I was Never Tinubu’s Friend — El-Rufai

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  A former Kaduna State Governor and ex-Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed claims of a personal fallout with President Bola Tinubu, stating that he never had a personal relationship with the President in the first place. Speaking during an interview on Trust TV on Monday, El-Rufai said his support for Tinubu’s 2023 presidential bid was driven by party loyalty and political arrangements, not friendship. “I was never Tinubu’s friend. We never had a personal relationship like the one I had with General Buhari of blessed memory,” he said. The former governor explained that his involvement in Tinubu’s emergence as president followed consultations within the All Progressives Congress and broader political considerations ahead of the election. “I was approached by certain Islamic stakeholders from the southwest to support the emergence of a southwest Muslim presidential candidate. That is how the discussions started,” El-Rufai stated. He added that the zoning understanding within the APC after President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure made a southern presidency inevitable. “As governor of Kaduna and one of the founders of APC, I knew there was an understanding that after eight years of Buhari, power would return to the south. It wasn’t about Tinubu; he was merely an accidental beneficiary,” he said. El-Rufai noted that once Tinubu secured the party’s ticket, he committed himself to the campaign in line with his personal principles. “It is a principle of mine to fight for the candidate of my party in every election, whether I like the candidate or not. The fact that he emerged as the party’s candidate meant I would give everything to ensure he won.” However, he said fundamental disagreements surfaced after the election, rooted in differing philosophies of governance and public service. “We didn’t fall out; we didn’t find areas of agreement. I am in government to serve the public and deliver results, not to enrich myself or appoint cronies,” El-Rufai said. According to him, the governing approach of the current administration sharply contrasts with his own values. “The philosophy of this government is contrary to everything I’ve been taught as a Muslim, a northerner, and a Nigerian. They came to govern the cake, to enrich themselves. We are different people, parallel lines that will never meet,” he said. El-Rufai further disclosed that his decision to reject a ministerial appointment from President Tinubu was based on those same principles. “If I had accepted the ministerial position that was publicly offered to me, I would have resigned shortly after. Our fundamental philosophies of governance are worlds apart,” he added.

Why I Attended N’Assembly Protest with my Son — Amaechi

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  A former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has explained why he attended the “Occupy the National Assembly” protest alongside his son. Speaking with reporters on Tuesday in Abuja, Amaechi said he came with his son, who is a medical doctor, as a precaution in case the demonstration turned violent and participants sustained injuries. The former Rivers State governor also said his decision reflected his belief that leaders should be physically present during major protests and stand with the people, rather than watch from a distance. He called on Nigerians to rise up, urging opposition political parties to take to the streets to protest the Senate’s decision. Amaechi further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of opposing the electronic transmission of election results out of fear of losing elections. “I believe that the opposition parties should come out—PDP, ADC, everybody should be out—to protest against the attempt of one party,” he said. “If we come out and they say the opposition has hijacked the protest, what is the APC doing? Are they not hijacking? What are they afraid of? I thought they said they have 31 governors. Tinubu is not Jonathan. The only way a good politician will know he has done well is by the people,” Amaechi added. He added that opposition parties and civil society organisations would continue the protests, even if Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu look the other way. Amaechi also juxtaposed current living conditions with what obtained during the Muhammadu Buhari administration he served in. He said, “It is worse now than it was then. In Buhari’s time, at least, even though we were planning to remove the subsidy, we had better plans for citizens.” The former minister further alleged that corruption has spiked under Tinubu. Asked whether he believed Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election, Amaechi said: “Let’s wait and see”, adding that it would be impossible for the incumbent to win the poll. “The will of the people must prevail,” he said. The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Monday, joined the protesters, lending his voice to calls for electoral transparency and credibility. The protest comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding the amendment of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly over whether the Independent National Electoral Commission should be mandated to transmit results electronically in real time from polling units. While many Nigerians have called on lawmakers to make real-time electronic transmission compulsory, the Senate have argued that the provision should remain discretionary, citing logistical and infrastructural concerns. The Senate also issued explanations claiming it did not scrap electronic transmission entirely, while protesters insist that removing “real-time electronic transmission” creates loopholes that could be exploited.

Fire Guts 10 Shops in Ibadan

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  No fewer than 10 shops were completely destroyed by fire at the Iya Maryam Adebara Complex in the Ogunpa Market area of Ibadan on Monday night. The Chairman, Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Mr Moroof Akinwande, disclosed this in a statement made available on Tuesday in Ibadan. Akinwande said the agency’s personnel received a distress call about the fire incident via a telephone call from Baale Ogunpa, Alhaji Nurudeen Lawal, at exactly 8:11 pm on Monday. He said that firemen were promptly deployed to the scene and, upon arrival, found 10 shops out of several already engulfed in flames. “Our officers swiftly got into action and prevented the fire from spreading to other shops and nearby properties while the Federal Fire Service also joined hands with us to extinguish the fire,” he said. The chairman attributed the fire to a generator being fueled by one of the shop’s occupants. He also said no casualties were recorded and commended the police personnel from Iyaganku Police Headquarters for providing security.  

Ronaldo to Boycott Al-Nassr Match

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  Reports have emerged that Cristiano Ronaldo would not be featuring in today’s league match despite being fully fit. It was not the first time the five-time Ballon d’Or winner had taken such a stance. Ronaldo is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, but his illustrious career has also been marked by moments of controversy. The Portuguese forward, who will clock 41 by February 5, 2026, has never been shy about expressing frustration when situations at his clubs have not met his expectations. According to Planet Football on Monday, Ronaldo currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has once again found himself in the spotlight in February 2026. February 2026 – Al-Nassr Ronaldo will be left out of Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Riyadh today, a decision confirmed by reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Despite being available for selection, the forward did not feature amid growing dissatisfaction with the club’s direction. Planet Football said, “Sources close to the situation indicated that Ronaldo was unhappy with how Al-Nassr were being supported by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns a majority stake in the league’s four biggest clubs — Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad. Ronaldo reportedly believes that Al-Nassr have not been backed to the same extent as rivals Al-Hilal, who are leading the table and are close to signing Karim Benzema.” Still in pursuit of his first league title with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo is said to be frustrated by a quiet January transfer window and fears the championship may be slipping out of reach. While Al-Nassr are expected to cope without him against lower-ranked opposition, the move was widely interpreted as a clear message of protest. October 2022 – Manchester United Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United came to an abrupt end following a breakdown in his relationship with manager Erik ten Hag. Tensions reached a boiling point during a Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur, when Ronaldo refused to come on as a late substitute. Feeling disrespected, he left the bench before the final whistle, walking down the tunnel as the match was still in progress. The incident sparked widespread criticism and dominated headlines. Ronaldo later admitted he regretted his actions during a televised interview with Piers Morgan, though he maintained that he felt provoked by the manager’s decision. “I regret leaving the stadium,” Ronaldo said. “But at the same time, I felt provoked. It’s not acceptable for me to be put on for three minutes. I know what I can give to a team.” He played only two more league matches for United before his contract was terminated by mutual consent in November 2022. August 2021 – Juventus Ronaldo’s first refusal came as he pushed for a move away from Juventus in the summer of 2021. He asked not to be selected for the club’s opening home game of the season against Empoli, making clear his intention to leave. Juventus lost the match 1–0, and Ronaldo completed his return to Manchester United just days later. Then-manager Massimiliano Allegri confirmed Ronaldo’s stance, stating that the forward no longer wished to play for the club. Despite falling short of Champions League success, Ronaldo’s time in Turin was productive. He scored 101 goals in 134 appearances and won five trophies during his three seasons in Italy.

Police Call on NLC and TUC to Reschedule Planned Tuesday Protest in Abuja

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  The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to reschedule their planned protest billed for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, citing security concerns. On Sunday, the unions announced plans to hold a peaceful solidarity rally in Abuja on Tuesday, February 3. In a joint statement by the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, and the TUC Secretary General, N. A. Toro, the two labour unions said the peaceful rally will be staged at the Federal Capital Development Authority as a public demonstration of solidarity with affected workers. The NLC and TUC directed all affiliates and state councils in the Federal Capital Territory to ensure effective mobilisation and timely dissemination of the information to their members, adding that full participation in the lawful and peaceful action was expected. However, in a statement on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the Command said it was aware of the proposed peaceful protest and acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly. However, Adeh disclosed that intelligence reports available to the Command indicated plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes that could threaten public peace and security. The statement partly read, “The FCT Police Command is aware of a planned peaceful protest by the NLC FCT Council, scheduled to hold tomorrow, Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, within the Federal Capital Territory. “While the Command recognises and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, and remains committed to providing adequate security for all lawful activities, intelligence reports at the disposal of the Police indicate plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security.” Adeh added that the measure was also aimed at ensuring the safety of residents, protecting freedom of movement, and allowing the unhindered conduct of lawful daily activities within the Federal Capital Territory. She said, “In view of the above, and in the overriding interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command respectfully appeals to the organisers of the planned protest to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time. This measure is aimed at forestalling any breakdown of law and order, while also ensuring that the rights of other residents to safety, freedom of movement, and the conduct of lawful daily activities are not infringed upon. ” The PUNCH reports that the workers of the FCT administration commenced an indefinite strike on January 19 over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears and poor working conditions. In response, the FCT authorities approached the National Industrial Court, describing the industrial action as illegal and seeking an order to restrain the unions and their members from continuing the strike. The court, however, ordered the workers to resume work. The NLC and TUC subsequently accused the FCT authorities of intimidation and vowed to resist it.

2 Division Launches “Operation Igbo Danu” In Kwara, Destroys Terrorists’ Camps

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  Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 22 Armoured Brigade, under the 2 Division, have recorded significant operational successes following the launch of Operation “Igbo Danu”, a sustained forest-clearing offensive targeting terrorist elements in Kwara State. The coordinated operations according to a signed press statement made available to journalists on Friday conducted between 23 and 29 January 2026, were executed with massive support from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) within the Joint Operations Area (JOA). The offensive was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General Chinedu Nnebife, alongside the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume. According to military sources, troops carried out aggressive fighting patrols across several bandits’ enclaves, resulting in the neutralisation of a terrorist, while several others fled into surrounding forests with suspected gunshot wounds. The operation also led to the destruction of multiple hideouts and camps, effectively dislodging the criminals from their strongholds. In a related operation, troops successfully cleared Garin Dandi, a notorious bandits’ enclave in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, leading to the destruction of logistics bases and disruption of the bandits’ supply networks. The troops further advanced into remote camps previously inaccessible to security forces, where several abandoned camps and logistics enablers were destroyed, significantly degrading the terrorists’ sustainment capabilities. Despite the difficult and restrictive terrain, troops maintained an aggressive posture across the forested areas, denying the criminals freedom of movement. Blocking positions were established along escape routes, resulting in the arrest of suspected bandits. The operations also led to the rescue of several kidnap victims from different camps across the state. Observations from the operations revealed that the bandits receive support from collaborators within nearby communities, who provide intelligence on troop movements, enabling early withdrawal from targeted locations. The successes recorded, the Army said, underscore the resolve and operational effectiveness of 2 Division in degrading terrorist elements and restoring security in Kwara State. The GOC, Major General Nnebife, has urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely intelligence on bandits and their collaborators to support ongoing operations. He assured that Operation Igbo Danu remains ongoing, with troops determined to decisively dismantle all terrorist networks operating within Kwara State.

Ukraine Receives 1,000 Bodies from Russia in Latest Exchange

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  Kyiv said on Thursday that it had received from Russia 1,000 remains of people that Moscow said were Ukrainian soldiers killed fighting the Kremlin’s army. The exchange of prisoners of war and the remains of killed soldiers is one of the few remaining areas of cooperation between Kyiv and Moscow, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022. “Today, repatriation measures took place, under which 1,000 bodies of the deceased, which the Russian side claims belong to Ukrainian defenders, were returned to Ukraine,” Kyiv’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said in a statement on social media. Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky confirmed an exchange had taken place, writing on Telegram that the Russian side had received the remains of 38 killed Russian soldiers. Medinsky said the exchange was made possible as part of agreements struck between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul earlier last year. Tens of thousands of soldiers have been killed on both sides since Russia invaded, though neither side regularly publishes data on their own casualties.   AFP

No Shots Fired at Anti-Demolition Protesters – Lagos CP

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  The Lagos State Police Command has denied claims that its officers shot at residents protesting the demolition of their homes, insisting no gun was fired during Wednesday’s demonstration. Protesters from communities including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode-Onirin and Oko Baba marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly, demanding proper relocation plans, compensation, and justice for residents who reportedly lost their lives during past demolition exercises. Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “A megacity cannot be built on the bones and blood of the poor” and “Justice for Owode-Onirin traders,” the protesters demanded compensation, relocation plans, and justice for past demolitions. PUNCH Online reports that tensions escalated at the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa when demonstrators were denied entry. According to the report, several people, including journalists and a nursing mother, were affected by tear gas fired to disperse the crowd. One protester sustained a leg injury. A photograph showing an injured protester being assisted to the hospital circulated widely on social media, sparking claims that the individual was shot. Responding to the reports, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Olohundare, told Channels Television on Thursday, “No gun was fired. I was there. I was appealing to them to remain peaceful, but they continued to hurl abuses at me. As a police officer, I am trained to work under this kind of pressure, so I did not react.” He added that the police sought to resolve the situation peacefully. “We spoke with the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who promptly — despite being in recess — sent five honourable members to appeal to them. Still, it fell on deaf ears because their aim was to enter the House of Assembly and cause mayhem, which we will not allow.” He also dismissed reports of bullet wounds reportedly sustained by one of the protesters. He said the case was reported to the area commander, who inspected the injury and determined that it was not caused by a bullet. Jimoh said the injury could have occurred while protesters were fleeing from teargas. Teargas was used to disperse the crowd, and some injuries were reported. The police chief explained, “When teargas is fired, people run to leave the scene. It is during that process that some may sustain injuries. To our records, nobody reported a gunshot injury to us during the operation after they had been warned that force would be used if they refused to disperse.”

Kano Emirship Tussle to be Resolved Soon– Commissioner 

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  The Kano State Government has assured residents of the state that the lingering emirate tussle in the state would soon be resolved. The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, gave the assurance on Thursday while addressing newsmen in Kano, saying concrete steps have already been taken to restore lasting peace and stability. He said the administration of Governor Yusuf remains committed to dialogue with all stakeholders, stressing that the emirate matter will not be allowed to continue generating tension or undermining governance in the state. “The Kano emirship tussle will soon be resolved amicably because the state government is committed to dialogue with stakeholders,” Waiya said. He explained that the government’s approach is guided by respect for the rule of law, traditional institutions, and the collective interest of the people of Kano State. Recall that Muhammadu Sañusi II was reinstated as the 16th Emir of Kano in May 2024 following the removal of the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, after Yusuf signed the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024. The law repealed the Kano State Emirates Council Law of 2019 and dissolved the emirate councils created under the previous administration. Speaking on the recent defection of Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress, the commissioner described the move as one that would bring significant benefits to Kano State. According to him, closer alignment with the Federal Government would attract more interventions, projects, and development initiatives in key sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, and social welfare. “The defection opens more doors for Kano. With stronger collaboration with the Federal Government, residents should expect more dividends of democracy,” Waiya said. On the political future of the deputy governor, who has not defected alongside the governor, Waiya said the decision remains a personal choice. He emphasised that the state government remains focused on governance, unity, and development, urging residents to remain calm and supportive as efforts continue to resolve outstanding issues and move Kano forward. The commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transparency, peace, and inclusive governance, assuring that the interests of the Kano people will always remain paramount.  

Heavy Gunfire Erupts Near Niger Capital’s Airport

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A burst of heavy gunfire and explosions erupted early on Thursday near the international airport in Niger’s capital Niamey before halting within hours, residents told AFP. Videos filmed by residents of the area showed streaks of light in the sky with the sound of loud explosions, while other images showed flames several metres high and charred cars. The capital’s Diori Hamani International Airport houses an air force base and is located about 10 kilometres (six miles) from the presidential palace. Niger, a country hit regularly by jihadist attacks, has been led for more than two years by Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of a junta that overthrew the country’s elected civilian president in 2023. The shooting began shortly after midnight, according to residents of a neighbourhood near the airport. Calm returned two hours later, they told AFP. It was not immediately clear what had caused the gunfire and whether there were any casualties. The sound of sirens from fire trucks heading towards the airport could also be heard in the early hours of the morning, according to local residents. An online activist who supports the military rule, Ibrahim Bana, posted a video on Facebook in which he called on people to turn out on the streets of the capital to “defend the country.” The country’s largest international airport is also the headquarters of a joint force created by Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali to combat jihadist groups waging deadly violence in the region. Since taking over the country, Niger’s military leadership has forced out French and US forces who had been helping to combat the jihadists. Niger and its neighbours, also led by military juntas, have teamed up to create their own confederation, the Alliance of Sahel States, and have announced the creation of a 5,000-strong force for joint military operations. According to ACLED, an NGO that tracks conflict casualties globally, jihadist violence killed nearly 2,000 people in 2025 in Niger. A huge uranium shipment with an unknown buyer, which left the country’s north in late November, has also been stuck at the airport for weeks.

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