The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Davido announces 2026 expansion of 5ive tour

    Davido announces 2026 expansion of 5ive tour

    Award-winning singer Davido has extended his 5ive Alive World Tour into 2026, adding a series of high-profile dates across Africa, Europe, and North America to promote his fifth studio album, 5IVE.

    The announcement, shared via his official social media channels, has generated widespread excitement among fans, with tickets already on sale for most shows.

    The new phase begins with a major East African stop in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 7, 2026, at Lugalo Golf Club.

    This performance marks a significant return to the region, where Davido maintains one of his most dedicated fanbases.

    Read Also: Why I barely go to clubs again – Davido

    It is followed by another continental appearance in Lusaka, Zambia, on May 2, 2026, at the Showgrounds Polo Field, further emphasising his commitment to African audiences amid his growing international profile.

    The European leg forms an intensive two-week run across seven cities from late March to early April:

    March 25, 2026 — Vienna, Austria (Raiffeisen Halle) 

    March 27, 2026 — Zürich, Switzerland (The Hall) 

    March 28, 2026 — Rotterdam, Netherlands 

    March 31, 2026 — Brussels, Belgium 

    April 2, 2026 — Stockholm, Sweden 

    April 3, 2026 — Copenhagen, Denmark 

    April 5, 2026 — Barcelona, Spain

    Davido will also make history as the sole Afrobeats act at Coachella 2026, performing on April 11 and 18 in Indio, California, alongside top acts like Justin Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter, marking a major milestone for the genre’s global recognition.

  • 4,500 PDP, NNPP members defect to APC in Jigawa

    4,500 PDP, NNPP members defect to APC in Jigawa

    No fewer than 4,500 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State, attributing their decision to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s 12-Point Development Agenda.

    The mass defection was formalized during a mini-ceremony held at the Manpower Development Institute (MDI), Dutse, led by APC chieftain and philanthropist, Alhaji Adamu Alhassan Indallahi.

    Speaking on behalf of the decampees, former NNPP stalwart and ex-chairmanship candidate of Miga Local Government, Engr. Balarabe Umar, said the move was motivated by what he described as the visionary, people-centered leadership of President Tinubu at the national level and Governor Namadi in Jigawa State.

    Umar noted that the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the 12-point agenda has begun delivering tangible socio-economic benefits, improving livelihoods, creating opportunities for youths, and repositioning governance for inclusive growth in the state.

    “Our resolve is anchored on the visible impact of these policies on the lives of Nigerians and Jigawa people in particular. The direction is clear, and the results are evident,” Umar said.

    He pledged the loyalty of the new APC members to the party and vowed to work tirelessly for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Namadi in the 2027 general elections.

    “I assure the APC leadership of our total commitment. We will work round the clock to ensure the return of President Tinubu and Governor Namadi for a second term in 2027,” he added.

    Earlier, Chairman of the Tinubu/Danmodi Automatic Ticket group, Alhaji Adamu Alhassan Indallahi, formally announced the figure of the defectors during the distribution of empowerment materials to beneficiaries at the same venue on Thursday.

    Indallahi said the initiative was part of sustained efforts to support the re-election bid of President Tinubu and Governor Namadi, noting that their administrations have demonstrated an uncommon commitment to youth empowerment, economic recovery, and social development.

    “We are convinced by the sincerity and focus of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umar Namadi in improving the lives of youths and women through impactful projects and policies. That is why we formed the Tinubu/Danmodi Automatic Ticket group to mobilise support for their second term,” he said.

    He disclosed that beneficiaries of the empowerment programme included orphans under the Tinubu/Danmodi Automatic Ticket Charity Foundation, youth groups, APC media teams, flag bearers, women groups, and Usman Bin Affan Islamiyya School in Harbo SA area of Jahun Local Government.

    “As you can see, cheques amounting to N30 million were distributed. Some individuals and groups received N2 million, while N6 million was allocated to the Islamiyya School as part of our empowerment drive,” Indallahi explained.

    Governor Umar Namadi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Basic Education, Alhaji Yunusa Lawan Danzomo, commended Indallahi for the initiative, describing it as a practical demonstration of support for good governance. He urged other political stakeholders to emulate the gesture.

    In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Ambassador Salisu Seeker, lauded the empowerment programme, saying it would contribute significantly to tackling unemployment, poverty, and insecurity in the state.

    He noted that no fewer than 1,200 youths, orphans, and Islamiyya school beneficiaries had so far benefited from the scheme, urging recipients to utilise the support judiciously while reaffirming his loyalty and support to Governor Namadi’s administration.

  • ADC crisis deepens in Imo as Amuchie faction moves to recover N200m fund

    ADC crisis deepens in Imo as Amuchie faction moves to recover N200m fund

    The internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Imo State has intensified, with the faction led by Chief Emmanuel Amuchie vowing to reclaim the N200 million allegedly raised by the Professor James Okoroma-led executive committee.

    Speaking to journalists at the MCC Road party secretariat in Owerri on Friday, Amuchie insisted that his faction represents the legitimate leadership of the party, recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He accused the Okoroma-led group of impersonation and of attempting to mislead the public.

    Read Also: 2027: ADC can’t match APC, Wike not a problem, says Yilwatda

    The Okoroma leadership claims to have raised over N200 million during a stakeholders’ meeting in Owerri to support party operations, with endorsements from former governors Achike Udenwa and Emeka Ihedioha.

    Amuchie’s faction, however, rejected these claims, maintaining that Okoroma’s group lacks INEC recognition and that their actions amount to illegal impersonation.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Amuchie-led State Executive Committee is the only leadership duly recognized and formally communicated to INEC in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2022, and INEC’s established guidelines on the recognition of political party executives,” Amuchie said.

    He added, “The claims being advanced by the Okoroma-led group have no constitutional foundation, lack the approval of the ADC National Working Committee, and enjoy no recognition whatsoever from INEC. Their actions, therefore, amount to impersonation and a calculated attempt to mislead the public, party members, and relevant institutions.”

    Amuchie urged the national leadership to intervene in the crisis, emphasizing their commitment to providing credible leadership and a viable political alternative for the people of Imo State.

  • Delta police arrest suspected cultist, rescue four kidnap victims, recover firearm

    Delta police arrest suspected cultist, rescue four kidnap victims, recover firearm

    The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant operational breakthroughs in two separate operations, reinforcing its determination to combat violent crime and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.

    The Command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, revealed in a statement on Thursday that on February 2, 2026, five armed men suspected to be kidnappers blocked the Ewu–Ajekuta Road and forcibly abducted four occupants of a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

    Edafe said upon receiving the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Otu-Jeremi Division, swiftly mobilised operatives.

    He said operatives, working in synergy with sister security agencies and vigilante members of the Ewu community, launched an intensive pursuit of the suspects.

    He said the operation led to the successful rescue of all four victims, who were immediately taken to a hospital for medical attention.

    Two expended 7.5mm ammunition were recovered at the scene, he stated.

    The spokesman said a comprehensive bush-combing operation and manhunt were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

    Edafe also revealed that in a separate intelligence-led operation on February 3, 2026, operatives of the Ibusa Division raided a suspected cult meeting at Anioma Garden, Ugboli Quarters, Ibusa.

    He stated that during the raid, one suspect, Michael Ayauze, was arrested, noting that a preliminary investigation identified him as a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.

    He indicated that a search of the suspect led to the recovery of one English Beretta pistol, one live round of ammunition, and assorted charms.

    He said other members of the gang fled on sighting the Police, stressing that efforts had been intensified to track down and arrest the remaining suspects.

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Aina Adesola, has reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance for kidnapping, cultism, and other violent crimes. He urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information through the appropriate channels.

  • DSS, Oyo NUJ pledge joint action against misinformation

    DSS, Oyo NUJ pledge joint action against misinformation

    The Department of State Services (DSS) in Oyo State has reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to address security challenges and curb the activities of fifth columnists.

    The State Director of DSS, Mr. Rasheed Adelakun, made this known when the executives of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, led by its Chairman, Mr. Akeem Abas, paid a courtesy visit to the state headquarters of the service in Ibadan.

    Adelakun described the media as a critical partner in national security, stressing that effective information management and responsible reportage were essential to sustaining peace and stability.

    He expressed concern over the increasing activities of fifth columnists, warning that their actions pose grave dangers to national security and peaceful coexistence.

    Read Also: DSS arraigns Malami, son on charges of terrorism, illegal possession of firearms

    According to him, the spread of misinformation and unverified reports could be exploited by such elements to undermine public confidence and social cohesion.

    Adelakun, therefore, urged journalists to uphold professionalism and ethical standards in the discharge of their duties in the interest of national development.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Oyo NUJ Chairman, Mr. Akeem Abas, had assured the DSS of the union’s readiness to sustain collaboration with security agencies to promote peace, security, and unity in Oyo State and across the country.

    Abas added that the NUJ would continue to sensitise its members on the importance of responsible journalism, fact-checking, and adherence to ethical standards, noting that accurate and timely information remains a vital tool in supporting security agencies and strengthening national cohesion.

  • NCC, NDPC sign MoU on protection and privacy of citizens’ data in telecom sector

    NCC, NDPC sign MoU on protection and privacy of citizens’ data in telecom sector

    The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the protection of citizens’ data in the telecommunications industry.

    The MoU was signed at the headquarters of the NCC by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Wada Maida, and the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji.

    Speaking at the event, Dr Olatunji stressed the significance of data safety, data security, and governance in the present digital age, saying the collaboration between the NDPC and NCC was aimed at adding value to the services rendered by both institutions.

    He said the partnership would strengthen their commitment towards delivering efficient and effective services to Nigerians, as data protection has become a cornerstone of digital governance worldwide.

    Olatunji noted that the telecommunications sector, which is one of the largest ICT sectors with significant contributions to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), became the first point of call for the NDPC for collaboration and positive engagements for the good of the country.

    “In Nigeria, the rapid expansion of telecommunications and digital services has created both opportunities and risks.

    “The NCC, as the regulator of telecoms, and the NDPC, as the authority on data protection, share overlapping responsibilities in ensuring that citizens’ personal information is secure.

    “To avoid potential conflicts in the mandates of the two Commissions as enshrined in their respective Acts, and pursuant to their statutory responsibilities, both NCC and NDPC recognize the importance of streamlining the regulatory process to avoid overlaps in their respective mandates and ensure clarity in the regulation of data in the communications sector,” Dr Olatunji said.

    He said the MoU on data protection was necessary to strengthen consumer privacy, align regulatory mandates, and safeguard Nigeria’s digital economy, particularly in the telecommunications sector.

    In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, expressed delight over the collaboration, saying that the MoU between the two agencies would provide a structured framework for collaboration.

    Dr Maida, who highlighted the steps taken by the leadership of the NCC to ensure regulatory compliance by stakeholders in the telecommunications sector, described the MoU as a significant step that would strengthen collaboration between the two institutions.

    The EVC urged Nigerians to know their data rights in order to guard against exploitation, emphasising that data protection was key to the future and sovereignty of Nigeria.

    “This is why data protection is very, very important for the future and sovereignty of this nation.

    “Somebody is monetising your data. But it is going to get to a point where you, too, should also have your rights to either say, yes, you can use it, or no, you cannot use it.

    “You are laying the foundations whereby people have a right to govern their own data. Because in the future, I believe we are going to be moving away from labour unions to data unions.

    He said foundations being laid today would prepare individuals for the future, adding that people need to know that they have data, they need to be aware of the data they are generating, and they need to know their rights around that data.

    “If they do not know it, somebody will monetise it. So when they say you are using the platform for free, it’s not really free,” the EVC said.

  • Wike dismisses claims of compromising the Judiciary

    Wike dismisses claims of compromising the Judiciary

    • …inspects judicial projects in FCT

    The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday dismissed claims that ongoing judicial infrastructure projects in Abuja could compromise the independence of the judiciary.

    Wike spoke after inspecting several judicial projects in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

    The projects inspected include the Court of Appeal complex, Judges’ Quarters and heads of courts of Appeal.

    The projects, which he said are presidential interventions to the third arm of government to ensure its independence, are being executed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) through the supervision of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

    Wike insisted that the intervention is solely aimed at improving welfare, security, and efficiency within the third arm of government.

    He added, “There is nothing you would do that critics will not criticize. Before now, people complained that judges had nowhere to stay to do their work effectively. Now that the government is providing accommodation, they say it is an attempt to buy them. How many people can you buy?

    He stressed that no democracy can function without a strong and independent judiciary, noting that providing decent accommodation and a secure environment for judges does not in any way undermine their constitutional independence.

    “You can’t talk about democracy without talking about the judiciary. You also can’t expect them to perform efficiently when they don’t have befitting places to stay. Even when funds are released to the judiciary, it is still the executive that provides those funds,” Wike stated.

    The minister explained that the projects followed a clear directive by President Bola Tinubu shortly after his inauguration in May 2023, mandating the Administration to reduce the accommodation burden on judges and improve their welfare.

    According to him, one of the key projects, a Court of Appeal division with a separate administrative headquarters, is already between 85 and 90 per cent completed.

    Read Also: 2027 election won’t stall infrastructure projects in FCT – Wike

    “We were there this morning and saw that the work is almost finished. That directive was very clear, and we are glad that it is being faithfully implemented,” he said.

    He disclosed that the FCT Administration is also constructing 40 residential houses for judges, 20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal, and 10 for the Federal High Court with plans underway to commence similar housing for the National Industrial Court.

    Wike further revealed that official residences, referred to as “Houses of Courts,” are being built for heads of courts, including the President of the Court of Appeal, the President of the National Industrial Court, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, and the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court.

    “We believe that by June or July, with the speed of work we are seeing, these projects will be handed over for Mr. President to formally present to the judiciary,” he said.

    Wike described the development as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.

    Addressing concerns over delays in completing the Court of Appeal complex, Wike attributed the setback to last year’s unusually heavy rainfall but assured that the project is now nearing completion and would be commissioned during President Tinubu’s third year in office.

    He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, reiterating the commitment of the Tinubu administration to strengthening the judiciary as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s democratic system.

  • Borno swears in six new High Court Judges, deepens judicial reforms

    Borno swears in six new High Court Judges, deepens judicial reforms

    The Borno State Government on Thursday swore in six newly appointed High Court Judges, as it reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the rule of law and accelerating reforms aimed at improving justice delivery in the state.

    The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Acting Governor’s Conference Hall, Government House, Maiduguri, was presided over by the Acting Governor, Hon. (Dr) Umar Usman Kadafur, who described the exercise as a strategic institutional intervention to enhance efficiency, transparency, and public confidence in the judiciary.

    Kadafur said the state had prioritised the modernisation of judicial processes through the adoption of digital platforms, including electronic filing, electronic case management systems, and access to digital legal resources, to reduce delays and eliminate administrative bottlenecks.

    “Our vision is to build a judiciary that is responsive to contemporary realities and aligned with global best practices, where justice is dispensed fairly, promptly, and without undue hindrance,” the Acting Governor said.

    He charged the newly sworn-in judges to uphold integrity, impartiality, and professionalism, while actively supporting the digitisation and modernisation agenda of the state judiciary.

    In his remarks, the Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zannah, congratulated the new judges and urged them to see their appointments as a call to higher responsibility and service to society.

    Justice Zannah emphasised that the judiciary remained the last hope of the common man, stressing that judges must dispense justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will.

    He also called on the judges to embrace ongoing judicial reforms, particularly the deployment of digital tools, noting that technology had become indispensable in improving efficiency, transparency, and access to justice.

    Read Also: NBA threatens boycott of Enugu CJ’s court over delay in Bright Ngene’s appeal

    The Chief Judge further assured the state government and the public of the judiciary’s commitment to upholding ethical standards, strengthening institutional discipline, and ensuring speedy dispensation of justice.

    The Acting Governor assured that the state government would continue to provide the necessary infrastructure, training, and institutional support required to sustain judicial reforms.

    The ceremony was attended by top government officials, senior judicial officers, and members of the legal profession

  • NAF, Enugu partnership a model for effective sub-national security collaboration – CAS

    NAF, Enugu partnership a model for effective sub-national security collaboration – CAS

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has described the partnership between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Enugu State Government as “a model of subnational cooperation in national security.”

    Air Marshal Aneke said this during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, at Government House, Enugu, on Thursday, as part of a two-day operational visit to the Nigerian Air Force Ground Training Command (GTC) and other units in the state.

    In a statement by the NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS commended the governor for sustained support to NAF personnel and infrastructure, particularly accommodation development and improvements to essential utilities.

    He outlined the NAF’s long-term welfare and sustainability vision, emphasizing initiatives that integrate housing, agriculture, and operational resilience.

    The NAF Chief noted that collaboration on resettlement housing and agro-allied programmes would enhance personnel wellbeing while contributing to economic activity within the State.

    Air Marshal Aneke assured that the NAF would continue intelligence-driven cooperation with sister security agencies to sustain peace in Enugu and across the South-East.

    He said, “Ground training is the engine room of airpower. When our technical and support personnel are properly trained and motivated, our operational aircraft can deliver decisive results.

    “I deeply appreciate the Enugu State Government’s commitment to strengthening our capacity to protect lives and critical assets.”

    Governor Mbah emphasized that security and development are inseparable priorities of the state government, and commended the professionalism and stabilizing role of Air Force personnel in the SouthEast region.

    He assured the CAS that the state government would continue to collaborate with the NAF in facilitating the security of Enugu and the country at large.

    The governor also assured that the state government is ready to allocate land for resettlement homes for NAF personnel, as well as for NAF farms and agro-allied services. 

  • Disenfranchisement of election workers causes low voter turnout, says Yilwatda

    Disenfranchisement of election workers causes low voter turnout, says Yilwatda

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s electoral process, identifying the disenfranchisement of election-day workers as a largely overlooked factor contributing to low voter turnout.

    Yilwatda made the remarks during a meeting of chairmen and secretaries of political parties with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

    According to a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC chairman said thousands of Nigerians who are legally eligible to vote are unable to do so on Election Day because of the roles they play in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections.

    He listed those affected to include INEC ad-hoc staff, security personnel, civil society observers, medical workers, journalists, and other essential support staff deployed for election duties.

    Yilwatda argued that despite their inability to vote being a result of national service, these citizens are often wrongly counted among those blamed for voter apathy.

    He said the situation calls for urgent policy review, particularly on the long-standing debate around early voting, stressing that a democratic system should not exclude citizens from the ballot because they are serving the country.

    Responding, the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), said that while early voting had been considered, it raised significant operational and cultural challenges.

    Read Also: 2027: ADC can’t match APC, Wike not a problem, says Yilwatda

    He noted that by the time he assumed office, work on the Electoral Bill had largely been concluded, adding that early voting remained one reform capable of addressing the voting needs of election-day workers.

    However, the INEC Chairman cautioned against a system where votes are cast early and “warehoused” for counting after the general election. Such an arrangement, he warned, could expose the process to abuse, manipulation, and loss of public trust, with fears that “huge votes could suddenly appear from somewhere.”

    At the heart of the matter, he said, is Nigeria’s electoral culture. Nigerians, he observed, are deeply invested in real-time voting and counting, wanting to see results as they emerge. Until the country builds a culture and system that enjoys absolute public confidence and is seen as incorruptible, adopting early voting may remain difficult.

    The INEC Chairman also highlighted the heavy financial implications of conducting elections in a single day nationwide. He explained that doing so would require the Commission to almost double its electoral materials since the current staggered process allows for the reuse of some equipment.

    A one-day election, he said, would significantly increase the cost of elections and place enormous pressure on resources.