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Anambra LP Governorship Candidate George Moghalu Dumps Party

Dr George Moghalu, the Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2025 Anambra State election, has formally resigned his membership of the party.

The former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority conveyed his decision in a letter dated January 26, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the Labour Party in his ward, Uruagu, Nnewi, Anambra State.

In the letter, obtained by our correspondent, Moghalu thanked the Labour Party at the ward, state, and national levels for providing him with the platform to contest the November 2025 off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State.

“I bring you the good wishes of my family and write to formally inform you of my resignation from the Labour Party, effective January 26, 2026,” Moghalu wrote.

“Let me also thank the party, through you, for providing me the opportunity to use the Labour Party platform to contest the last governorship election of our state. Please accept, as always, the assurance of my sincere regards and kindly convey same to the members.”

The resignation takes immediate effect and was conveyed in a courteous and appreciative tone, as Moghalu acknowledged the support and cooperation he received from party leaders and members throughout the campaign period.

DAILY GAZETTE had reported on November 9, 2025, that Moghalu rejected the results of the November 8, 2025 Anambra State governorship election.

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US Strikes Somalia After Nigeria Bombardment

The United States has intensified its air campaign against Al-Shabaab and Islamic State militants in Somalia, linking the escalation to a broader counterterrorism push across Africa that recently included strikes in Nigeria.

According to data from the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), American forces have carried out 23 airstrikes in Somalia since January 1, targeting both Al-Shabaab and Islamic State affiliates.

AFRICOM spokeswoman, Major Mahalia Frost, said the increase in operations reflects a renewed effort to dismantle Islamic State-linked groups on the continent, noting that the campaign also involved Christmas Day airstrikes in Nigeria.

“The uptick since the New Year is tied to a broader push against Islamic State-affiliated militants in Africa,” Frost said.

Speaking on the sidelines of a US–Nigeria security meeting in Abuja, AFRICOM Commander, Lieutenant General John Brennan, said the United States has adopted a more aggressive posture over the past year.

“We’ve gotten a lot more aggressive and are working with partners to target, kinetically, the threats — mainly ISIS,” Brennan told AFP.

Following the Nigerian strikes, which Washington and Abuja said targeted Islamic State Sahel Province elements, the Pentagon pledged to expand intelligence sharing with Nigerian security agencies.

“From Somalia to Nigeria, the problem set is connected,” Brennan said.

“We’re trying to break it apart and then provide partners with the information, equipment and capabilities they need, with fewer restrictions, so they can be more effective.”

AFRICOM confirmed that the 23 strikes conducted in Somalia this year included operations against Al-Shabaab, which has waged a long-running insurgency in the Horn of Africa.

The escalation continues a trend that began during President Donald Trump’s first term, when US military operations in Somalia rose sharply.

According to figures compiled by the US-based think tank New America, Trump authorised 219 strikes and ground operations during his first four years in office, compared to 48 strikes carried out during Barack Obama’s eight-year presidency.

In his second term, Trump has already approved at least 143 strikes, New America said.

The recent US strikes in Nigeria come amid diplomatic tensions between Washington and Abuja, following comments by Trump last year describing violence in Nigeria as the “genocide” or persecution of Christians.

The Nigerian government and independent analysts have rejected that characterisation, although it remains popular among segments of Trump’s political base in the United States.

Despite diplomatic frictions, both the US and Nigerian militaries appear committed to deeper security cooperation.

Somalia has also faced diplomatic pressure from Washington, including a recent pause in US humanitarian aid.

Earlier this month, Somali authorities announced that a senior Al-Shabaab commander, Abdullahi Osman Mohamed

Abukar, was killed during a joint US operation.

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Tinubu Hale And Hearty, Presidency Dismisses Health Concerns After Türkiye Fumble

 

The Presidency has assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is in good health and carrying on with his state visit to Türkiye as scheduled.

The clarification was issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, following public speculation over the President’s well-being during his visit to Ankara.

According to Dare, President Tinubu proceeded from the official welcome ceremony to a series of bilateral engagements with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other senior government officials.

“President Tinubu, after a stately welcome ceremony in Ankara, moved on to scheduled bilateral meetings with the President of Türkiye and other senior government officials,” Dare said in a statement.

The meetings are aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Türkiye, with discussions focused on key sectors including defence and security, trade and investment, energy, and broader economic cooperation.

The Presidency said the seamless continuation of the visit reflects the growing partnership between both countries and Nigeria’s renewed diplomatic engagement under President Tinubu.

Addressing questions over a brief incident involving the President, Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga explained that Tinubu merely lost his balance after stepping on a metal object.

“The President stepped on a metal on the floor, which caused him to lose his balance,” Onanuga said.

“It was not a big deal. It was a mere stumble, not a fall.”

He added that attempts to sensationalise the incident were misplaced, stressing that the President remains fit, healthy, and fully engaged in his official duties.

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Any FCTA Worker Refusing Court Order To Resume Will Be Made Scapegoat  — Wike


The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that any worker of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who fails to resume duty on Wednesday, January 28, will face disciplinary action.

Wike issued the warning on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Abuja, shortly after the National Industrial Court ordered FCTA workers to suspend their ongoing strike.

According to the minister, the government would enforce the court order strictly and would not tolerate any attempt to obstruct official activities.

“From tomorrow, if you do not come to work, we are going to apply the big stick,” Wike said. “If anyone attempts to block the gate, we will make that person a scapegoat. The law must take its place.”

The minister disclosed that his administration had engaged extensively with labour unions, noting that several of their grievances had already been addressed.

“We have met with the unions and all their grievances have been tabled,” he said, adding that security agencies and FCT management had made repeated efforts to resolve the issues through dialogue, without success.

Wike questioned the continued strike action, stating that the government had met 10 out of the 14 demands presented by the workers.

“If the workers made 14 demands and the government has addressed 10 of them, what then is the issue?” he asked.

FCTA workers commenced an indefinite strike last week, citing the authorities’ failure to address longstanding labour and welfare concerns.

The industrial action led to the shutdown of activities across major government offices in Abuja.

Following the strike, the FCT Administration instituted legal action against the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC).

On Tuesday, the National Industrial Court in Abuja ordered the workers to suspend the strike.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Emmanuel Subilim held that while the dispute qualified as a trade dispute, the workers’ right to industrial action was not absolute.

The court ruled that once a dispute has been referred to the National Industrial Court, any ongoing strike must cease pending the determination of the case.

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Tinubu’s Govt Nigeria’s Most Christian-Friendly Administration, Says Akpabio

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has described the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the most Christian-friendly government Nigeria has had since independence.

Akpabio made the assertion on Tuesday during a reception rally held at the Jos Polo Ground to formally welcome Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, the Senate President said the Tinubu administration has demonstrated fairness and inclusiveness in its dealings with Nigerians of different faiths.

“Let me place it on record that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is the most Christian-friendly administration since the creation of Nigeria,” Akpabio was quoted as saying.

“This is evident in his actions and deeds. He treats Christians and Muslims equally.”

Akpabio also commended Governor Mutfwang for what he described as successfully bringing Plateau State to the centre of national politics.

He assured residents of the state that the Federal Government would address insecurity and support the state government across key sectors.

“Mr Governor, I congratulate you for taking the people of Plateau to the centre of national politics,” he said.

“Let me assure you that insecurity will soon come to an end in Plateau. We will support your government in all sectors to improve the lives of your people. You will not be left alone.”

He added that Mutfwang’s defection had effectively brought all states in the North Central geopolitical zone into the ruling party, describing the development as significant.

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians, Akpabio said the Federal Government would continue to protect citizens regardless of religious affiliation.

“Government will do everything within its powers to safeguard Nigerians, and we will support President Tinubu through the approval of funds to shut down all IDP camps across the country,” he said.

In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang expressed appreciation to party leaders and supporters, particularly Senate President Akpabio, for their roles in organising the rally.

“Today’s movement is a landmark,” the governor said.

“It is a clear statement that the people of Plateau have come out in their thousands to publicly declare their support for the APC and to return President Tinubu to office in 2027. We are beginning a journey that our forefathers long expected—unity for peace and development.”

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Sowore Trial: Court Admits Reno Omokri’s Video Calling Tinubu A ‘Drug Lord’

Reno Omokri,

A Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted as evidence a video in which former presidential aide and ambassadorial nominee, Reno Omokri, described President Bola Tinubu as a “drug lord” in the ongoing cyberstalking trial of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

Justice Mohammed Umar admitted the video on Tuesday after dismissing objections from counsel to the Department of State Services, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN.

The court held that the defence complied with Section 84 of the Evidence Act governing the admissibility of electronically generated evidence.

The video was tendered during the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness, a DSS operative, Cyril Nosike, by Sowore’s counsel, Marshal Abubakar.

Sowore is facing a two-count charge under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, over social media posts allegedly referring to President Tinubu as a “criminal.”

The Federal Government, in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, claims the posts were false and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.

Sowore, who was arraigned on January 19, 2026, pleaded not guilty.

During proceedings, Abubakar questioned the DSS witness on whether the agency interviewed President Tinubu or obtained a personal statement from him regarding the alleged impact of the posts.

Nosike admitted that he did not take any statement from the President and did not know whether Tinubu was even aware of the posts in question.

The witness also confirmed that he neither recorded nor verified a video of the President speaking in Brazil, nor was he present when it was recorded.

The defence further tendered court orders issued on February 19, 2024, by Justice Emeka Nwite, directing the DSS to return three mobile phones seized from Sowore.

Although the prosecution objected, reserving arguments for final address, the documents were admitted as exhibits.

In addition, Abubakar tendered a flash drive containing multiple video clips of Reno Omokri, alongside a certificate of compliance.

The prosecution objected on the grounds that electronic evidence must be tendered by its maker, but the court overruled the objection and admitted the exhibits.

One of the videos, played in open court, showed Omokri during a 2023 interview on ARISE News claiming he possessed documents describing President Tinubu as a “drug lord.”

In the clip, Omokri said he travelled to Chicago, obtained certified court documents, and stood by his claims.

Another video featured Omokri stating that he would never work with President Tinubu.

Following the playback, Sowore’s counsel questioned the DSS witness on why Omokri was cleared for an ambassadorial appointment despite making such allegations publicly.

Nosike said he could not explain the decision.

The defence also pointed out that President Tinubu had publicly pledged to protect the rights of Nigerians to criticize or disagree with him, a claim the DSS witness said he was not aware of.

“I am not acting on the prompt of the President,” Nosike told the court.

“I am here based on the implication of the post.”

Justice Umar adjourned the matter to February 4, 2026, for continuation of cross-examination.
Sowore was re-arraigned on December 5, 2025, after the DSS filed an amended charge.

While Sowore, X Inc. (formerly Twitter), and Meta Platforms Inc. were listed as defendants in the original charge, the amended charge dropped X and Meta from the case.

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VIDEO: Panic As Tinubu Collapses During Official Reception In Türkiye

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday momentarily stumbled during a ceremonial reception held in his honour at the parade ground in Türkiye.

The incident occurred as the President joined the guard of honour during the march-past, briefly drawing attention before activities continued without interruption.

A video shared on X by Turkish digital news outlet, Nefes Gazetesi, captured the moment Tinubu was walking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan when he stumbled and went down.

He was immediately assisted by security personnel as the programme proceeded.

Tuesday’s reception began around 5:00 pm local time with the rendition of the national anthems of Nigeria and Türkiye, followed by a 21-gun salute in honour of the visiting President.

After the ceremonial formalities, both leaders retired to a closed-door bilateral meeting where discussions on strategic and diplomatic matters were expected to take place.

This marks Tinubu’s first official visit to the European nation and comes as a reciprocal gesture following President Erdoğan’s visit to Nigeria in October 2021 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The visit is aimed at strengthening existing diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Türkiye, while expanding cooperation in key sectors of mutual interest.

According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit will feature high-level political and diplomatic engagements, as well as the signing of memoranda of understanding covering areas such as scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media and communications, military collaboration, and protocol.

A Nigeria–Türkiye business forum is also scheduled on the sidelines of the visit to link investors from both countries and promote economic partnerships.

Senior government officials who received the President included the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd).

Watch the video:

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More Commissioners Resign From Gov Yusuf’s Cabinet 

Fresh cracks have emerged in the Kano State Executive Council as two more commissioners tendered their resignations from the cabinet of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umaru (retd), Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, formally resigned his appointment in a letter dated January 26, 2026, and addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government.

In the letter, the retired Air Force officer expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in him, recalling his initial appointment as Director-General of the Special Services Directorate in June 2023 before his elevation to commissioner.

Umaru explained that his decision to step aside was informed by recent political developments in the state, noting that it was taken in the best interest of the administration and Kano State at large.

“Following the recent turn of events, I believe it is in the best interest of the state and the administration that I step aside from this role,” he stated, adding that the decision was made after careful consideration.

He further said his service in government was guided by the ideals of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, led by former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, which he described as rooted in justice, discipline and service to the people.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Nasiru Sule Garo, also resigned his appointment on the same day.

In his resignation letter, Garo said the decision followed deep reflection, describing his time in office as an honour and a privilege.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust and support extended to me during my tenure. Serving the people of Kano State has been an honour, and I appreciate the opportunity to have contributed to the development of the state,” he said.

Garo added that he would ensure a smooth transition and make himself available for any necessary handover processes, while wishing the state continued progress and success.

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VIDEO: Onitsha Traders Protest Soludo’s One-Week Market Shutdown

Traders at the Onitsha Main Market have taken to the streets to protest the Anambra State Government’s decision to shut the market for one week over continued compliance with the sit-at-home order.
Videos circulating online show aggrieved

traders expressing frustration over the closure, which they say is worsening economic hardship and disrupting their means of livelihood.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo had ordered the shutdown after traders allegedly failed to resume business activities on Mondays despite repeated assurances of improved security in the state.

Below are the videos:

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National Grid Suffers Second Collapse In 2026, Power Supply Drops To Zero

Nigeria’s national electricity grid has collapsed for the second time in 2026, plunging the country into another round of widespread power outages.

Data obtained on Tuesday showed that power generation dropped from over 4,500 megawatts to zero, leaving all 11 electricity distribution companies without any allocation as of about 11:00 a.m.

This latest incident comes barely days after the grid’s first collapse this year and weeks after a similar failure recorded on December 29, 2025, raising renewed concerns over the stability of the nation’s power infrastructure.

Checks revealed that all 23 power generation plants connected to the national grid reportedly lost output during the incident, resulting in a total shutdown of electricity supply across the country.

While the exact cause of the collapse has yet to be established, experts have attributed repeated grid failures to technical faults, poor maintenance of transmission infrastructure, and fluctuations in generation capacity.

As of the time of filing this report, the Transmission Company of Nigeria had not issued an official statement explaining the cause of the latest collapse or the timeline for full restoration of supply.

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