News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports suggesting a possible replacement of Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a press statement issued and signed by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, CON in Abuja on January 26, 2026, the ruling party said it had observed increasing media attention around what it described as unfounded claims concerning the vice president’s position on the party’s future presidential ticket.

The APC noted that while the reports initially appeared subtle, they later escalated with the mention of specific individuals alleged to be under consideration as replacements for Vice President Shettima.

Reacting to the development, the party stated that “the stories are purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.”

The APC warned media organisations against providing platforms for what it called rumour merchants and unreliable sources, urging journalists to exercise caution and responsibility in their reporting. According to the party, such narratives were designed only to create tension and confusion within the political space.

The statement further reminded the public that political activities remain restricted under existing laws and electoral guidelines. It stressed that the party’s current priority is governance, with full support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima as they pursue the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The APC said its focus remains on policies and reforms aimed at economic transformation, national prosperity, and improved living standards for Nigerians.

The party also advised ministers, senior government officials, and party leaders to avoid comments or actions that could fuel unnecessary speculation. It urged them to concentrate on effective service delivery and to strengthen public confidence in the achievements of the Tinubu-led administration.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Colleagues of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, have paid tribute to him following his death during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.

Pretti, a U.S. citizen and registered nurse known for caring for critically ill veterans, was shot by federal immigration agents on January 24 on the city’s south side. His death has sparked public outrage and renewed debate over the conduct of federal law enforcement during immigration operations.

Over the weekend, hospital staff held informal tributes in his honour. A video that circulated widely on social media, posted on Monday by the account @Pamphlets, showed a staff member standing beside the body of a deceased veteran draped in the American flag, while delivering a formal final salute. The footage has drawn attention as colleagues recalled Pretti’s dedication to his patients.

Authorities said Pretti was taken to hospital with multiple gunshot wounds, where he was later pronounced dead. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the sequence of events. Federal officials initially said the shooting occurred in self-defence, alleging that Pretti approached agents with a handgun.

That version of events has been rejected by Pretti’s family, eyewitnesses, and video recordings captured by bystanders.

In a statement, his parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, expressed grief and anger over their son’s death and criticised what they described as false official accounts.

“We are heartbroken but also very angry,” they said. “Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family, his friends, and the American veterans he served as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world.”

The parents dismissed claims that their son posed a threat and said he was unarmed at the time he was shot.

“I do not throw around the term ‘hero’ lightly,” they said. “However, his last thought and act was to protect a woman. The lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible. He was holding his phone, his other hand raised, while being pepper-sprayed and trying to shield someone who had been pushed to the ground.”

They also called on the public and the media to review available video evidence and, in their words, “get the truth out.”

The Department of Homeland Security has continued to defend the actions of its agents, stating that a Border Patrol officer fired after perceiving an imminent threat. However, several videos circulating online appear to show Pretti holding only a cellphone shortly before the shooting. This discrepancy has drawn criticism from civil rights groups and some local officials.

At the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, staff members described Pretti as a calm and compassionate caregiver. Colleagues gathered near the hospital entrance to lay flowers and share memories, while expressing grief and anger over his death.

One video that has been widely shared shows Pretti offering a final salute to a deceased veteran who had been under his care. Many have described the moment as a reflection of his commitment to those he served.

“He did difficult, often invisible work every day for veterans who depended on him,” one VA nurse said. “That dedication doesn’t disappear because of the way he died.”

Local authorities confirmed that Pretti was a licensed gun owner with a valid permit, but they have not established whether he had a firearm on him or displayed one during the encounter. Witnesses said he tried to assist another protester before agents pepper-sprayed him and restrained him. Shots were fired shortly after.

The incident is the second fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis within recent weeks. It has triggered protests, intensified scrutiny of enforcement tactics, and renewed calls for accountability from federal authorities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A powerful winter storm sweeping across the United States has claimed at least 10 lives and caused widespread disruption, with authorities urging residents to stay off roads as freezing conditions continued into Monday.

According to a report by Al-Jazeera, at least 20 states, along with the US capital, Washington, DC, declared states of emergency after snow, sleet and freezing rain knocked out electricity to nearly a million people. Power outages, flight cancellations and dangerous travel conditions affected large parts of the country.

As the storm moved east and south, forecasters warned that a trailing Arctic air mass could push temperatures to dangerously low levels for several days. The US National Weather Service (NWS) said Americans should expect similar conditions to continue into Monday morning.

In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that five people were found dead outdoors over the weekend during subzero temperatures. While he did not directly link the deaths to the storm, he told reporters there was “no more powerful reminder of the danger of extreme cold”.

Texas authorities reported three deaths, including that of a 16-year-old girl who died in a sledding accident. In Louisiana, the state’s Department of Health said two people died from hypothermia.

PowerOutage.com data showed that more than 840,000 customers were without electricity as of Sunday night. The worst-hit areas were mostly in the southern United States, where the storm strengthened on Saturday. Tennessee recorded more than 300,000 homes and businesses without power after ice brought down power lines. Louisiana, Mississippi and Georgia each reported over 100,000 outages.

Officials warned that the loss of electricity posed a serious risk, especially in the South, where extreme cold is less common and temperatures could break records, according to the NWS. Residents were advised to remain indoors due to hazardous conditions.

Air travel also faced major disruptions. Several major airports in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC, cancelled nearly all flights scheduled for the day.

Meteorologists explained that the storm resulted from a stretched polar vortex, a system of cold, low-pressure Arctic air that can expand and send frigid temperatures across North America. Scientists said such events may be linked to climate change, although natural climate variability also plays a role.

The NWS warned that heavy ice could lead to “long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions”, particularly in states not accustomed to severe winter weather.

Authorities also cautioned that life-threatening cold could persist for up to a week after the storm, especially in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Forecasts show wind chill temperatures dropping to as low as -45 degrees Celsius (-50 degrees Fahrenheit), levels that can cause frostbite within minutes.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian academic and writer, Dr. Aisha Musa Auyo, has announced the release of her new book titled Between Hearts and Homes. The book is a collection of articles drawn from her personal experiences, observations, and long-standing interest in human relationships.

In a post shared on her Facebook profile, seen by the Daily Reality on Sunday, Auyo stated that the book reflects her journey as an aspiring relationship expert and coach, with a strong focus on relationships between couples. She noted that her background played a major role in shaping her love for books and reflection.

Auyo recalled growing up in a home headed by librarian parents, where reading became a constant companion. She said her education spanned both secular and Islamic schools, and she devoted much of her free time to books. That lifestyle, she explained, affected her social interactions during childhood.

According to her, frequent bullying and repeated disappointments made her question her role in those experiences. That period later pushed her towards social psychology, as she sought to better understand herself and how people relate with one another.

Her studies and observations, she said, revealed the strong influence of family structures on individual behaviour. As divorce cases and unhappy marriages increased within her community, she developed a stronger desire to promote healthy relationships, especially among couples. She described happy families as the backbone of a stable society and a prosperous nation.

The author stated that the book draws lessons from her interactions with parents, siblings, husband, in-laws, friends, teachers, and students. She said she carefully reflects on these relationships, learns from them, and passes the lessons to her readers so they can gain insight without going through similar difficulties. Responses and discussions from readers, she added, have continued to deepen her understanding of relationship matters.

Auyo also revealed her experience in offering free marital and parenting coaching, which exposed her to the realities many families face. She said this experience expanded her understanding of the challenges linked to marriage and interpersonal relationships.

Through Between Hearts and Homes, the author said she aims to present a realistic picture of marital and other relationships, while encouraging more understanding and compassion in interactions between spouses and within society.

She added that her broader objective is to address common relationship issues and support the well-being of individuals and the community at large.

The book is available in paperback in Nigeria, while readers across the world can access it on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a move to bolster bilateral relations, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Monday commence a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye.

The visit is designed to enhance cooperation in critical sectors including security, aviation, and innovation. It comes in reciprocity to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s official visit to Nigeria in October 2021.

During the engagement, both leaders are expected to oversee the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs). These agreements will span areas such as scientific research, energy, military cooperation, and media communications.

A business forum featuring investors from both nations will run concurrently to explore economic partnerships.

The President’s delegation comprises top government officials: the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Defence, Women Affairs, Interior, and Culture & Creative Economy. Also included are the National Security Adviser and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency.

President Tinubu is scheduled to return to Nigeria after the visit.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former presidential aide and author, Reno Omokri, has raised concerns over the growing influence of BBC Hausa in Nigeria, arguing that no foreign media organisation should wield such power over a sovereign country.

In a detailed commentary, Omokri questioned whether it was healthy for Nigeria that BBC Hausa appears to have more influence than any local institution. He said one of his strongest wishes for the country was for the Federal Government to establish a Hausa-only radio station, possibly to be known as Radio Nigeria Hausa.

According to him, such a station should recruit the best Hausa-speaking journalists and broadcasters and operate with full editorial independence, even if it remains government-owned. He stressed that the journalists must be paid world-class salaries, warning that without competitive pay, foreign Hausa-language services would continue to attract Nigeria’s best talents.

Omokri explained his focus on Hausa by noting that the language is the most widely spoken in West Africa and the most developed indigenous language in Nigeria. He stated that about half of Nigeria’s population speaks Hausa, with many citizens relying on it as their only language. He also argued that, apart from Lukumi Yoruba, Hausa is the only indigenous language in the country that continues to grow, while others gradually decline as English gains ground.

He further claimed that BBC Hausa is the most influential and most listened-to media platform in Nigeria, with an estimated weekly audience of about 20 million listeners. He challenged readers to name any television station, radio outlet, or newspaper with a similar reach. Omokri added that radio remains the dominant medium in Nigeria and called on readers to verify this claim.

The commentator also asserted that BBC Hausa enjoys an 89 per cent trust rating in Nigeria, a figure he said few public or private institutions in the country could match. He linked this high level of trust to major historical moments, including the interview with late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from his sick bed and the announcement of General Sani Abacha’s death, both of which were first reported by BBC Hausa.

While acknowledging that some television stations, such as Channels Television, may reach millions of viewers, Omokri pointed out that television requires electricity and a TV set. He contrasted this with radio, which he described as cheap, portable, and accessible, since a simple battery-powered device allows listeners to tune in from anywhere.

Omokri expressed deeper concern over the ownership structure of the BBC. He noted that the British Broadcasting Corporation is a public service broadcaster established, owned, and controlled by the British government. He explained that the BBC chairman is appointed by the British monarch on the advice of the UK government, while the board also comes from government appointments.

He argued that, regardless of goodwill, the primary responsibility of the BBC leadership would be to protect British interests. He warned that Nigeria’s most influential media platform remains foreign-owned and operated, with the capacity to shape the worldview and political opinions of millions of Nigerians.

Raising a hypothetical scenario, Omokri asked what would happen if British and Nigerian interests were to clash, as they had in the past. He admitted that BBC Hausa might be convenient for Nigeria, but insisted that it was not in the country’s long-term interest.

He said he doubted that any European country or nation in the Western Hemisphere would accept a situation where a foreign media organisation held such sway over its population. In his view, media power should be firmly in Nigerian hands to protect national independence and sovereignty.

Omokri emphasised that the media plays a decisive role in shaping nations, citing the United States as a global power strengthened by both its media influence and military strength. He warned that BBC Hausa could, if it chose, influence Nigerian voting behaviour, consumer choices, and foreign alignment.

He concluded that allowing a foreign broadcaster to hold such influence over a sovereign nation posed a serious risk and called on Nigerians not to underestimate the power of the media.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, will return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, 26 January 2026, days after he resigned from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the statement, Yusuf initially joined the APC in 2014 and emerged winner of the party’s primary election for the Kano Central Senatorial seat. He later stepped down from the contest in favour of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The statement explained that the governor’s decision to rejoin the APC followed years of political participation on different platforms, including his recent stay in the NNPP.

It added that current realities linked to governance, national cohesion and development informed his move back to the APC, which he described as “a familiar and structured platform for progressive governance.”

Governor Yusuf said his return to the ruling party would boost collaboration with the Federal Government, fast-track infrastructural projects, strengthen security coordination and improve service delivery across Kano State.

He also noted that the move would promote political stability and unity within the state.

The statement further revealed that on Monday, the governor will formally register as an APC member in Kano. He will do so alongside 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and the 44 local government chairmen in the state.

Yusuf is also expected to formally inaugurate the APC electronic registration exercise in Kano on the same day.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), operating under Operation DESERT SANITY V, have recorded another breakthrough in efforts to weaken terrorist logistics and criminal support structures in the North East.

This is contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information OfficerHeadquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, on January 25, 2026.

The success followed actionable intelligence received on January 23, 2026, which led to the arrest of a suspected drug dealer, Hauwa Abulazeez, aged 65, in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The suspect is believed to be a major supplier of cannabis sativa to Boko Haram elements operating in Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu and Gaya communities, and is also accused of serving as a key link in the distribution chain across several locations within the theatre of operation.

Preliminary findings revealed that the illicit substance was allegedly sourced from Sarti Baruwa Local Government Area of Taraba State before being transported through established routes for distribution.

During the operation, troops recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, with an estimated weight of about 30 kilograms.

The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing preliminary investigation, while further operations continue to track and dismantle the wider network involved in the trafficking and distribution of the drug.

The military noted that disrupting such illicit supply chains plays a critical role in reducing violence, criminal activity and instability across the region, while strengthening lawful authority and security.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to confronting all forms of criminal activity in the North East, stressing that intelligence-led operations and sustained pressure will continue until lasting peace and stability are restored.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the 8 Division Garrison Strike Force under Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 2 have recorded major gains during a military operation in the Sububu Forest area of Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

The development was confirmed in a statement signed by Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on January 24, 2026.

The operation targeted terrorist hideouts within the forest and led to the neutralisation of six terrorists, the recovery of weapons, the destruction of operational assets, and the rescue of a kidnapped underage victim.

Military sources said the offensive began at Indulumu village, where troops engaged terrorists in a gun battle. Two of the terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, while one AK-47 rifle was recovered from the scene.

The troops later advanced to Ruduno village, where they faced renewed resistance. Four more terrorists were neutralised during the confrontation. Soldiers also recovered another AK-47 rifle and a magazine containing 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Two motorcycles used by the terrorists for movement and logistics were destroyed at the location.

During further clearance operations inside the forest, the troops rescued an underage girl, identified as Halira Ibrahim, who had been held captive by the terrorists. The rescue brought an end to her captivity and reunited her with safety.

The operation also led to the destruction of several terrorist camps and support structures located in Magaji, Galakaje, Filinga and Kukatara communities.

Security sources said the action has disrupted the ability of the terrorists to regroup and maintain supply routes within the area.

The operation formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace in Zamfara State.

By Uzair Adam

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reschedule the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections slated for February 21, citing the Ramadan fasting period.

The party made the appeal in a letter dated January 22 and signed by its National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.

The letter, which was made available to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, noted that the proposed election date coincides with Ramadan, a period observed by a significant number of voters in the FCT.

ADC argued that holding the elections during the fasting period could affect voter participation, given the cultural and religious importance of Ramadan.

The party said a shift in date would better serve the interest of inclusion and ensure wider participation in the democratic process.

“It is necessary to request a reconsideration of the election date to safeguard inclusion, participation and fairness for voters across the territory during the Ramadan period,” the party stated.

The ADC, therefore, urged INEC to move the polls to a date after Ramadan, stressing that the request was guided by the need to protect inclusivity and enable citizens to fully exercise their constitutional rights.

While describing its engagement with the electoral body as institutional, the party reaffirmed its readiness to follow due process and sought guidance on the appropriate procedures for submitting such applications.

It added that electoral credibility is strengthened when processes encourage broad participation, promote diversity and boost public confidence in democratic institutions.