Former Kano State governor and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is reportedly considering joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as opposition figures reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Local papers in Kano report that Kwankwaso is in discussions with ADC about forming an alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The talks come amid signs that much of Kwankwaso’s political structure in Kano is drifting towards the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and the move reportedly involves members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, his loyal supporters.

Negotiations are reportedly ongoing, even as Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf is expected to defect to APC, a move believed to have caused tension within the Kwankwasiyya camp.

According to him, “I know our party leaders are working on bringing Kwankwaso to join the ADC. We will be happy to welcome him.”

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Eight countries have been eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, tournament in Morocco ahead of the Round of 16 stage.

They are: Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Angola, Zambia and Comoros.
This comes after the conclusion of the AFCON final Group stage fixtures played on Wednesday night.

Recall that Angola failed to progress to the Round of 16 after the likes of Tanzania, Sudan, Mozambique and the Benin Republic qualified as the four best third-place teams ahead of them.
Meanwhile, the fixtures of the Round of 16 stage have already been confirmed.

The last-16 will take place this weekend as Senegal will face Sudan on Saturday evening, while Mali and Tunisia will clash on Saturday night.
AFCON host nation Morocco will tackle Tanzania on Sunday, and South Africa will face Cameroon, while Nigeria will clash with Mozambique on Monday.

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The Naira depreciated against the United States dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Tuesday ahead of the new year.

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s data showed that the naira weakened on Tuesday to N1,445.68 per dollar, down from N1,442.51 traded on Monday.
This means that the Naira dipped by N3.17 against the dollar on a day-to-day basis.

Meanwhile at the black market, the Naira remained at N1,475 per dollar on Tuesday, the same exchange rate recorded the previous day.

The mixed sentiment in the country’s foreign exchange market comes despite the continued rise in external reserves, which rose to $45.45 billion as of December 29, 2025.

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Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has named Victor Osimhen as the best striker in the world ahead of Nigeria’s next game in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

He talked about Osimhen’s mental strength and good performance during a press conference on Monday.
Chelle talked about how important Osimhen is to the team and what he expects from the forward during the tournament.

He said, “Once again, happy birthday to him. I wish him a lot of goals, especially for my striker, my favorite striker. For me, the best striker in the world.
“So, I think that he feels good. He’s focused. He is very focused, and I hope this Afcon will be a great tournament for him.”

Osimhen, who plays for Galatasaray, got his first goal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when Nigeria beat Tunisia 3–2.
The victory over the Carthage Eagles made sure the Super Eagles would move on to the next round of the competition.
The Super Eagles will now focus on their last group match against Uganda. The game is set for Tuesday.

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles will return to training tonight ahead of their final group game against the Cranes of Uganda at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The session will hold at the Sardienne Complex. It will start at 5pm local time.
The Super Eagles observed Sunday as rest day following Saturday’s thrilling 3-2 win over the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.

Head coach Éric Chelle is expected to rest some of his key stars including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi for the clash with Uganda.
It will be an opportunity for the fringe players to stake claim for a starting berth.

Tuesday’s encounter between Nigeria and Uganda will hold at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

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Arsenal have received fresh injury boost as Gabriel Jesus steps up recovery from the knee injury he suffered at the start of the year.

The 28-year-old underwent ACL surgery after getting injured in Arsenal’s FA Cup third round loss to Manchester United back in January.
Since Jesus’ surgery, the Gunners have moved in the summer market to add Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze.

Jesus is now set to make a return and bolster the attacking options.
On Sunday, he posted a video of himself back training on the grass on social media and wrote: “It’s been seven months of pain, uncertainty, and anxiety. Today, I finally feel light, like a child playing football again. GOD IS GREAT.”
This is more good news for Arsenal, as it has emerged that the injuries picked up by Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard against Leeds on Saturday, are not serious as first feared.

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The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke has emphasised the importance of the media in electoral processes, describing it as a fundamental pillar for success.

Dr Agboke also appealed to the media community in the state to use their platforms to address the rise of electoral malpractices, particularly vote buying and election violence.
He stated this during a visit by the management of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Osogbo to the INEC State office, Osogbo on Tuesday.

While emphasising that INEC utilises media for their various activities, he called for a leveraging of social responsibility collaboration for success.
He said, “I utilise media for my activities for without it, you’re doing nothing. Media is a fundamental pillar for us to achieve success in electoral activities.
“The social responsibility collaboration must be leveraged on for our success. We are the major beneficiaries. NTA was one of the pillars of our success during the 2023 general elections. This is the spirit of joint efforts.

“NTA being the largest network in Africa can never be joked and toyed with. The gesture won’t be taken for granted. We will continue to partner together.”
Agboke noted that preparations for major electoral exercises must be supported by robust public engagement through trusted media channels.
He commended NTA’s cooperation and role during the 2023 polls adding that, “NTA was one of the pillars of our success. The gesture won’t be taken for granted. We will continue to partner together.”

The REC reminded the NTA management of the commencement of Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, and the issuance of the notice of election for upcoming 2026 Osun gubernatorial polls.
The REC, who called on the media to discourage underage children and foreign nationals from attempting voter registration, advised eligible voters to register at the local government area nearest to their residence.
Responding, NTA Osogbo General Manager, Abdulrazaq Ajala said the visit was aimed at strengthening existing collaboration between the two agencies ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.

Ajala, who resumed as General Manager on 28 May 2025, reaffirmed NTA’s readiness to broadcast all INEC activities to the wider public. “NTA Osogbo under my leadership are with you. NTA and INEC are one, and we are ready for you,” he assured.
He urged that the NTA–INEC partnership be built upon, stressing that all INEC activities should be made known to the public to enhance transparency and voter education. “NTA Osogbo is ready and will key into the programme of INEC,” Ajala added.
 

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