ATIKU WON’T STEP ASIDE FOR OBI IN 2027 – DELE MOMODU.

Former presidential candidate and media entrepreneur Dele Momodu has dismissed speculation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar might withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favour of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
Atiku, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in the 2023 presidential election, formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in November 2025—a move widely viewed as positioning himself to clinch the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 polls.
Peter Obi, who came third in the 2023 election behind Atiku and eventual winner President Bola Tinubu, also defected from the Labour Party to the ADC last week. His move has been interpreted by analysts as part of a broader opposition realignment aimed at mounting a strong challenge to Tinubu’s expected re-election bid.
The defections fueled speculation that Obi might agree to serve as Atiku’s running mate, a notion openly ridiculed by figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. However, prominent Obi supporters such as political economist Pat Utomi and activist Aisha Yesufu have warned they would withdraw their support if Obi accepted a vice-presidential role.
Momodu also rejected rumours that Atiku could step aside for Obi based on an alleged agreement for Obi to serve a single four-year term before handing over power in 2031. Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Momodu said Atiku had no reason to abandon his presidential ambition.
“Many people have asked me to advise former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to voluntarily withdraw from the 2027 race,” Momodu said. “When I ask why, they say he is too old—not that he is less healthy than President Bola Tinubu.
“Out of unsubstantiated malice and prejudice, Tinubu can and should contest, but Atiku can’t and shouldn’t contest.”
He argued that efforts to undermine Atiku’s ambition have become a recurring media narrative, stressing that the former vice president’s experience and track record distinguish him from many of his contemporaries.

LASG LAUNCHES FREE HEALTHCARE OUTREACH PROGRAM.

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Oluwakemi Ogunyemi, has officially launched an eight-day free healthcare outreach sponsored by Chief Razak Okoya, Chairman of Eleganza Group of Companies, as part of activities marking his 86th birthday.
The outreach, which is expected to reach hundreds of residents daily, is being coordinated with technical support from Lagos State Health District III to ensure all medical services adhere to approved clinical standards and align with the state’s people-centred healthcare agenda.
At the flag-off ceremony, Dr. Ogunyemi praised Okoya for demonstrating how philanthropy can be effectively integrated with government initiatives to achieve tangible health outcomes. She reiterated the state government’s commitment to sustaining impactful public–private partnerships that expand access to quality healthcare and encourage early detection of diseases.
Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, described the initiative as a timely intervention that complements government efforts.
“This initiative goes beyond celebration; it is a practical example of how private sector support can strengthen public healthcare delivery and save lives,” Adeleke said.
The outreach is designed to provide comprehensive medical screenings and treatment, beginning with checks for blood pressure and blood sugar, Hepatitis B testing, and urinalysis, followed by consultations with doctors and referrals when necessary.
Key services offered include HIV testing and counselling in collaboration with the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, dental care, eye screenings with free corrective glasses, breast and cervical cancer screenings, general medical consultations, health education, and follow-up care referrals within government health facilities.
Adeleke also commended Chief Okoya for providing ₦10,000 cash support to beneficiaries of the outreach, further enhancing the initiative’s impact on the community.

POLICE DISMANTLE CHILD TRAFFICKING RING IN ANAMBRA, RESCUE 33 UNDERAGE GIRLS.

The Anambra State Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking syndicate operating from a residential compound in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, rescuing at least 33 underage girls.
The operation followed an ongoing investigation into cases of kidnapping, abduction, missing children, and child trafficking. This was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to Ikenga, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, carried out the raid on January 7, 2026, leading to the arrest of one suspect and the rescue of the victims. Among those rescued were three girls abducted from Ebonyi State on September 26, 2025, who had been missing until they were recently sighted at a location along Emma Pigin Road, Aguleri.
The three abducted children were identified as Divine Mbam (14), Nwagu Favour (15), and Oke Blessing (18).
The statement noted that a 37-year-old woman, identified as Ifeoma Success Anthony, was arrested during the operation. Preliminary investigations revealed that the building was allegedly being used for child trafficking and prostitution. The property is said to belong to one Mrs Ngozi Nnanyelugo, 45, who is currently on the run.
Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the principal suspect, while investigations continue to uncover the full scope of the operation and identify other accomplices. Further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
The Anambra State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives, particularly those of vulnerable children, and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support ongoing investigations.
The development comes months after the police, in October 2025, rescued a newborn baby in Ifite-Awkuzu following the arrest of four suspects linked to child trafficking. That operation, also carried out by the Rapid Response Squad based on credible intelligence, led to the rescue of a one-week-old baby girl and the arrest of four female suspects in connection with conspiracy and child trafficking.

HOSPITAL CLOSED AFTER SUSPECTED LASSA FEVER CLAIMS FOUR LIVES IN NASARAWA.

At least four people, including two pregnant women, have reportedly died from suspected Lassa fever cases in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Investigations on Wednesday showed that the outbreak prompted the closure of the General Hospital in Awe, while health workers at the facility, including the Medical Superintendent, were placed under isolation as a precautionary measure.
The Disease Surveillance Officer in the area, Ahmad Abdullahi, said alarm was raised when a woman was rushed to a health facility in Awe with symptoms suggestive of Lassa fever but died before receiving treatment. He added that her husband later died after exhibiting similar symptoms.
Abdullahi identified poor handling of suspected cases as a major challenge in containing the outbreak, noting that some patients referred to Lafia for isolation allegedly escaped.
“None of the disease surveillance officers across the 13 local government areas of Nasarawa State has been provided with motorcycles, which is hampering rapid response, especially in hard-to-reach areas,” he said.
He further disclosed that although the state government deployed an ambulance to transport six suspected cases to Lafia for isolation, the individuals reportedly absconded before their laboratory results were released.
A nurse at the General Hospital, Awe, Ovey Polycarp, also appealed for the urgent supply of personal protective equipment for health workers to prevent further spread of the disease.
The two pregnant women were brought to the hospital around the same time with symptoms similar to malaria, but their conditions worsened into bleeding and haemorrhage, leading to their deaths,” she said. “We are living in fear because we lack protective gear to handle the situation.”
Responding to the reports, the Director of Public Health at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, Dr Peter Attah, said only one case had been laboratory-confirmed in Awe LGA, noting that the patient died before the test result was received.
Meanwhile, fumigation exercises are ongoing at the General Hospital in Awe to curb the spread of the disease to nearby communities.

BELLINGHAM IDENTIFIES FOUR REAL MADRID PLAYERS WHO MUST RAISE THEIR GAME.

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has highlighted four players who must rise to the occasion in Kylian Mbappé’s absence.
Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s Supercopa de España clash with Atletico Madrid on Thursday, Bellingham noted that Mbappé missed the trip to Saudi Arabia due to a knee injury. He stressed that he, along with Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Gonzalo García, will need to shoulder greater responsibility.
“It’s down to players like myself, Vini, Rodrygo, and Gonzalo to step up in the absence of Kylian’s huge influence,” Bellingham told Madrid Xtra. “We have to contribute not just with goals, but with our overall play. If we do that, there will be plenty of scoring opportunities for everyone.”
Mbappé has been Real Madrid’s standout performer this season, netting 29 goals and providing 3 assists in 24 appearances.

FORMER LEEDS UNITED AND TOTTENHAM MIDFIELDER TERRY YORATH DIES AT 75


Terry Yorath, the former Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, has died at the age of 75 following a brief illness.
His family announced the passing on Thursday, paying tribute to him: “To most, he was a revered footballing hero, but to us, he was Dad—a quiet, kind, and gentle man. Our hearts are broken, but we take comfort in knowing he is reunited with our brother, Daniel.”
Yorath made a significant impact during his nine-year spell with Leeds United in the 1960s and 70s, making nearly 200 appearances and playing a pivotal role in the club’s 1974 First Division title triumph. He also made history as the first Welsh player to feature in a European Cup final in 1975.
On the international stage, Yorath earned 59 caps for Wales and later contributed to the national team as a coach, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Welsh and British football.

AFCON 2025: ALGERIA’S KEY MIDFIELDER DOUBTFUL AHEAD OF CLASH WITH NIGERIA’S SUPER EAGLES

Algeria’s midfielder Ismaël Bennacer is a doubt for the Desert Foxes’ quarter-final clash against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, DAILY POST reports.
Bennacer was forced off in the second half of Algeria’s Round of 16 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday and now faces a race against time to recover ahead of the showdown.
The 28-year-old is a key figure for Algeria, and his potential absence would be a major setback for coach Vladimir Petković’s side. Bennacer was also named Player of the Tournament at AFCON 2019.
The quarter-final clash between Algeria and Nigeria is scheduled to take place at Marrakesh Stadium on Saturday.

CHINA’S TOP DIPLOMAT MEETS ETHIOPIAN PRIME MINISTER, PLEDGES STRONGER BILATERAL COOPERATION

China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday, pledging to deepen cooperation in areas including infrastructure, green industries, and the digital economy.
During his annual New Year tour of Africa, Wang emphasized China’s readiness to align development strategies with Ethiopia to strengthen their “all-weather strategic partnership” and take it to new heights.

GHANA’S FORMER FINANCE MINISTER KEN OFORI-ATTA DETAINED BY US IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES.

Ghana’s former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been detained by US authorities, his lawyer confirmed on Wednesday.
Ofori-Atta, who is in the United States for medical treatment, is wanted in Ghana on allegations of corruption. He was declared a fugitive in February and formally charged in November 2025.
His detention stems from issues regarding his current immigration status in the US, according to his lawyer, who added that the matter is expected to be resolved quickly.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) database shows that Ofori-Atta is being held at a facility in Virginia.
Ofori-Atta, 66, served as Ghana’s finance minister from 2017 to 2024 under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, during which time he managed controversial tax reforms and negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.
CHINA’S TOP DIPLOMAT MEETS ETHIOPIAN PRIME MINISTER, PLEDGES STRONGER BILATERAL COOPERATION
China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday, pledging to deepen cooperation in areas including infrastructure, green industries, and the digital economy.
During his annual New Year tour of Africa, Wang emphasized China’s readiness to align development strategies with Ethiopia to strengthen their “all-weather strategic partnership” and take it to new heights.

SPORTS
AFCON 2025: ALGERIA’S KEY MIDFIELDER DOUBTFUL AHEAD OF CLASH WITH NIGERIA’S SUPER EAGLES
Algeria’s midfielder Ismaël Bennacer is a doubt for the Desert Foxes’ quarter-final clash against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, DAILY POST reports.
Bennacer was forced off in the second half of Algeria’s Round of 16 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday and now faces a race against time to recover ahead of the showdown.
The 28-year-old is a key figure for Algeria, and his potential absence would be a major setback for coach Vladimir Petković’s side. Bennacer was also named Player of the Tournament at AFCON 2019.
The quarter-final clash between Algeria and Nigeria is scheduled to take place at Marrakesh Stadium on Saturday.

SENEGAL’S 2025 OIL PRODUCTION SURPASSES FORECASTS, HITTING 36.1 MILLION BARRELS

Senegal’s oil production for 2025 hit 36.1 million barrels, significantly surpassing earlier projections, the Ministry of Energy, Oil and Mines has reported.
Initial forecasts for the year had estimated output at 30.53 million barrels, which was later revised upward to 34.7 million barrels in June. Authorities credited the higher-than-expected production to “the good response of the reservoirs, proper maintenance of the wells, and strong operational performance.”
The country’s oil comes from the Sangomar offshore oil and gas field, located about 100 kilometres off the coast of Dakar and operated by Australian firm Woodside Energy since 2024.
According to the Ministry, three shipments of crude oil from Sangomar were exported in December 2025, totaling 2.94 million barrels on the international market.
Senegal also exceeded expectations in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, achieving record output in December 2025 with exports of 0.5 million cubic metres that month.