “As of about 10 am, pockets of the market were still burning, with firefighters working to bring the situation under control and prevent the fire from spreading further,” Yusif said. He, however, assured that more details on the incident would be made available to journalists later.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 12:42 UTC
Morning Recap: Grammys disappointment, health strike disruption, presidential travel costs and other top stories
Davido arrives at the 2026 Grammy Awards red carpet in Los Angeles on Sunday February 1, 2026. Photo: OkayAfricaNigeria went home empty-handed at the 2026 Grammy Awards despite strong nominations in key music categories, while health workers’ industrial action has significantly disrupted services at public hospitals. The Presidency spent N34bn on foreign exchange for official travels in the past two years, and Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, reached 200 career goals as Nigerian women’s footballers also shone abroad. Health workers’ strike grounds public hospitals in NigeriaThe ongoing strike by health workers in federal institutions has severely disrupted services at public hospitals, with many facilities operating at reduced capacity or closing key departments. South Africa set to replace Morocco as WAFCON hostsSouth Africa is poised to take over hosting duties for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after Morocco withdrew as hosts.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 12:29 UTC