Wale busari

Wike Says He’s Closely Monitoring PDP Crisis in Oyo State

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he is paying close attention to developments within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, stressing that his interest is driven by concern for the party’s survival and future. Wike made the remarks on Monday in Abuja while addressing party leaders and members at the PDP’s 105th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. According to the former Rivers State governor, his focus on the situation in Oyo State reflects his commitment to ensuring the PDP remains strong, noting that the party once governed at the federal level and must not be allowed to weaken further. “Let me declare my interest clearly: I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am also interested in all the happenings in Oyo State PDP. That is all I am interested in,” Wike said. He also dismissed claims that members of the party were being intimidated, arguing that recent court rulings had settled the matter. “Who will intimidate us to the end? Some of us, by the grace of God, do not see what anyone can threaten us with. “The legal battle has collapsed. They have no option but to recognise the Caretaker Committee,” he added. Wike’s comments come against the backdrop of a growing rift between him and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, his former ally. Both politicians are now aligned with opposing factions within the PDP. The crisis deepened in November last year when a faction led by Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed held a national convention, which was later nullified by the Federal High Court in Oyo State, further intensifying internal tensions within the party.

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FIFA President, Infantino Defends Awarding FIFA Peace Prize to Trump, Dismisses World Cup Boycott Calls

FIFA President, Infantino Defends Awarding FIFA Peace Prize to Trump, Dismisses World Cup Boycott Calls

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended his decision to award United States President Donald Trump a FIFA peace prize, dismissing criticism over the move and rejecting calls for a boycott of the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Infantino came under heavy scrutiny after presenting Trump with the honour during the 2026 World Cup draw held in Washington, DC, in December. The award sparked backlash amid renewed controversy surrounding US foreign policy decisions and Trump’s comments on global security. However, speaking to Sky News on Monday, February 2, Infantino stood by the decision, insisting the US president deserved FIFA’s inaugural peace prize. “Objectively, he deserves it,” Infantino said. “Whatever we can do to help peace in the world, we should be doing it. For some time, we have been thinking about rewarding people who contribute in this direction.” The FIFA president also dismissed suggestions that the 2026 World Cup—scheduled to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19—could be boycotted over policies linked to the Trump administration. He argued that political disagreements have never led to widespread commercial boycotts of countries and questioned why football should be treated differently. “In our divided and aggressive world, we need occasions where people can come together and meet around a shared passion,” Infantino said. Responding to concerns over unrest in parts of the United States related to immigration enforcement, Infantino maintained that football should serve as a unifying force rather than a platform for political division. He also revealed that FIFA would need to hold discussions on the possible return of Russia to international football competitions. Russia has been suspended since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, although recent guidance from the International Olympic Committee has encouraged sports federations to allow Russian teams to participate at youth level. “We have to look at readmitting Russia. Definitely,” Infantino said. “This ban has not achieved anything. It has only created more frustration and hatred. Allowing girls and boys from Russia to play football in other parts of Europe would help.” The comments add to ongoing debates over the intersection of politics and global sport ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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UK MP Dan Norris Arrested Over Alleged Rape and Sexual Offences

British politician Dan Norris has been arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, voyeurism, and upskirting, according to Avon and Somerset Police. Norris, who currently serves as the independent Member of Parliament for North East Somerset and Hanham, was previously a Labour Party MP before being suspended in April 2025 following his initial arrest. Police earlier confirmed that a man in his 60s had been arrested over allegations including sexual offences, rape, child abduction, and misconduct in public office. However, officers have since clarified that they are “no longer actively investigating any sexual offences against children” in connection with the case. In an update released on Sunday, the police said the suspect had been further arrested on suspicion of rape involving a second woman, sexual assault against a third woman, as well as voyeurism and upskirting involving multiple women. “All offences are alleged to have occurred between the 2000s and 2020s,” the statement said. Officers noted that investigations into sexual offences are often complex and time-consuming, adding that Dan Norris remains on conditional bail. Police also confirmed that alleged victims are being kept informed of developments and offered ongoing support. Reacting to the development, a Labour Party spokesperson said Norris was immediately suspended upon notification of his initial arrest. “These new allegations are deeply concerning, and any person found guilty of such abhorrent crimes must face the full force of the law. We cannot comment further while the police investigation is ongoing,” the spokesperson said. In a statement issued later on Sunday, Dan Norris denied all allegations. “I vigorously and entirely deny the serious allegations made against me. They are untrue. I am challenging them through my legal representatives,” he said. Norris, 65, won the North East Somerset and Hanham seat in the last general election, defeating former Conservative cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg. He first entered Parliament in 1997 during Tony Blair’s landslide victory and represented Wansdyke until 2010. During that period, he served as an assistant whip under Blair and later as a junior minister under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. He was also elected Mayor of the West of England in 2021 but stepped down from the role following the May local elections last year.

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Lai Mohammed

Peter Obi Couldn’t Have Won 2023 Election Even With 10 Million Votes – Lai Mohammed

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has said that the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, would not have emerged winner even if he had secured 10 million votes. Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, Lai Mohammed, who served under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, said Obi failed to meet the constitutional requirement of securing at least one-quarter of votes cast in 25 states of the federation. “Even if Obi had got 10 million votes, he wouldn’t have won. This is because he still could not get one-quarter of the votes cast in 25 states. It is even on record that he could not provide agents at about 40,000 polling units,” the former minister stated. Commenting on the dynamics that shaped the 2023 presidential election, particularly in Lagos State, Mohammed noted that ethnicity and religion played a prominent role in the electoral process. “For the first time in the history of politics in Nigeria, ethnicity and religion played a very frontal role,” he said. He also pointed to the influence of the #EndSARS protests, especially in Lagos, suggesting that lingering anger among youths negatively affected the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to Lai Mohammed, many young voters “wanted a pound of flesh,” a sentiment he said shaped voting patterns during the election.

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2027: I’ll run for President, not as Vice — Peter Obi

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, firmly ruling out the possibility of accepting a vice-presidential slot. Obi made the declaration while speaking at a campaign event for African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidates in the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, held at the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). Addressing party supporters, Obi explained that his participation in the AMAC campaign was directly linked to his broader national ambition. He urged residents and party members to support the ADC candidate, noting that success at the grassroots level would strengthen his overall political project. He stressed that his involvement in future elections would be in a leading capacity and not as a supporting candidate. “Support us in AMAC; it will help me. Your support in AMAC is critical to our journey. I am involved and contesting the coming election as number one. When I come back, you will see. I assure you,” Obi said. Obi’s declaration comes amid increasing calls from his supporters, particularly members of the Obidient Movement, who have been urging the ADC leadership to adopt him as the party’s presidential flagbearer for the 2027 election. However, the ADC is also home to other prominent figures with presidential ambitions, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, setting the stage for a competitive internal contest ahead of the polls.

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Delta Governor’s Aide Criticises Chioma Adeleke’s Outfit at 2026 Grammy Awards

Delta Governor’s Aide Criticises Chioma Adeleke’s Outfit at 2026 Grammy Awards

Ossai Success, an aide to the Delta State Governor, has publicly criticised Chioma Adeleke over the outfit she wore to the 2026 Grammy Awards. Chioma attended the prestigious awards ceremony in Los Angeles alongside her husband, Nigerian music star Davido. She appeared in a black dress featuring sheer fabric and floral cut-out designs. Reacting to her appearance, Ossai took to Facebook to express his displeasure, stating that he was disappointed with what he described as an inappropriate choice of outfit for an international event. “I am disappointed in Chioma Davido’s dressing. She shouldn’t have been half-naked to the Grammys,” he wrote. He further argued that the outfit failed to represent Nigerian culture, accusing Chioma of embracing a revealing Western fashion style rather than projecting cultural values. According to Ossai, Chioma’s status as a public figure and role model means her fashion choices could negatively influence young Nigerian women who look up to her. He also faulted Davido for allegedly failing to advise his wife on her appearance, stressing the importance of cultural representation on global platforms. “I also expected Davido to guide her better. Cultural representation matters, and it’s crucial. I am disappointed in Davido for allowing her to dress this way,” Ossai added. Neither Chioma nor Davido has responded publicly to the criticism as of the time of this report.

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Trevor Noah Trump

Trump Slams Grammy Awards as “Unwatchable,” Threatens Legal Action Against Trevor Noah

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticised the Grammy Awards, branding the annual ceremony “virtually unwatchable” and accusing host Trevor Noah of making a false and defamatory statement about him. In a post shared on his Truth Social account, Trump described the Grammys as one of the “worst” award shows on television and claimed broadcaster CBS was “lucky” to no longer air what he referred to as “garbage.” Trump also took aim at Noah’s performance as host, unfavourably comparing him to late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel and questioning his suitability for the role. The president’s remarks followed a comment made by Noah during the awards ceremony in which he referenced Trump and former U.S. President Bill Clinton in connection with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump strongly denied any association with Epstein’s private island, insisting he had never visited it or been linked to it in any capacity. “I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close,” Trump wrote, adding that he had never previously faced such an accusation from the media. He described Noah’s remark as inaccurate and defamatory, warning that he was considering legal action against the comedian. Trump referred to Noah as a “pathetic” and “talentless” master of ceremonies and suggested his lawyers could pursue a lawsuit seeking damages. Trump also alluded to past legal disputes involving media figures, stating that similar cases had “worked out well” for him. Neither Trevor Noah nor representatives of the Grammy Awards have publicly responded to Trump’s comments at the time of reporting.

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Melania Trump

Melania Trump’s Documentary Smashes Box Office Records With Surprise $7 Million Opening

Melania Trump has scored a major box office win as her big-budget documentary, Melania, delivered a surprise performance during its opening weekend, grossing an impressive $7.04 million in ticket sales. Industry figures show the documentary far exceeded pre-release projections, which had estimated an opening between $3 million and $5 million. The result now stands as the largest opening weekend for a non-fiction film in the past decade. The film overtook the previous record holder, After Death (2023), which debuted with $5 million, firmly placing Melaniaat the top of recent documentary releases. The documentary premiered on Thursday, January 29, at the newly rebranded Kennedy Center, ahead of its global theatrical release on Friday, January 30. The project is backed by a reported $40 million deal with Amazon MGM Studios and supported by an aggressive $35 million marketing campaign. Melania offers carefully curated insights into the former First Lady’s life in the weeks leading up to Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025, providing a behind-the-scenes look at a pivotal moment in American political history. The film also marks the return of director Brett Ratner to filmmaking after several years away from the industry following multiple misconduct allegations raised during the #MeToo movement. No criminal charges were filed against him. Despite the controversy surrounding its director, the documentary’s opening weekend performance has been widely described as a major box office surprise, signaling strong public interest and commercial momentum.

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