The All Progressives Congress has said that reclaiming Oyo State in 2027 is no longer in doubt, citing what it described as the people’s growing love for the party. Senator Teslim Folarin, a former Senate Leader and Oyo State Ambassador for the Renewed Hope initiative, stated this in Ibadan on Tuesday. According to him, the APC in Oyo State is now united and repositioned to take over the state government and ensure the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027. “Reclaiming Oyo State is no longer in doubt. “If we go to the polls from now, we will win Oyo State with a landslide victory,” he said.

Gabon's forward #09 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang controls the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group F football match between Gabon and Mozambique at Grand Stadium in Agadir on December 28, 2025. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Gabon has lifted the sanctions it imposed on the national football team and striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following the country’s disappointing performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The Panthers finished bottom of Group F, prompting then-Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula to suspend the team, sack coach Thierry Mouyouma, and exclude Aubameyang and captain Bruno Ecuele Manga from the national setup on January 1. The decision clears the way for Aubameyang’s potential return to the national team and signals a move toward stabilising Gabonese football ahead of upcoming international competitions. PUNCH Online had reported that ex-Gabon sports minister had announced the banning of veteran players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga, the suspension of the whole national team, and the sacking of the coaching staff following the Panthers’ disastrous showing at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The New Nigeria People’s Party has denied reports that its national leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, endorsed the rumoured defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to the All Progressives Congress, describing the claim as false and misleading. “The NNPP has described the so-called ‘breaking news’ by Premium Times that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has suddenly reversed his well-known position and endorsed the defection of the Governor of Kano State from the NNPP to the APC as a wicked lie and a shameful, blatant falsehood,” the statement read. The party spokesman challenged Yusuf and his loyalists to leave the NNPP openly, if that was their intention, without invoking Kwankwaso’s name. “Do not attempt to deceive the public into thinking you have the support or blessings of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” he added. Although Kwankwaso did not mention the APC by name, he reportedly referred repeatedly to the Gandujiyya movement associated with a former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

CNG + AMT highlighted as a USPTwin-cylinder CNG tankiTurbo paired with 6MTThe new Tata Punch launched today, and it gets a base ex-showroom tag of Rs. The sub-compact SUV is now the most powerful car in its segment, churning out 118bhp/170Nm via the turbo-petrol motor. The new Tata Punch gets three 1.2L petrol options: NA, (86.5bhp/115Nm) paired with 5MT/AMT systems, CNG (72bhp/103Nm) paired with 5MT/AMT, and turbo (118bhp/170Nm) paired with a 6MT system. The Punch also gets eight variants, viz. Smart, Pure, Pure+, Pure+ S, Adventure, Adventure S, Accomplished, and Accomplished+ S. Comprehensive variant-wise powertrain offerings have been listed below:Smart and Pure: 1.2 NA and 1.2 CNG with 5MTPure+: 1.2 NA and 1.2 CNG with 5MT/AMTPure+ S: 1.2 NA with 5MT/AMT, and 1.2 CNG with 5MTAdventure: 1.2 NA and 1.2 CNG with 5MT/AMT, and 1.2 turbo with 6MTAdventure S: 1.2 NA with 5MT, and 1.2 CNG with 5MT/AMTAccomplished: 1.2 NA with 5MT/AMT, and 1.2 CNG with 5MTAccomplished+ S: 1.2 NA with 5MT/AMT, 1.2 CNG with 5MT, and 1.2 turbo with 6MTBookings for the new Punch open today, with deliveries scheduled to follow later.

The Lagos State Government has arrested a Bus Rapid Transit driver following the death of a pedestrian, identified as, Elizabeth Fresh, who was knocked down by a high-capacity bus along the Airport Junction, Ikeja. The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority confirmed that the fatal incident occurred on Friday, January 9, 2026, and involved a bus operated by the Red and White Bus Operating Company under its regulation. Describing the incident as a tragic loss, LAMATA said it remained committed to safety and accountability across all transport services regulated by the Lagos State Government. The authority also urged pedestrians to make proper use of pedestrian bridges when crossing BRT corridors, warning that failure to do so continued to endanger lives. LAMATA reaffirmed its commitment to working with transport operators, security agencies and the public to prevent similar occurrences and improve commuter safety across Lagos.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has advised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to make amends with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, instead of engaging in political confrontation. “Those people leading on Governor Fubara, if Governor Fubara goes down today, they will run away. By now, Governor Fubara would have been history because the moment you are impeached, you’re out of the way. If you read the context of President Tinubu, he took the governor, Governor Fubara, to the cleaners. The move comes amid a protracted feud between former Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara, which has plunged Rivers State into political instability since late 2023.

One of the world’s biggest hard rock bands, multi-platinum powerhouse Five Finger Death Punch announces the first leg of their 2026-2027 World tour. Long recognized as one of the most charitable bands in rock, Five Finger Death Punch has spent decades giving back to various causes, including U.S. military veterans and first responders and their families. Five Finger Death Punch continues to stand at the intersection of music, and service, proving once again that success means nothing unless it’s shared. “When Five Finger Death Punch learned that U.S. National Governing Bodies don’t receive government funding, they were surprised and immediately wanted to help spread the word. The City of Las Vegas, NV recognized 5FDP's relentless charitable efforts by officially declaring November 1st as "Five Finger Death Punch Day".

(Photo by Toby Melville / POOL / AFP)Britain will seek further sanctions on Iran and has summoned Tehran’s ambassador in London “to answer for the horrific reports” of a deadly crackdown on protesters, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Tuesday. Mass rallies have erupted across the country demanding an end to the clerical system in power since 1979, triggering a crackdown that activists say has killed at least 648 people during an internet blackout. Cooper told MPs in parliament that the United Kingdom will bring forward legislation “to implement full and further sanctions and sectoral measures” on Iran. She said the UK would work with the EU and others on any “additional measures”. “The UK will continue to confront the regime’s lies, to call out its repression and to take the steps necessary to protect the UK’s interests,” she said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged public servants to imbibe the virtues of selflessness and excellence, marked by daily discipline, consistency of effort, and strength of character. He stated that enduring legacies in public service are sustained by consistent dedication to excellence, resilience, and hard work, regardless of the challenges of building enduring institutions. The Vice President maintained that Bala Usman’s rise in public service was deliberate, earned, and sustained by faithful commitment to building a functional nation. He noted that when Bala Usman transitioned fully into government at state and national levels, she introduced structure to governance and clarity in priorities. President Tinubu appointed Bala Usman as his Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination in June 2023.

All of these elements come together to make the Punch feel more upmarket compared to the pre-facelift version. You also get the new dual-tone upholstery and a white insert on the dashboard and door panels, which play a major role in making the interior feel more airy. As it is, the pre-facelift Punch was always one of the best-equipped cars in its segment, and Tata Motors is in no mood to let that crown go. ZigSays…With these comprehensive updates, the Punch facelift does indeed feel much better inside. What is your favourite part of the interior in the new Punch?

Governor Monday Okpebholo deployed the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, to facilitate the release of the students. Speaking to journalists at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre, Iyamu said bona fide AAU students would regain their freedom once all necessary processes were completed. “That character does not depict that of Edo students. Governor Monday Okpebholo has said that any bona fide students will be released and walk home free.”Meanwhile, the President of the AAU Students’ Union Government, Osadebamwen Ehizojie, commended the governor for taking steps to ensure the release of the students. He said AAU students did not initiate the protest, adding that it was hijacked by hoodlums.

Additionally, the Punch gets a new CNG AMT powertrain combination and a powerful new turbo-petrol engine from the Nexon. The new Punch is offered in eight trims, namely Smart, Pure, Pure+, Pure+ S, Adventure, Adventure S, Accomplished and Accomplished+ S.2026 Tata Punch price and powertrainsThe Punch gets a new, powerful turbo-petrol engine optionThe new Tata Punch price starts from Rs 5.59 lakh and goes up to Rs 10.54 lakh (both ex-showroom). Below is the variant-wise pricing of the Tata Punch. 2026 Tata Punch coloursThe Punch comes in six exterior paint optionsThe 2026 Tata Punch is available in six colour options, namely Pristine White, Bengal Rouge, Caramel, Cyantafic, Daytona Grey and Coorg Clouds (from the Sierra). After all, at an additional Rs 40,000 over its predecessor’s top trim, you get a much more powerful turbo-petrol engine.

File photoA former Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, has said President Bola Tinubu will not sacrifice the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, amid the lingering political crisis in the state. According to Fayose, Wike remains more politically relevant to President Tinubu than Fubara, arguing that the President has little incentive to abandon the former Rivers governor. Wike came from Rivers to give support to President Tinubu,” Fayose said. The comments follow commencement of proceeding by the Rivers State Assembly to impeach Governor Fubara. This comes even amid a protracted feud between Wike and Fubara, which has plunged Rivers State into instability since late 2023.

Tata Motors has updated the Punch with changes to its design, cabin layout, feature list, and powertrain options. Here’s a detailed look at what’s new on the latest iteration of the Tata Punch, explained through images. The updated Punch gets a more upright front fascia, with a redesigned grille and a reworked bumper. The updated design complements the SUV-inspired exterior, while retaining the same tyre size as before. The Punch is offered in multiple trims spread across Smart, Pure, Adventure, and Accomplished personas, with further sub-variants adding features progressively.

The Wife of the Governor of Abia State, Priscilla Otti, has urged the inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Facility, Arochukwu, in Arochukwu Local Government Area of the state, to embrace positive transformation and avoid actions that could lead them to crime again. Otti, who gave the advice during a courtesy visit to the facility reassured the inmates that the state government prioritises their welfare and worth in the society. It will be recalled that she has, in recent years, placed increasing emphasis on social welfare and inclusive governance, particularly for populations traditionally excluded from mainstream development planning. Mental health facilities, leprosy settlements, motherless babies homes and correctional centres are in the centre of her social welfare outreaches. She said, “We are confident that the inmates would emerge from the correctional centre renewed, responsible, and better equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.