His decision came after he resigned from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) last Friday.
This was contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Sunday.
The statement recalled that Governor Yusuf first joined the APC in 2014 when he won the party’s primary election for the Kano Central Senatorial seat, a position he later conceded to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
It noted that after years of political engagement across different platforms, including his most recent stint in the NNPP, prevailing realities of governance, national cohesion, and development necessitated his return to the APC, which he described as a familiar and structured platform for progressive governance.
Governor Yusuf stated that rejoining the APC would further strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, accelerate infrastructural development, enhance security coordination, and improve service delivery across Kano State.
He added that the decision would also consolidate political stability and unity in the state.
On Monday, 26 January 2026, the governor will formally register as a member of the APC in Kano alongside 22 members of the State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and the 44 local government chairmen.
Yusuf is also expected to officially launch the APC e-registration exercise in the state.
The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has suspended all forms of revenue collection in its name with immediate effect, pending institutional reforms and the harmonisation of its governance structures.
The resolution was part of key decisions unanimously adopted at the NCAN Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Stakeholders’ Forum held in Abuja.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the association also condemned what it described as increasing foreign encroachment across Nigeria’s cashew value chain, warning that such practices undermine local farmers, processors, exporters, and the country’s economic interests.
In a communiqué signed by the NCAN Secretariat, with Mr. Olarotimi Ayeka listed as Secretary and Mr. Ademola Bamidele Adesokan as President, NCAN rejected calls for a ban on cashew nut exports, stressing that it would instead engage government authorities to promote value addition, improved seeding, respect for contract agreements by foreign buyers, and stronger support for cashew farmers.
On policy direction, the AGM expressly opposed any proposal for an outright ban on the export of Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN), noting that such a move could disrupt livelihoods.
The association said any policy intervention must strike a balance between value addition, farmer welfare, export competitiveness, and national interest.
In a major leadership shake-up, the AGM dissolved the Ojo Ajanaku–led administration, citing loss of confidence and legitimacy.
Members and stakeholders present at the meeting endorsed and ratified Mr. Ademola Bamidele Adesokan as the new President of NCAN. The association said an official gazetted communiqué reflecting the leadership transition would be issued before the end of the week.
The AGM further resolved to undertake a comprehensive review and amendment of the NCAN constitution to reflect current industry realities.
The planned amendments include provisions to ensure that only bona fide cashew stakeholders can become president, prevent any president from exceeding constitutionally defined tenure, and establish a clear, transparent, and enforceable leadership succession framework.
As part of its immediate directives, NCAN ordered all revenue agents and representatives nationwide to cease revenue collection activities on behalf of the association.
It warned that any individual or group that defies the directive would be reported and treated as acting illegally.
The communiqué also disclosed that all state police commands have been formally notified of the resolutions through the Office of the Inspector-General of Police.
A kidnapped victim, Haruna Lawal, who was abducted at Olorunda village via Oyo, has been rescued by operatives of the Oyo State Command of the Nigerian Police.
The victim, who was abducted alongside his motorcycle to an unknown location, was rescued after his sister, Alimot, made a distress call to the Police to alert them of the invasion of the residence by suspected kidnappers who were said to be armed with dangerous weapons.
Confirming the rescue in a statement, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Oyo State Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the prompt response and aggressive bush-combing operation by the police exerted pressure on the suspects.
He explained that, as police operatives advanced into the area with patrol vans and sirens, the kidnappers, realizing that security forces were closing in on them, abandoned the victim and fled, adding that the kidnapped victim was consequently rescued alive.
Ayanlade said, “We wish to inform the general public of the successful rescue of a kidnapped victim following the swift and coordinated response of police operatives, reflecting the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.
“On 24th January, 2026, at about 0210 hours, the Command received a distress call from Alimot (female) of Ojongbodu Area, Oyo State, reporting that suspected kidnappers armed with dangerous weapons had invaded her brother’s residence.
“During the invasion, the assailants abducted Haruna Lawal (male) of Olorunda Village via Oyo and escaped with his motorcycle to an unknown location.
“Upon receipt of the report and acting on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, operatives of the Command immediately swung into action and deployed to the area. The prompt response and aggressive bush-combing operation exerted pressure on the suspects.
“As police operatives advanced into the area with patrol vans and sirens, the kidnappers, realizing that security forces were closing in on them, abandoned the victim and fled. The kidnapped victim was consequently rescued alive.
“The victim sustained a head injury during the ordeal and was promptly conveyed to the General Hospital, Oyo, where he is currently receiving appropriate medical attention.
“The swift rescue, achieved within hours of the abduction, underscores the professionalism, vigilance, and dedication of the Oyo State Police Command in responding decisively to threats against public safety.”
He, however, assured that efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, while the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Niger State Government has approved the reopening of 2,451 public and private primary and secondary schools for the second phase of academic resumption, effective Monday, January 26, 2026.
This is coming two weeks after the state government reopened schools in some local government areas after closing down the schools in November following the abduction of students of St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri in Agwara local government area of the state.
This directive follows a comprehensive security assessment by relevant agencies and was announced in a statement released Saturday, January 24, 2026, by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
The reopening approval covers schools across 24 of the state’s 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs), as the Ministry noted that schools in Paikoro Local Government Area remain closed, as security assessments in the area are still ongoing.
A list of cleared schools for Paikoro will be released at a later date.
According to the circular signed by the Director of Schools and Educational Services, Hassan Mohammed, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, the resumption applies strictly to the schools listed in the “Phase Two” schedule.
The approved list details a total of 2,451 schools cleared for resumption.
The breakdown of the schools includes 478 schools in Chanchaga, Suleja has 363 schools, Bida has 226 schools, Bosso has 215 schools, Kontagora has 172 schools, Borgu has 124 schools, Mokwa has 101 schools, Lapai has 87 schools, Lavun has 84 schools, Shiroro has 77 schools, Agaie has 71 schools, and Gurara has 71 schools.
Others include 56 schools in Katcha, 52 schools in Tafa, 49 schools in Gbako, 45 schools in Rafi, 37 schools in Munya, 31 schools in Mashegu, 24 schools in Wushishi, 23 schools in Edati, 19 schools in Agwara, 19 schools in Magama, 14 schools in Mariga, and 13 schools in Rijau.
The Ministry advised parents and guardians to check the approved list to confirm their children’s schools are among those cleared, emphasizing that the decision prioritizes the safety of students and staff, as security agencies have been directed to ensure a safe learning environment as academic activities resume.
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Saturday arrested two suspected members of a band of sea pirates in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State, as they were fine-tuning plans to hijack a crude oil-laden vessel in the Gulf of Guinea, The Nation gathered on Sunday.
The men, identified as Geoffrey Atizara, 38, from Aleibiri in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, and Divine Kelechi Unueze, 42, from Nekede in Owerri, Imo State, were nabbed at a hotel on Tenacious Street in the Edepie area of Yenagoa, according to security sources.
According to a reliable security source, preliminary intelligence, corroborated by the suspects’ confessional statements, revealed that the men, along with other band members, were plotting to seize a vessel, abduct its crew, and steal its cargo.
According to the source, Unueze was the financier of the operation, while Atizara was tasked with recruiting additional pirates.
“The duo have admitted to being part of a high-profile criminal network operating in the South East and South South parts of Nigeria, mainly profiting from sea piracy and kidnapping,” the source offered.
“Given the sophistication and the resources at the disposal of this pirate band, this arrest has disrupted what could have been a major threat to maritime security in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea region,” one of the sources declared.
Another source disclosed that the DSS, in concert with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies, has intensified intelligence-driven operations to curb maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Recent successes,” the source disclosed, “include the interception of several pirate speedboats and the rescue of crew members from hijacked vessels off the coasts of Bayelsa and Delta States.”
The arrest of the two suspected sea pirates in Bayelsa state marks additional successes by security agencies in the region, he added.
Recall that barely a week ago, the DSS, in separate joint operations with sister security agencies and forest guards, rescued some abducted pastors and other individuals in Kaduna and Borno States.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Dr. Akinola Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa, has congratulated the government and people of Ondo State as the state marks its historic 50th anniversary.
In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, Dr. Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of the state created in 1976, and commended their visionary contributions to building a solid foundation for economic growth, infrastructure development, and social progress.
He emphasized the remarkable achievements recorded since the state’s inception, spanning military and democratic eras, particularly from 1999 to the present day.
“From its creation in 1976 through to the current democratic dispensation, Ondo State has recorded tremendous progress in both physical and human development achievements that fill every indigene with pride and deep gratitude to Almighty God,” he stated.
The APC stalwart pointed to key milestones, including the construction of roads linking communities across the state, the establishment of essential social infrastructure to meet citizens’ needs, and the steadfast preservation of unity amid diversity.
“Through these decades, we have built roads to connect our communities, established vital social infrastructure to serve our people, and most importantly, upheld our rich diversity with pride while safeguarding our unity against all challenges,” he added.
Dr. Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa underlined the collective role played by every segment of society in the state’s journey
“I congratulate all indigenes of Ondo State men and women, young and old, rural and urban for the individual and collective contributions each has made to this remarkable progress.
”He recognized the efforts of past and present leaders, including all former governors and the incumbent, Governor Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for their dedication to advancing the state’s development agenda.
Dr. Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa says a brighter future awaits the state.
“As we look ahead to this next stage of our march of progress, i urge the good people of Ondo State to uphold the ideals of mutual love, peace, tolerance, and determination, which are preconditions for a modernised state”, the statement reads
Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has revealed in a preliminary assessment that chemical materials stored at an industrial facility were responsible for a major fire at a warehouse in Badagry, Lagos.
The fire, which broke out at about 7:25 p.m., on Saturday evening, occurred at a warehouse used for chemical blending and storage within a larger industrial cluster.
LASEMA said the inferno spread rapidly, engulfing an estimated 15,000 square metres of the facility.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA disclosed that the intensity of the fire was heightened by the nature of the materials stored at the site.
“The affected facility is a warehouse and chemical blending and storage site. The fire rapidly spread across an estimated 15,000sqm, involving stored chemical materials. The intensity of the incident led to intermittent explosions for several hours,” the statement said.
The explosions, according to the agency, caused widespread panic and posed a significant threat to nearby facilities and residents in the surrounding community.
LASEMA said the fire was eventually contained through a coordinated emergency response involving its Response Unit, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Fire Service, and private fire assets provided by Veepee.
Damping-down operations have since commenced, with emergency responders maintaining a presence at the scene to prevent re-ignition and protect adjoining facilities.
The agency explained that firefighting operations were carried out from multiple access points. While the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service led suppression efforts from the main entrance, LASEMA Fire teams provided support from the rear of the facility.
LASEMA also acknowledged the assistance of beverage company Lacasera, which supplied water to sustain firefighting operations.
Preliminary assessments by emergency responders identified several risk factors that may have contributed to the scale and severity of the fire.
“These include a high volume of volatile chemical storage within a confined space, inadequate ventilation within the warehouse facility, and insufficient emergency preparedness measures to manage a fire of this magnitude,” LASEMA said.
The agency noted that investigations were ongoing to determine the immediate cause of the fire outbreak.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has returned 2,950 plots of land to individuals whose buildings were demolished and land seized at Oke-Oromo Community in Ikpoba-Okha local government area.
Former Governor Godwin Obaseki had demolished the affected buildings for the purpose of establishing the Coral City.
Governor Okpebholo had promised to look into the issue and ensured the victims got justice shortly after he was elected.
The Edo Governor, in fulfilment of his promise, has begun issuing allocation letters to eligible property owners for the return of 2,950 plots to genuine owners.
Commissioner for Land and Housing Hon.Yakubu Musa, who spoke in Benin City at the weekend, said hopes of the victims of Oke-Oroma Community demolition have been restored.
The Commissioner said relevant documents were verified before issuing allocation letters to eligible property owners marking the commencement of reclaiming back their land.
He said the Ministry earlier authenticated true owners of properties in the community.
According to him, “Based on the approval of Gov Okpebholo to return the land seized by the previous administration at Oke-Oroma to developers, and property owners. We commenced a one week exercise to authenticate true owners of the land and return the same.
“We have commenced giving out the offer letters as we have about 1,550 beneficiaries that will be given letters to cover 2,950 plots of land.
“While distributing offer letters to beneficiaries, surveyors have started working on the land to physically demarcate the plots while bulldozers are already cleaning the plots and by next week plots will be given back to the genuine owners.
“We commended the governor for showing that governance has a human face. Gov Okpebholo has brought joy to the hearts of the people of Oke-Oroma Community who thought they had lost all their investments. He promised during the campaign that he would return the land to genuine owners and that process has already commenced. This exercise has shown that governor Okpebholo truly loves Edo people as he ensured justice is served for the people of the community.”
One of the victims, Adebayo Benjamin Ogenelkheme, thanked Governor Okpebholo for restoring their hope, and keeping the promises made during his campaign to the area.
“I am here at the Ministry of land and Housing regarding our landed property forcefully taken by the previous administration. We are here to go through the process of reclaiming our land. The process is very smooth and orderly despite the large numbers of people here.
“I want to thank the governor who is a promise keeper, he said he will do it and today he has done it, I have received my allocation letter. I have lost hope of getting back my land after the land was taken. I thought all hope was lost but Gov Okpebholo restored that hope.”
Suspected gunmen at the weekend abducted four residents working at a site located in the Eleyewo area of Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The victims identified as Adesola Emiloye (45), Jimoh Akinlolu (35), Ebenezer Oloro (43), and another individual whose identity is yet to be ascertained, were ambushed and attacked while on duty at the site.
DSP Jimoh Abayomi, spokesman for the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed this in a statement released to journalists in Akure on Sunday.
Abayomi said the kidnapping incident occurred around 9:45 a.m., and the police received a distress call at the Control Room alerting the command of the abduction case.
“Upon receipt of the report, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Teams were immediately deployed to the scene,” he stated in the copy of the statement.
DSP Abayomi further explained that the prompt response of the police tactical team led to the successful rescue of two of the abducted victims, as well as the recovery of their motorcycles.
He added that the remaining two victims reportedly escaped into the bush during the operation.
According to him, concerted efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Reiterating the command’s commitment to public safety, DSP Abayomi stated that the state has never been and will never be a safe haven for criminal elements.
He stressed that those involved in criminal activities in the state would be identified, tracked, and brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, has applauded the effective inter-agency collaboration between the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state.
CP Lawal said the relationship between the two security agencies had significantly enhanced crime prevention efforts in the state.
He also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his leadership and ongoing strategic policing reforms, which he said have improved intelligence sharing and operational efficiency nationwide.
The police boss, however, urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and detection.
The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has proclaimed that Iwereland is on the brink of a positive transformation, declaring that God is in the process of rewriting the story of the Warri Kingdom.
The monarch made the declaration on Sunday during the Annual Thanksgiving Service of Warri Kingdom held at the Palace Chapel in Ajamimogha, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Accompanied by the queen consort, chiefs, and other dignitaries as he presented his special thanksgiving offering, the traditional ruler expressed deep gratitude to God for the blessings bestowed upon the kingdom.
“Blessed is Iwere, who trusts in the Lord, for Iwere shall be like a tree planted by the waters,” he said. “God is about to rewrite the Iwere story. The Lord is going to make our story beautiful. Because it is the Lord rewriting our story, it will not come with pride or arrogance, but with grace and humility.”
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, assured the kingdom of increased development under the state administration.
Ashibogwu commended the monarch’s spirit of appreciation, recalling his public show of gratitude when he rode a royal scooter along the Trans-Warri–Ode Itsekiri Road in acknowledgment of the state government’s infrastructural efforts.
He also praised the Olu of Warri for his support and contributions to the Delta State Security Trust Fund, describing his leadership as exemplary and impactful.
“You rode a royal scooter where you congratulated the state government for the Trans-Warri/Ode Itsekiri road. Our governor appreciates you for many things, your contribution to peace and development. You shone like a thousand stars with your contributions to the security fund of the state.
“You know the governor belongs to you and you belong to him. You do know that 19 bridges and critical access roads have been completed. Let us also get the multimillion naira electrification scheme in communities done. Many more are coming,” he said.
The governor further urged the monarch and the people of Warri Kingdom to support continuity in governance, noting that it would guarantee more development.
“We want you to translate this appreciation in the next election. It is in continuity, we can deliver more dividends of democracy. I am not campaigning. God will grant you grace in all you do,” he added.
Earlier delivering the sermon, Bishop Bawo Atone of the Itsekiri Christian Assembly, while reading from Romans 9 verses 15–16, harped on God’s mercy on mankind, just as he noted that the mercy of God had been sustaining the kingdom.
The service culminated in an intensive prayer session led by Pastors Chris Akpere, Timothy Ayomike and Emily Adorokanren, who prayed respectively for the Olu of Warri, Warri Kingdom, Delta State and Nigeria at large.
The first day of the event featured intense praise and worship by guest artistes, including the Iwere Praise Choir, Joy Praiz Band, Taiwo Atikpekpe, among others.
The ceremony was graced by commissioners, lawmakers among other dignitaries and sons and daughters of Itsekiri nation.
