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IPOB Leader, Kanu, To Remain In Sokoto Prison As Court Strikes Out Motion

January 27, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Kanu’s Lawyer withdraws, says his client wants to dictate to him what to say in Court

A request by the convicted leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto correctional facility has been turned down by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

The Honourable Justice James Omotosho on Tuesday, struck out an ex-parte motion filed by Kanu saying that the motion was incompetent.

The legal representative of Kanu, Demdoo Asan, a senior legal officer at the Legal Aid Council, had informed the court of his intention to withdraw from the matter, citing irreconcilable differences.

According to the counsel, since the last adjourned date, he had been on constant telephone communication with Kanu’s relatives.

He, however, told the court that, despite several phone calls and promises, Kanu’s relatives failed to show up at his office to depose to the application.

He added that Kanu wanted to dictate the tune of the matter and control what he, as counsel, would say in court

“He wants to write down what I would say while in court. But, as an officer of the court, I can’t in good faith accept that”. Demdoo said.

He further declared that he consulted with his superiors and that they shared the same sentiment, stating that, as officers of the court, when a matter comes to them, they will handle the matter as the they see fit, else the applicant can seek legal assistance elsewhere.

Consequently, the counsel invoked Order 50, Rule 1 of the Federal High Court, seeking to withdraw from the matter.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho commended the counsel for upholding the dignity of the court.

The judge held that having listened to counsel from the Legal Aid Council, he will grant leave for the counsel and the Legal Aid Council generally, to withdraw from representing the defendant convict.

In the interest of justice and fairness, however, the court had directed that other parties involved in the matter be served on notice.

“Since the last court sitting of December 8, 2025, until today 27 January, there is no proof of service before this court” noted the court.

Justice Omotosho thereafter ordered that the motion ex-parte be struck out for lacking competence.

Gov Adeleke Faults APC Blueprint For Osun, Says It Will Drag State Backward

Ayodele Oni

January 27, 2026

Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Ayodele Oni

Osun state Governor, Ademola Adeleke has expressed the fear that a blueprint released by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the forthcoming election, Muniru Oyebamiji will reverse the current economic boom being experienced in the state.

Adeleke, who faulted the recently released economic blueprint described it as “capital flight oriented, old school thinking and behind news of current socio-economic advances under his administration.

In a statement in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke noted that a review of Oyebamiji’s economic plans confirms that his ideas are outdated, in conflict with progressive ideals he professes and a condemnable attempt to reverse the economic boom currently being enjoyed by Osun people.

“Mr Oyebamiji by his own admission seeks to return Osun to the old era of capital flight to Lagos and suppressive tax regime to reimpose extreme poverty on Osun people.

“The Adeleke’s economic blueprint is focused on local content for citizens’ empowerment, grassroots and artisans’ financial inclusion, bridging infra deficit to fast track economic growth, widening tax base with reduced tax rates, integrated easing of business environment to attract investment, industrialization through revived economic and free trade zones, mining sector reforms to diversify state economy among others.

“The Adeleke economic plan currently being implemented has empowered grassroots economy through artisan and cooperative financing of almost N4 billion; enhanced local businesses through strict implementation of the local content policy in procurement and workforce management.

“It has also reinvigorated Osun Digital Economy hub to tap into multi-billion dollar global industry; increased Internally generated revenue through tax harmonization and digitisation; relaunched industrialisation through revival of Osun free trade zones.

“It reduced state debt stock through sustainable debt management; revived agro – mechanisation and cocoa revolution; re – engineered partnership for growth with Osun businesses through Osun State Chamber of Commerce; and deepen investment drive through strong public private partnership among others.

“Mr Oyebamiji’s plan is imbecilic and deficient in depth and orientation. It regurgitated and copied policies already under implementation by the current government in the area of tax reforms, industrialization, revenue digitisation and management, innovative investment drive, public private partnership, agro – industrial revolution.

“The AMBO plan is a recipe for economic retrogression, disempowerment of the local economy through abandonment of vital local content policy, reversal of current policy of Osun money serving Osun economy and residents.

“Osun economy is already on a sustainable growth trajectory. Power generation, transmission and distribution is critical to economic growth and development.

“Governor Adeleke has already signed into law the state electricity bill to regulate generation and distribution of electricity. An implementation process is underway. Mr Oyebamiji has no clue in such an arena.

“The digital economy is a global multi- billion dollar industry. Governor Adeleke has primed Osun as a digital hub to tap into the sector through a series of ICT and digital legislation now under implementation. Again, Oyebamiji is oblivious of this new global trend.

“It is particularly shocking and insulting to Osun people to read of the fresh intention by Oyebamiji to tie Osun economy to Lagos through capital flight of the old.

“While South West inter-state collaboration under Oodua framework is already ongoing, the idea of Lagos corridor from Oyebamiji is a direct intention to kill Osun local content policy, destroy the drive to grow Osun economy on a sustainable agro-industrial platform and put an end to the successful push to grow Osun prosperity through digital economy.

“The height of deficiency in the AMBO plan is the ludicrous mention of the blue economy strategy. We assert that as the head of the national waterway agency, Oyebamiji failed to stop waterway deaths which stood at almost 1000 by the time he left office.

“He failed to introduce or implement a modern waterways transport system despite an abundance of functioning systems that can be adapted. The Lagos Waterways Authority has an impressive record than what we had under AMBO leadership of NIWA.

“It is apt to note that under Governor Adeleke, the Owala Lake beach resort is functioning under PPP arrangements after decades of abandonment by governments under which Oyebamiji was a key player.

“Similar internal lakes at Modakeke and others are being projected for similar revival while key tourist sites are witnessing upgrades and modernisation under PPP model. Osun does not need sordid records at NIWA in Osun state.

“Like that popular song, Osun can never go back; Osun has gone too far in economic liberation, prosperity and sustainability; It is already too late for Osun to retrogress; it won’t make sense for Osun to go back to the era of corporate slavery enforced by some corporate hawks masquerading as people – loving politicians”, the statement added.

2027: Atiku’s Son Writes Father Out of Contention

Adesina Soyooye

January 27, 2026

Abba Atiku Abubajar and his father Atiku Abubakar

By Adesina Soyooye

Abba, a son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has written him (his father) out of the 2027 Presidential race. He said neither his father, any Presidential Candidate, nor any political Party has the capacity to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 race.

Abba had, penultimate week, shocked not a few Nigerians when he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, and pledged to work for President Bola Tinubu.

His father, who twice was the Presidential Candidate of the PDP – 2019 and 2023 – is now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and still has his eyes on the Presidential seat in 2027.

But his son, Abba, sees no way for him or for any other candidate for that matter.

He made this clear on Monday in Yola, Adamawa State when he went to officially register as an APC member and pick his registration card number at Gwadabawa, Yola North Local Government Area. Accompanied by his loyalists and Party members, he declared that there is no political party that can defeat Tinubu in the 2027 Presidential Election.

He said: “I want to make it very clear that nobody or any political party can stop President Bola Tinubu from returning to Aso Rock come 2027.

“Nigerians have seen his good work; he is not a trubalist, he does not make appointments based on religion or region, but his decisions are purely on merit.”

He, also, told his listeners: “The President needs your support to continue with the good work. We should mobilise more people beyond party affiliations to support our President.”

If Atiku Abubakar picks the ADC ticket, it means that his son, Abba, will publicly campaign against him. What Abba will say of his father if that situation arises will be interesting.

Industrial Court Halts FCT Workers’ Strike, Orders Them Back To Work

Ayodele Oni

January 27, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

As their strike enters the fifth day, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, has granted an interlocutory injunction compelling workers under the Joint Union Action Committee to suspend their ongoing strike.

The ruling follows a suit filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration,

The claimants had dragged the Chairman of the Joint Union Action Committee, Rifkatu Iortyer, and its Secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh, before the court in suit number NICN/ABJ/17/2026, seeking an order restraining the defendants and their agents from embarking on any industrial action, picketing, or lockout.

Delivering his ruling on Tuesday, Justice E.D. Subilim held that although the matter before the court amounted to a trade dispute and had met the required legal conditions, the defendants’ right to embark on industrial action was not absolute.

He ruled that workers were prohibited from participating in a strike once a dispute had been referred to the National Industrial Court, adding that where such a strike was already ongoing, it must cease pending the determination of the case.

“An order of interlocutory injunction is hereby granted, restraining the claimants and representatives… from further embarking on any industrial action against the claimant.

“The order shall remain in force, pending the determination of this suit,” Justice Subilim said.

The court adjourned the matter until March 23, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive suit.

Awujale Stool: Bribery Scandal Rocks Selection Of New Monarch

Akinwale Kasali

January 27, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The selection process of the new Awujale of Ijebuland is getting messier by the day as a section of protesters has thrown their weight behind the suspension of the selection process by the Ogun State Government.

A group of oncerned Ijebu Residents under the aegis of Ijebu Sons and Daughters and Ijebu-Ode Progressive Youths, had staged a peaceful protest, as they marched through major roads in the ancient town, displaying placards with bold inscriptions such as: “Awujale stool is not for sale”. “Governor Abiodun, save Ijebuland from crisis”. “We want the best Prince as Awujale” and “Let there be a free and fair selection process.”

The protesters had converged at the Awujale Palace Road and proceeded to the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretariat, to air their grievances to the Executive Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government in person of Hon. Dare Adebiosu.

Addressing the mammoth crowd of protesters, Hon. Adebiosu assured that the Ogun State Government has no preferred candidate, and explained that the suspension was aimed solely to ensure strict adherence to due process.

“The government is not interested in imposing the Awujale on the people.

“The decision to suspend the process was taken to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process”, he said.

He commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct and assured them that the process would resume, leading to the emergence of an Awujale who would reflect the will of the people.

Babatunde Salami, the Leader of the Group said that the demonstration was intended to send a clear message to the kingmakers to act responsibly, and not engage in corrupt practice, as information is rife that they are being induced.

“The Awujale stool is highly respected in Yorubaland, Nigeria, and even beyond. This is not a position that should be treated casually. We want the kingmakers to choose the right person for our land”, he said.

In the same vein, another Leader of the Group, Yusuf Adetilewa, expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as rumours of bribery and corruption surrounding the selection process.

“We are here to insist that due process must be followed. We do not want moneybags to hijack the process and render it meaningless”, he said.

Another protester, Morolayo Oyesefo also called for equal treatment of all contestants, noting that holding a traditional title should not be used as a basis for disqualification.

“We have heard allegations of bribery involving both contestants and those conducting the selection.

“The Government must punish anyone found guilty. We do not want the process compromised, as this could lead to unnecessary litigation”, she said.

Following the suspension of the selection process by the Ogun State Government last week, the Alagemos in Ijebuland have thrown their support behind the actions of the Ogun State Government, stating that the suspension is aimed at ensuring a seamless selection process.

High Chief Tajudeen Adekunle Muili, the Alapini Awopa General of Ogun State, who spoke after a meeting held at the palace of the Ija-Oloko of Imosan expressed confidence in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s handling of the matter.

“I do not believe the suspension was done for the governor to impose his will. Rather, it is to ensure that due process is followed. We appreciate the steps taken so far and only urge that the process be expedited”, Chief Muili said.

Corroborating Muili, the Gbosa and Baale of Imosan, High Chief Wahab Samsideen Adebayo, said the suspension would allow kingmakers to properly conclude the process by giving all contestants equal opportunity.

“The Funsengbuwa Ruling House has submitted the list of candidates. The kingmakers should now sit down and complete the process transparently.

“All we want is an Awujale who will promote peace and progress in Ijebuland, not one who will oppress the people”, he added.

The Awujale Stool has been a major debate following the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who joined his forebears last year.

The selection process has been marred with controversy, with some of the Candidates from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House alleging conspiracy on the part of the Kingmakers on who becomes the next Awujale, prompting the Ogun State Government to wade in.

There are, though, speculations and allegations that Governor Abiodun has an interest in one of the selected Candidates for the exalted Awujale Stool.

But the allegations has been debunked by the Media Office of the Governor, which stated fairplay, transparency and assured that the selection will follow due process.

Observers are, however, waiting patiently for the Ogun State Government to lift the suspension in the selection of the new Awujale, and, for due process to be followed by the Kingmakers.

“Wike Is APC Leader In Rivers State” – Magnus Abe Rubbishes Stand Of Presidency, Party Leadership

Adesina Soyooye

January 27, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Ignoring the stand of both the Presidency and the National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on who the Leader of the Party is, a former Rivers State Senator, (Rivers South East) Magnus Abe, has declared that Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is the APC leader in the State.

Recall that Wike is of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, even though he works for the APC and supports all of its activities. And recall, also, that both the Presidency and the National Leadership of the APC had, a few days ago, made it clear that the Governor of the State, Siminalayi Fubara, given the Party policy, is the leader of the APC in Rivers State.

However, rubbishing all that, Senator Abe has declared Wike, a non-card carrying member of the Party, its Leader in Rivers State.

Abe made the declaration on Monday while speaking to Journalists after the Party Primaries for two vacant seats in the House of Assembly. Loyalists of the FCT Minister emerged victorious. The Constituencies which vacancies will be filled during the upcoming February 21 by- elections are Ahoada East 11and Khana 11

Said Abe: “As far as Rivers State is concerned, the Minister of the FCT is the leader of the APC here.

“There is no confusion, and there is no dispute about the different roles people are playing.

“We are all working together, supporting President Tinubu, and Rivers State will deliver the highest percentage of votes for the Renewed Hope Family in this country.

“That is our commitment.”

Senator Abe, a- Wike loyalist, was recently appointed the Chairman of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) by President Bola Tinubu.

Kano Gov. Yusuf Rejoins APC After Dumping NNPP

Suleiman Anyalewechi

January 26, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf on Monday, January 26, 2026, formally rejoined the All Progressive Congress, APC.

The defection of the Governor was preceded by his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, on Friday January 23 ,2023, amidst tension and disagreements with his erstwhile political godfather Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Speaking during the event which held at the Coronation Hall, Government House Kano, Governor Yusuf informed that his decision to rejoin forces with the ruling party at the centre was primarily driven by the quest to align Kano with the Federal Government with a view to fast-tracking development in the State.

Present at the brief and low keyed programme were the immediate past National Chairman of the APC ,and Governor Yusuf’s immediate predecessor in office, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, Minister of State for Housing ,and Urban Development Yusuf Atah, the Kano State Chairman of the APC Prince Abdullahi Abbas, State and National Assembly Members and host of others.

Earlier Governor Yusuf had on Friday, appreciated former party, the NNPP for the opportunity provided for him to realize his ambition.

In his letter of resignation from the NNPP the Governor cited the festering leadership and internal crises bedeviling the party as one of the reasons why he was looking for pastures elsewhere.

“I remain sincerely appreciative of the opportunity given to me by the party ( NNPP), its leadership and members across Kano State to be part of its political journey since 2022, as well as the support, goodwill and cooperation extended to me during my time in the party.

“In recent times, the party has been confronted with persistent internal challenges arising from leadership disagreements and ongoing legal proceedings, many of which are presently before the courts for judicial determination .

“The growing disenchantment among party members has created deep divisions within the party’s structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable and have generated uncertainty at both state and national levels.

“After careful reflection and without prejudice to the party’s capacity to resolve its internal challenges, I have come to the conclusion that my resignation is in the best interest of the people of Kano state”. Gov Yusuf stated.

2027: “Governor Abba Yusuf Is Guaranteed Automatic Ticket For Second Term – Ganduje”

Akinwale Kasali

January 26, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the defection of Governor Abba Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, former National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umaru Ganduje, has announced automatic Ticket for the Governor in APC come 2027.

Ganduje said the party has resolved to grant automatic to Governor Yusuf.

Speaking at the formal defection ceremony of Governor Yusuf, the former two term Governor of Kano State said: “Governor Yusuf automatically assume the position of the party leader in the state.

“We are happy to receive the Governor of Kano and his followers into our fold, APC.

“There is no crisis in the APC in Kano State. We have discussed with our 2023 Governorship Candidate and his running mate. We are happy to receive you into APC. And they assured me that they withdraw for you come 2027.

“Similarly, those who show interest have also assured me that they have stepped down for you. And May God see you through.

“In APC, we have our arrangement. And that arrangement is that whoever is the governor automatically assumed the position of the party leader in the state.

“APC is a party that has respect for the people. We have elders who are united. And I want to assure you that we will be victorious,” Ganduje stated.

“Yes, There Was Plot To Overthrow Tinubu’s Government” – DHQ

Akinwale Kasali

January 26, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, on Monday, finally, confirmed there was a plot to overthrow the Government of President Bola Tinubu. Before now, the DHQ had vehemently denied there was any such plot when it became public that 16 Military Officers had been arrested and were in custody over the alleged plot.

In deed, when the October 1 Independence parade was suddenly cancelled, not a few people attributed it to the aborted plot as speculations were that, perhaps, it could have been carried out that day, possibly, beginning from the parade ground.

However, in accepting that there was such a plot, DHQ, in a statement said it would set up a Special Investigative Panel over the alleged aborted coup plot.

The 16 Officers involved would be charged for indiscipline, and acts contrary to service regulations, and other breaches.

The DHQ added that the Officers will face a Military Court Martial.

Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, made this disclosure in a statement in Abuja, the nation’s Capital.

In October 2025, the DHQ had announced the arrest of the officers who have since been under investigations which has now been completed in line with established military procedures and extant regulations.

Major Gen Uba said the investigation examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel and identified a number of officers with cases to answer, including allegations bordering on plotting to overthrow the government.

He said such actions were inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He emphasised that the measures being taken were “purely disciplinary and part of internal institutional mechanisms to preserve discipline, cohesion and operational effectiveness within the ranks”.

He reaffirmed “the commitment of the Armed Forces to professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority, assuring the public that due process and fairness would be strictly observed throughout the proceedings”.

The detained officers include a Brigadier-General, a Colonel, four Lieutenant Colonels, five Majors, two Captains, a Lieutenant, a Lieutenant Commander from the Nigerian Navy and a Squadron Leader from the Nigerian Air Force.

Their names were given as:

Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (Nasarawa, 44th Regular Course)

Colonel M.A. Ma’aji (Niger, 47th Course)

Lt Col S. Bappah (Bauchi, 56th Course)

Lt Col A.A. Hayatu (Kaduna, 56th Course)

Lt Col Dangnan (Plateau, 56th Course)

Lt Col M. Almakura (Nasarawa, 56th Course)

□Major A.J. Ibrahim (Gombe, 56th Course)

Major M.M. Jiddah (Katsina, 56th Course)

Major M.A. Usman (FCT, 60th Course)

Major D. Yusuf (Gombe, 59th Course)

Major I. Dauda (Jigawa, DSSC 38)

Captain I. Bello (DSSC 43)

Captain A.A. Yusuf

Lieutenant S.S. Felix (DSSC)

Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi (Navy)

Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu (Air Force)

It is gathered that most of the officers belong to the Infantry Corps, Signals Corps, and Ordnance Corps.

OPINION: Makoko and the Question We Keep Avoiding

The Source

January 26, 2026

By Elizabeth Jibunoh

“This moment asks something of all of us not outrage alone, but reflection. What kind of city are we building if the most vulnerable must always pay the price of modernisation?.”

The demolition of parts of Makoko in late December and early January has left me deeply unsettled not only by what happened, but by how easily society has moved on.

Makoko has been discussed largely in the language of illegality, urban planning, and waterfront safety. But when we reduce a human settlement to a planning problem, something vital is lost. Families become structures. Livelihoods become inconveniences. History becomes expendable.

I find myself asking: when did development become more important than dignity?

Yes, cities must grow. Yes, governments must plan. But progress that begins by erasing the poor without humane alternatives is not progress it is displacement dressed up as order. When thousands lose their homes overnight without clear resettlement, compensation, or voice, we are no longer talking about policy alone; we are talking about conscience.

Much has been said by the Lagos State Government about safety and infrastructure. What has been said far less is how people are expected to survive after the dust settles. The fisherman whose livelihood depended on those waters. I have sourced my fresh fish for years from the Makoko market. I smoke my fish there as well in a well defined and well built facility provided by Lagos state government.

What about The mother whose children no longer know where “home” is. The elderly who have lived there for decades and suddenly became invisible.

Makoko is not an abstract slum. It is a living community with memory, culture, and social order. When society accepts its demolition without insisting on humane transitions, we quietly endorse the idea that some lives are more expendable than others.

This moment asks something of all of us not outrage alone, but reflection.

What kind of city are we building if the most vulnerable must always pay the price of modernisation?

What does it say about us when we normalise dispossession as a tool of governance?

Development should not numb our humanity.

Urban renewal should not require moral amnesia.

Makoko is not just about housing. It is about whether we still recognise the poor as stakeholders in our collective future or merely as obstacles to be cleared.

If society loses its ability to be disturbed by this, then we are not just demolishing communities. We are slowly demolishing our shared conscience.

Dr. Jibunoh writes from Lagos

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