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PDP Chieftain To Tinubu: Trump Coming For You If You Rig 2027 Election

By
James Orji
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Donald Trump and Bola Tinubu

Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to forget rigging the 2027 election in the country, warning that the global community, particularly, the United States President Donald Trump will capture him if he involves in electoral fraud.

The PDP chieftain spoke on Arise Television on Sunday, saying electoral malpractice is no longer acceptable globally, adding that the era of unchecked election rigging is coming to and end.

Pearse spoke following the capture of Venezuela President Nichola Maduro by US Special Forces last week. The Venezuela’s leader alongside his wife was captured in their home in Caracas, the Capital after sporadic attack by the US forces who launched the attack in the wee hours of Friday.

President Trump, the magazine reports, had accused Maduro of narco-terrorism, drug trafficking and for ruling his people with iron fist. The last Presidential election in the country in 2024, was believed to have been won by the opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, but Maduro forced himself on the country, according to close watchers of the country’s politics.

The capture Venezuela’s leader will now  be charged in the US court for drug related charges.

Drawing a parallel between Venezuela and Nigeria, Pearse said election rigging is now abnormal in global politics, saying the international community is watching to see how the Tinubu administration will handle the upcoming general election in the country.

“The whole international world is watching. If you rig the election the way you normally do, you may have Trump coming to get your war chambers. Everybody should be careful.”

He said past elections in the country have been rigged by politicians, noting that accountability is now being demanded for electoral misconduct  by the global community.

He said: “This is not the first time it has happened. The International Criminal Court is there, so be careful what you do with a rigged election in Nigeria

“No, no, no — it will not happen again. 2027 is going to be different.”

Niger: Obi Calls For End To Terror Attacks, Killings

By
James Orji
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

Presidential hopeful of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Peter Obi, has urged the federal government to take serious, the protection of lives of Nigerians, saying this “must remain the foremost responsibility of government.”

According to the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, the federal government must rein in the terrorists killing Nigerians, adding that a situation where people are being killed must not be accepted to be normal.

Obi who made the remark on Sunday on his verified X handle was reacting to the killings of some persons by terrorists in Niger state, describing the situation to be “deeply worrisome” and unacceptable.

No fewer than 30 people were killed when terrorists attacked a village market in Kabe District, Borgu Local Government Area of the state, according to eyewitness report.

The terror attack also  saw shops torched, goods looted and dozens of residents abducted.

He stressed that the security agencies must wake up to their duty by putting an end to the cycle of senseless killings in the country in the new year.

Obi: “It is deeply worrisome and unacceptable that, as we usher in a new year, the cycle of senseless killings and insecurity continues unchecked across our nation. Today, in Niger State, we once again witnessed the horrific loss of over 40 lives in a brutal terrorist attack at the Kasuwan-Daji Market in the Domo community of Borgu Local Government Area.

“Just yesterday, armed bandits struck Bong village in Doemak District of Plateau State, leaving multiple people dead. Two days ago, several communities in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State were attacked by bandits. On New Year’s Day in Katsina State, the Unguwar Naino community was also attacked, with several lives lost and many others injured.

“These incidents form part of a disturbing and tragic pattern of violence that has sadly become normalized. The repeated failure to provide basic security for citizens is a national shame, and the toll it takes on families and communities is immeasurable. As a nation, we cannot continue to normalize these killings. The protection of lives must remain the foremost responsibility of government.

“What Nigerians urgently need is an all-hands-on-deck approach: a coordinated, capable, and decisive effort to end the menace of insecurity that has become a daily occurrence.

“To the families who have lost loved ones in Niger, Plateau, Kano, Katsina, and other affected communities this New Year, no words can truly ease your pain. Know, however, that the nation mourns with you. May you find strength, comfort, and resilience in this time of unimaginable grief. This cycle of violence must be stopped,” Obi said.

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement on Sunday,  directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to find the perpetrators of the attack and bring them to justice.

Tinubu:“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must face the full consequences of their criminal actions.

“No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. In addition, those who aid, abet or enable them will also be brought to justice.”

“Fubara Is Wike’s New Godfather, Will Nominate His Replacement” – Lauretta Onochie

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Lauretta Onochie

By Adesina Soyooye

“Tinubu and Uzodinma have thrown Wike under the bus and handed the key to Fubara”

A former Aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie, has said that the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, will, before the end of 2026, nominate Nyesom Wike’s replacement in President Bola Tinubu’s Cabinet. Wike, who claims to still be a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, but unflinchingly supports President Tinubu and everything APC, is the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, under the APC Federal Government.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike
Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike

According to Onochie who was, also, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, under Buhari, both President Tinubu and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, have thrown Wike under the bus and given the keys to Fubara.

In a post on Sunday, January 4, 2026, Onochie told Wike: “You have been buried politically already.

“Not only have @officialABAT and @Hope_Uzodinma 1thrown you under the bus, the keys of the bus were handed over to @SimFubaraKSC.

“How he drives the bus depends on how much of your pride you can swallow.

“Now, let me break it down for you.

“Fubara may get back the six months you and Pres Tinubu stole from him.

“Then Fubara will get a second term.

“Fubara will nominate your replacement before the end of 2026.

“Fubara is your new Godfather”.

Anthony Joshua Pays Emotional Tributes To Deceased Friends, Visits Their Families

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Anthony Joshua visits his deceased friends families
Anthony Joshua visits his deceased friends families

By Akinwale Kasali

Anthony  Joshua, former World Boxing Heavyweight Champion, has made his first post since the unfortunate fatal car crash that led to the death of his two associates.

Joshua shared the post, pictured alongside the families of Sina and Latz, with the caption “My Brother’s Keeper.

The image, posted across his social media pages, shows the ex-heavyweight champion offering support and solidarity.

Both Sina and Latz were laid to rest on Sunday.

It would be recalled that the accident occurred when Joshua’s SUV, carrying the boxer and three others, collided with a stationary truck due to alleged reported brake failure.

Joshua, who had just arrived in Nigeria for a holiday following his recent knockout victory over Jake Paul, narrowly escaped death after switching from the front passenger seat to the back moments before the impact, a move prompted by his size obstructing the driver’s view.

He sustained a leg fracture but was reported to be in stable condition.

Joshua sustained minor injuries in the incident that killed his friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele on Monday, December 29, on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

The 36-year-old boxer, who was discharged from the hospital on New Year’s Eve, returned to the United Kingdom on Saturday.

Gumi Claims Abuja Plotting To Kill Him

By
Ayodele Oni
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Sheikh Ahmad Gumi

By Ayodele Oni

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has linked Abuja with an alleged plot to eliminate him based on allegation of being a member of the terror group, boko haram.

Addressing his congregation in a viral video on Sunday, Gumi alleged that his name had been listed among individuals marked for elimination with Boko Haram terror groups.

The controversial cleric said he received an early-morning phone call from a source in Abuja who informed him that his name had come up during a national security meeting.

Gumi, who did not disclose the source, said that the caller told him his name was among those allegedly identified for assassination.

Gumi said: “They called me from Abuja and told me there was a security meeting. They said I have been marked, that I will be eliminated. And who are Boko Haram?”

Gumi accused the United States of supporting terrorism in Nigeria, alleging that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and social divisions were fuelled by foreign influence.

“Even Americans said they came to fight terrorists, so who are the terrorists? They are the ones,” he stated.

He accused political and religious leaders in Nigeria of failing to speak out as the nation slid into deeper crisis daily.

The cleric alleged that there is deliberate efforts by foreign countries to sow the seed of division and distrust amongst Nigerians.

“Because of lies, you brought violence, but where are the leaders, what did they do? What about the scholars? Where are they? Everyone has gone to hide in their corners.”

Gumi stated that no country would accept external interference designed to divide its people along religious or social lines as being experienced in Nigeria.

Gumi had condemned last month United States’ attack of a terrorists camo in Northern Nigeria, accusing the federal government of inviting foreign country to carry out such attack .

Over 23 Killed As NAF Strikes Terrorists Buryng Their Dead In Kano

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Over 23 Terrorists Killed in Kano
Over 23 Terrorists Killed in Kano

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The air component of the Joint Task Force working in concert with ground troops of the Operation Fansan Yamma has neutralized over 23 fleeing Kano terrorist elements.

The terrorists said to be fleeing after ill-fated attacks on  some Communities within the the security-challenged Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Councils of Kano were tracked to the Karaduwa community in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina state .

A statement on Sunday January 4, 2026, by the spokesperson for the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major Zubairu Babatunde, informed that troops had on Thursday through to the wee hours of Friday January 2, 2026 successfully repelled series of attacks by the bandits in Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Councils, inflicting heavy casualties on them , before tracking fleeing ones to Dan Marke community in Matazu local council of Katsina state where they had gathered to bury their dead members.

“The air component sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma located the bandits and trailed their movement until their motorcycles converged after crossing a dry river bed.

“A precision airstrike was ,thereafter, conducted, resulting in the neutralization of at least 23 terrorists , while several others were believed to have sustained injuries.” the Army stated.

The Army spokesperson  informed that the operation which includes aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, also, led to the decimation of several weapons ,and other logistical equipment belonging to the terrorists.

This is as the Commander of the Brigade lauded the troops and the air component for their resilience and gallantry in the course of the operations.

The statement reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Army in concert with other security agencies towards the protection of lives and properties of Kano residents.

The Source further reports that some parts of the Kano North Senatorial District particularly Bagwai, Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Councils have of recent been added to the long-list of security challenged areas of the North West region of Nigeria ,where terrorist and other criminal elements have been operating for almost a decade now.

Kebbi Reopens Selected Public Schools, Others Remain Closed

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State

By Ayodele Oni

Kebbi State Government has directed the immediate reopening of some selected schools across the state.

This was disclosed on Sunday by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Halimatu Mohammad Bande while briefing newsmen on the development.

The Commissioner stated that only schools located  within major cities and towns are approved to resume, with effect from Monday, 5th  January 2026.

She further explained that schools outside major cities and towns will resume at a later date, which will be communicate in due course.

According to her, “as the security situation continues to improve, more schools will be reopened. I urge all relevant stakeholders to comply strictly with these directives”.

Dr Halima noted that the resumption applies to both  primary and secondary schools and she appealed to parents and guardians in the affected areas to ensure compliance  by  sending their  Children back to school.

She  also charged Education Secretaries and Zonal Directors in the affected areas to ensure full  compliance with the directive.

The Commissioner expressed her appreciation to the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris for his continued support of the educational sector and his commitment to ensuring quality education in the state.

President Tinubu Charges Heads Of Security Agencies To Track Down Perpetrators Of Niger Killings

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Aftermath of massive killings and abductions in Niger state, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Defence, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), to track down and apprehend the perpetrators of the Kasuwan Daji attack.

The President also directed the head of the security agencies to ensure the terrorists are swiftly brought to justice, as well as rescue all the abducted victims urgently.

This was contained in a statement on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

President Tinubu, issued the directives in response to the recent killings of villagers in Niger State by terrorists suspected to be fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara following the United States’ air strike on Christmas Eve.

He declared that the terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people and must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions.

This was as he strongly condemned the attack on the Kasuwan Daji Community and the abduction of women and children.

While sending his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government and people of Niger State, President Tinubu emphasised that no matter who they are or what their intent is, the terrorists must be hunted down.

He further said; “They, and all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form, will be caught and brought to justice”.

President Tinubu assured the people of Niger State that security agencies have been mandated to intensify operations around vulnerable communities, particularly those near the forests that have served as hideouts for criminal elements.

The president also urged Nigerians to remain united and resolute in the face of this tragedy and cautioned against divisive rhetoric that could undermine national security and cohesion during this challenging period.

He said; “These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison.

“United, we can and must defeat them, deny them any sanctuary. We must reclaim the peace and security of these attacked communities.”

Again, Terrorists Abduct School Children In Niger Communities

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gunmen

By Ayodele Oni

Residents of Agwarra and Borgu local government areas of Niger state have been having sleepless nights for a week following continued invasion of communities in the area by suspected terrorists.

As at last count, no fewer than 42 persons were killed and unconfirmed number of persons including children abducted.

According to reports, the terrorists have been attacking villages in Agwarra for the last one week without any opposition.

Sources said in the last one week, they have been coming angrily to attack communities at freewill because there is no security presence here.

A source claimed that “they killed 37 people in Kasuwa Daji near Papiri, another 5 in Kaima village and abducted many people including children and some of these children are pupils and students of the same St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary schools, Papiri in Agwarra.

“The government and security agencies should come to our aid, we have serious crisis across the river where the students were abducted.

“They came out of the forest for about a week now, wrecking havoc in the villages. Just yesterday (Saturday) alone they burnt one particular market and abducted so many people, including children.”

Confirming the attack at the Catholic mission house, the Director of Communications, Catholic Church of Kontagora Diocese, Rev. Father Stephen Kabirat said the terrorists have killed over 40 persons and taken into captivity some persons.

According to him “our Parish Priest narrowly escaped abduction when the terrorists visited our Mission House three days ago.

“They destroyed some religious items in the church, carted away two motorbikes and cash worth over two hundred thousand Naira (N200,000).

“They were looking for the Priest but luckily he escaped but they abducted some villagers including children.”

Another villager, while appealing to the relevant authorities said “as I am talking to you, some of the villages where the abducted school children come from have been sleeping in the bushes since their return because of activities of the terrorists”

Confirming the attacks, the Niger state Police Command said, at about 9pm on Saturday, it received reports that suspected bandits attacked and killed over 30 persons and abducted unconfirmed number of persons.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun said “at about 4:30pm on Saturday, suspected Bandits from the National Park Forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan Daji located at Demo Village via Kabe, killed over 30 persons, burnt the market and looted shops and carted away food items.”

He further disclosed that, a joint security team has visited the scene and efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims.

“Further development will be communicated please”, he disclosed

Jigawa Boat Mishap Claims 25  Lives, Several Missing

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Boat Mishap

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

No fewer than 24 persons  have lost their lives following the capsizing of an overloaded boat along the coastal border between Yobe  and Jigawa states.

13 people have been rescued, while over 14 remain missing in the boat mishap which Yobe officials said occurred at about 7.48pm Saturday night January 3, 2026.

The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Dr Mohammed Goje,  informed that the boat with 52 persons on board was heading from Adiyani town in Guri Local Council of Jigawa to Garbi town im Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe when it  capsized .

Although no official reason(s) has been given for the mishap,  it is, however, strongly believed that overloading and non-observance of basic rules played a major part.

Local witness accounts said that most of the victims of the unfortunate incident were home-bound from fishing, local business activities ,as well as farm engagements in Adiyani town.

Dr Goje assured  that SEMA and others are intensifying efforts to locate and possibly rescue missing persons on board the ill-fated vessel.

He noted that rescue efforts which commenced swiftly and promptly involve officials of the emergency agency drawn from Nguru and Bade areas of Yobe State in concert with other volunteers from nearby communities.

“The Agency remains fully committed until the rescue operations are concluded ” Goje stated.

Meanwhile, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has directed relevant authorities and bodies to immediately extend all necessary medical and logistical assistance to all the rescued persons.

While assuring of the State Government’s support to the families of the victims, the Governor  emphasized the importance of urgent  actions to save the lives of the survivors .

Governor Buni who described the incident as unfortunate and painful extended heartfelt condolences to the families, relations and friends of the victims, as well as the Nguru Local Government authorities and Guri Local Council counterparts.

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