The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Plateau’s defection confirms APC as truly national party — Shettima

    Plateau’s defection confirms APC as truly national party — Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday described Plateau State’s formal entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a powerful affirmation that the ruling party remains a truly national platform open to all Nigerians committed to unity, peace and inclusive development.

    Speaking at the grand reception of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and supporters at the Jos Polo Field, Shettima said the political realignment underscored the APC’s identity as the destination for all citizens who believe in a united future for the country.

    “Plateau is a reminder that what powers every nation is unity, not unity rooted in sameness, but unity anchored on shared purpose,” the Vice President said, adding that the state’s entry into the APC symbolised Nigeria’s shared destiny.

    He recalled Plateau State’s historic role in Nigeria’s survival and cohesion, paying tribute to former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, and other eminent sons and daughters of the state whose sacrifices, he noted, are woven into the fabric of the nation’s survival.

    According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “in him, Plateau gave Nigeria a leader whose strength lay in reconciliation. Nations survive not by conquest but by healing”.

    The Vice President conveyed assurances from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Governor Mutfwang would enjoy full standing and recognition within the APC, stressing that good governance is an asset to any political movement committed to national progress.

    Read Also: Presidency dismisses Tinubu’s stumble in Ankara as minor incident

    He described Governor Mutfwang as a unifying leader whose administration has begun to reposition Plateau State from conflict and stagnation towards peace and transformation, citing initiatives in peacebuilding, renewable energy deployment for primary healthcare centres, agricultural expansion, transport infrastructure revitalisation, and people-focused budgets in education, healthcare and youth empowerment.

    Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, commended APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda for leading Plateau State into the APC, describing the development as significant for the party’s consolidation in the North Central zone. 

    He assured Governor Mutfwang of victory in 2027 and said President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate leadership that is inclusive and Christian-friendly.

    Akpabio also prayed for the repose of the souls of victims of past crises in Plateau State, pledging that the National Assembly would appropriate funds for the return of displaced persons across the country.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the occasion as historic, noting that Plateau State was the last state in the North Central to join the APC. 

    He urged Governor Mutfwang to embrace reconciliation and provide inclusive leadership as the party leader in the state.

    On his part, Prof. Yilwatda said the governor’s entry into the APC was massive, revealing that candidates from several other political parties had also joined the ruling party. 

    He expressed confidence that Plateau State would overwhelmingly support President Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang in 2027.

    Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, described Governor Mutfwang as one of the best and brightest, assuring that Plateau State would witness renewed hope and prosperity under APC leadership.

    In a goodwill message, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule said the APC was now complete in the North Central region, pledging massive regional support for President Tinubu in 2027.

    Speaking on his decision to join the APC, Governor Mutfwang said Plateau State chose a path that would reposition it to fully support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. 

    He praised the President’s passion for national unity and progress, urging Nigerians to work together to steady the nation.

    The governor paid special tribute to Vice President Shettima, acknowledging his pivotal role in encouraging his defection to the ruling party.

  • Why national grid collapsed – NISO

    Why national grid collapsed – NISO

    The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) said the grid collapsed at 10:48 hours on Tuesday because a voltage disturbance originated from the Gombe Transmission Substation.

    The Nation reported there was a nationwide outage due to grid collapse.

    But the management of NISO in a statement titled: “Update on partial system disturbance on the national grid,” explained: “The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) wishes to state that at approximately 10:48 hours on January 27, 2026, the national grid experienced a voltage disturbance which originated from the Gombe Transmission Substation.”

    NISO further said the voltage disturbance rapidly propagated across the network, affecting Jebba, Kainji, and subsequently Ayede Transmission Substations. 

    The event, said the management, was accompanied by the tripping of some transmission lines and generating units, resulting in a partial system collapse.

    Read Also: Fubara never removed Tinubu’s portrait from Rivers Govt House, says Rivers govt

    The statement reads in part: “Appropriate corrective actions were immediately implemented to stabilise the system and restore normal operations. Restoration, which began at about 11:11am has since been completed.

    “The incident only affected part of the grid therefore not a total collapse as reported by some media organizations. Additional information can be obtained from our website: www.niso.org.ng.

    “The national grid has been fully restored and electricity supply across the affected areas has since returned to normal.”

    The Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) was in a distress state whren generation dipped to 39MW  from only Delta (Gas) plant at 11:00 hours, when The Nation visited the website of the NISO.

    The system crashed from the 3,825MW recorded at 10:00 hours.

    According to its Electricity Distribution Profile, the NISO sent a total of 195MW to only three energy distributors at 11:59 hours.

    The load was allocated as follows: Benin DisCo 65MW, Ibadan DisCo 50MW and Kaduna DisCo 40MW. 

    Eight DisCos were in total blackout as the recorded 0MW allocation.

    With this occurrence, the NESI has recorded the second grid collapse in 2026 after recovering from its January 23 experience.

  • Court remands NEDC’s Project Coordinator, one other over alleged N5b fraud

    Court remands NEDC’s Project Coordinator, one other over alleged N5b fraud

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the remand of the Project Coordinator of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Alhaji Danjuma Mohammed and Prince Chibuike Echem in Suleja prison in Niger State over alleged involvement in a N5billion contract fraud.

    Justice Keziah Ogbonna issued the order shortly after they where arraigned on a 55-count charge bordering on advance fee fraud, forgery and award of fake contracts.

    In the charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), it was alleged among others, that Mohammed, Echem and another person, Aminu Alhaji (said to be at large) defrauded the Managing Director of Diamond Leeds Ltd, Kenneth Ejiofor Ifekudu of N2.2billion between May 2022 and February 2024, under the pretence of awarding him contracts from the NEDC.

    They were also said to have, between January and December 2023, obtained another N649.5million from Ifekudu, using the bank account of Prince Echem under the claim that they have capacity to award to his company contracts from the Multi-sectoral Crisis Projects (MCRP), of the Northeast Development Commission.

    Read Also: Court remands NEDC’s project coordinator Mohammed, one other in prison over alleged N5b fraud

    They were equally accused of collecting another N573million from the same contractor through a Wema Bank account belonging to Echem on the same ground.

    The EFCC also accused them of obtaining under false pretenses a sum of $480,000 and $200,000 between January to December 2022, under the guise of awarding him contracts.

    Both defendants were further accused of issuing fake contract papers to Ifekudu in the name of NEDC and made him to part with various sums before they were arrested by operatives of the EFCC. 

    The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them, following which the prosecuting lawyer,  Olarenwaju Adeola applied for a date for the commencement of trial.

    He informed the court that he has assembled seven witnesses to testify against the defendants.

    The court did not hear the bail applications filed for the defendants by their lawyer, Chukwuka Obidike owing to opposition from Adeola.

    Adeola told the court that he was served with the bail applications in the evening of January 26 and that he only saw it in the courtroom on January 27.

    Adeola argued that bail applications were not ripe for hearing because he needed to file a response.

    Ruling, Justice Ogbonna upheld Adeola argument and held that the applications were not ripe for hearing.

    The judge then adjourned till March 25 for the hearing.

  • Moghalu quits Labour Party 

    Moghalu quits Labour Party 

    • From Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha 

    The Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2025 Anambra governorship election, Dr. George Moghalu has formally resigned from the party.

    The former Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) conveyed the decision in a letter dated January 26, 2026 to the party Chairman in his ward, Uruagu, Nnewi.

    Moghalu expressed profound appreciation to the party at the ward, state, and national levels for providing him the platform to contest the guber poll.

    Read Also: Fubara never removed Tinubu’s portrait from Rivers Govt House, says Rivers govt

    He also acknowledged support and cooperation he received from party leaders and members throughout the campaign period.

    The letter reads in part, “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. 

    “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.”

  • Super–sub Awoniyi ends goal drought in crucial  Forest’s win

    Super–sub Awoniyi ends goal drought in crucial  Forest’s win

    Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi marked his return to the score sheet as Nottingham Forest claimed a vital 2–0 away victory over Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium, boosting their hopes of Premier League survival.

    Awoniyi, introduced in the 68th  minute, wasted no time making his presence felt. Eleven minutes after coming on, the Nigerian forward capped a swift counterattack with a composed finish to seal the win and snap Brentford’s seven-game unbeaten home run.

    Forest had taken an early lead through Igor Jesus, who struck in the 12th  minute after Ola Aina’s clipped cross deflected kindly into his path. The Brazilian controlled expertly before rifling a right-footed volley into the far corner.

    With Forest pushing for a second goal in the latter stages, Awoniyi replaced Jesus and delivered the decisive moment, powering into the box before calmly beating Caoimhin Kelleher.

    Read Also: EPL: Aston Villa beat Newcastle 2-0 to keep title hopes alive

    Despite the win, Forest remain 17th  on the table with 25 points, though now five points clear of the relegation zone. Brentford stay eighth on 33 points after missing the chance to move into the top five.

    The goal was Awoniyi’s first of the season and his first since February 11, 2025, ending a long scoring drought.

    It was a superb run and finish, and wonderful moment for the Nigeria forward, who underwent emergency surgery and was placed in an induced coma following a serious abdominal injury in May when he collided with the post in a league draw with Leicester City.

    After a disappointing night for Forest in the Europa League on Thursday, with defeat at Braga meaning they require a play-off to reach the knockout phase, victory in London – and a third game unbeaten – provided some much-needed relief.

    Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest will host Hungarian club Ferencvaros in the Europa League on Thursday, 29 January, with their next league outing against Crystal Palace at the City Ground on Sunday, 1 February.

  • ITTF World Table Tennis Championships: Nigeria, Egypt, others know fate as draws hold today  

    ITTF World Table Tennis Championships: Nigeria, Egypt, others know fate as draws hold today  

    African table tennis giants Nigeria and Egypt are set to spearhead the continent’s campaign at the 2026 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships, which will unfold in London from April 28 to May 10.

    The official draws will take place at The Shard, London’s tallest building, today , January 26, setting the stage for a historic tournament.

    In the men’s category, 12 African teams will line up among the 64 nations competing for global supremacy. The women’s category will see 11 African teams join the 64-nation field, a milestone that coincides with the centenary anniversary of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).

    Of the 64 teams per gender, 52 qualified through continental championships, 11 earned their places via the world rankings of November 2025, while host nation England completes the roll call.

    Read Also: EPL: Chelsea defeat Palace 3-1 to maintain top-four charge

    Beyond Nigeria and Egypt, Africa’s representation in the men’s division includes Benin, Tunisia, Algeria, Togo, Madagascar, Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Angola. In the women’s division, the continent will be represented by Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Madagascar, Algeria, Tunisia, Uganda, South Africa, Angola, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo DR.

    A century after the inaugural ITTF World Table Tennis Championships were staged in England in 1926, the sport now returns to its birthplace for a landmark centenary celebration.

    The 2026 edition promises intensity and spectacle, with 64 men’s and 64 women’s teams competing across 13 days at two iconic London venues. The format will unfold in three stages as Stage 1B features group stages determining qualification pathways, followed by Stage 1A seeding matches for the top-ranked teams, before Stage 2 delivers knockout rounds showcasing the world’s finest teams in pursuit of global supremacy.

    The ITTF World Championships remain the pinnacle of table tennis—a stage where legends are forged, and history is written. The countdown has begun, the teams are assembling, and the world awaits as London 2026 prepares to host a celebration of sport unlike any other.

  • Chukwueze credits Silva for Fulham’s comeback win

    Chukwueze credits Silva for Fulham’s comeback win

    Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has revealed that a few simple words from Fulham manager Marco Silva sparked his match-winning impact in Fulham’s dramatic 2–1 comeback victory over Brighton at Craven Cottage.

    Fresh from international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, Chukwueze was introduced in the 59th minute with Fulham trailing to Yasin Ayari’s first-half opener.

    The substitution transformed the contest. Chukwueze’s pace and directness unsettled Brighton, and he drew Fulham level in the 72nd minute with a calm finish after a perfectly weighted pass from Joachim Andersen.

    Read Also: EPL: Aston Villa beat Newcastle 2-0 to keep title hopes alive

    Harry Wilson completed the turnaround deep into stoppage time, firing home the winner to send the home fans into raptures.

    After the match, Chukwueze credited Silva’s encouragement for his performance.

     “The manager told me to do what I can do best,” he said. “Everything worked out today.”

    The Nigerian also praised Andersen for the assist and hailed Wilson’s form, describing the Welshman as “in the form of his life.”

    Chukwueze has now recorded seven goal contributions—three goals and four assists—in 10 Premier League appearances since joining Fulham on loan from AC Milan.

  • Niger Delta Games can produce future Olympians, says Ebie  

    Niger Delta Games can produce future Olympians, says Ebie  

    Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has spoken of a future where talents discovered at the Niger Delta Games would be representing the country at international sporting events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and the All Africa Games.

    Ebie made a brief stop organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited for key persons involved in the organisation of the 2nd  Niger Delta Games and endorsed the idea of holding sessions to review and project forward plans for a successful Games.

    “The Board of the NDDC, we want to make the Games our legacy project, such that there will come a time in the future when we can have athletes from the Niger Delta Games representing Nigeria at international events such as the Olympics”, Ebie told the audience comprising of some members of the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee.

    Read Also: EPL: Chelsea defeat Palace 3-1 to maintain top-four charge

    Commending the leadership of Dunamis-Icon Limited, Ebie, who is a former Secretary to the Delta State Government, noted :”When you want to institutionalise an event such as the Games, you have to hold such reviews to ensure that gaps are closed.”.

    In his welcome address to the NDDC Chairman, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, KSM, the Managing Consultant at Dunamis-Icon explained that the retreat was the second to be organised to review the past Games in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and correct mistakes and improve on the performance.

    “We are working to connect the dots, ask ourselves hard questions and see how we will organise a richer Games”, Ikpokpo said.

    Also present at the event was the Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Hon Desmond Amadin Enabulele, who reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting the organisers to stage a memorable second edition.

    The 2nd  edition of the games will be held between  February 20 and 27 for the nine states that make up the region.

  • Goals galore as  Nathaniel Idowu U-14 Football League begins

    Goals galore as  Nathaniel Idowu U-14 Football League begins

    Ajegunle came alive over the weekend as the maiden edition of the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation U-14 Football League kicked off spectacularly at the Nathaniel Idowu Pitch, Oregie, Ajegunle-Apapa, Lagos.

    The opening day saw a flurry of goals, with 21 scored across six matches, setting the tone for what promises to be an electrifying competition.

    Organised by the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Sports Council with the support of the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, the tournament is designed to nurture grassroots football and provide a platform for young players to showcase their skills.

    The league will run for 11 weeks, featuring 12 teams from across Lagos State. At the end of the regular fixtures, the top four teams will advance to a round-robin Super 4, where the overall champion will be crowned.

    Read Also: EPL: Aston Villa beat Newcastle 2-0 to keep title hopes alive

    Fortune FC recorded the biggest win, thrashing Divinely Blessed FC 5–0; Michael May FC and Ajegunle United settled for a 1–1 draw; Pure Talents FC defeated Coal City FC 2–0; Bright Future FC edged Moree Wins FC 2–1; Strong Dove FC pummelled Best of Best FC 5–1; while Sharp Talent FC beat Young 11 FC 2–0, kick-starting their campaign on a bright note.

    Speaking at the launch, McAnthony Anuforo Anaelechukwu, Director-General of the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Sports Council, expressed confidence that the league would achieve its goal of discovering the next generation of football stars in the mould of Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, Odion Ighalo, and others.

    “Ajegunle is the home of sports and entertainment, and particularly football. We are poised to regain our place of pride as the true home of football through such youth-based grassroots initiatives,” Anaelechukwu declared.

    He further commended the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation for its support, noting: “We are grateful to the Foundation for providing state-of-the-art facilities across Ajegunle. We hope other organisations will take a cue from them by supporting grassroots football development.”

    Matches will be played on weekends, with enticing cash prizes awaiting the winners as champions get ₦500,000; ₦300,000 for runners-up; ₦200,000 for third place; ₦75,000 for fourth place, while ₦50,000 each for fifth and sixth place teams

    In addition to the boys’ competition, a 10-week football training programme for girls in secondary schools, tagged “Let Her Play”, will run from February 7 to April 11 at the New Maracana Stadium. Interested participants are expected to register through their schools.

  • Arsenal 2-3 Man United: Fans erupt at EPL Watch Party as Red Devils down Gunners

    Arsenal 2-3 Man United: Fans erupt at EPL Watch Party as Red Devils down Gunners

    The highly anticipated showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal ended in a captivating 2-3 win this evening, leaving both sets of fans breathless in a match defined by tactical nuance and individual brilliance.

     While the maximum points was given to the visitors, Manchester United, the real victory belonged to football fans across Nigeria, as MTN hosted a series of high-octane watch parties in major cities across the federation.

    The match began with Arsenal dominating possession, utilising their signature fluid movement to pin United back. The Gunners took an early lead through a clinical strike from their captain, but United showed immense resilience.

    Michael Carrick’s men exploited transitions with devastating pace, equalising just before the interval. The second half saw a more balanced affair; United took the lead via a thunderous long-range effort, only for Arsenal to claw back a late equaliser after which  Brazilian Matheus Cunha netted the winner for the Red Devils.

    Tactically, Arsenal’s inverted full-backs caused problems early on, but United’s midfield grit—anchored by a standout performance in the pivot eventually neutralised the threat. It was a classic “Super Sunday” encounter that lived up to the billing, showcasing why this remains one of the Premier League’s most storied rivalries.

    Read Also: EPL: Chelsea defeat Palace 3-1 to maintain top-four charge

    While the action unfolded on the pitch, MTN Nigeria ensured that the distance between West Africa and England felt non-existent. The telecommunications giant hosted vibrant football watch parties in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Abuja, and Ogun State, among others.

    At the flagship Lagos event, the atmosphere was electric. Giant LED screens, stadium-grade surround sound, and interactive fan zones transformed the venue into a mini-theatre of dreams.

    The passion was palpable as supporters donned their club colours to cheer on their respective teams.

    “The energy here in Abuja is incredible,” said Tunde Afolabi, a lifelong Manchester United supporter.

    “MTN has really outdone itself. I’m glad we grabbed the three points. Watching the game with fellow fans like this makes the win a memorable one and I can say the hospitality is top-notch.”

    In Port Harcourt, Chiamaka Okechukwu, an Arsenal fan, shared similar sentiments: “I’ve been to many screenings, but this MTN watch party is different. The clarity of the broadcast and the prizes we won during halftime made it a complete experience. Arsenal showed heart today, and being here in Owerri with my friends to see it was special.’’

    The nationwide activations are part of MTN’s ongoing commitment to football development and fan engagement in Nigeria. By decentralising these watch parties to states like Ogun, Owerri, Abuja, and other states.

    As the title race heats up, the synergy between top-flight football and local fan culture has never been stronger, thanks to immersive experiences that celebrate the beautiful game.