Nick Jonas Says ‘Gut Punch’ Solo Single Is Response to Pressure to ‘Be the Perfect Version of Yourself’
Trending on BillboardBy just about any measure, Nick Jonas had a very big 2025. “There’s a lot of pressure to be the perfect version of yourself at the start of the year, and that’s just not possible and that’s okay,” he said. It’s okay… you’re not defined by your hurt or your mistakes. “Hit me like a gut punch/ I hurt my own feelings/ How did I get so good at being mean to myself?” he sings on the song’s upbeat chorus. The track will appear on Jonas’ upcoming first full-length solo album in five years, Sunday Best, which is due out on Feb. 6.
Source:Punch
January 02, 2026 21:59 UTC
Ex-Niger Delta agitators praise US anti-terror strikes
Ex-agitators of the Niger Delta Liberation Force have hailed the United States soldiers for what they described as successful clampdowns on terrorists in parts of northern Nigeria. The statement continued, “When we were fighting in the Niger Delta region, we were fighting for inclusion in the natural resources of the Niger Delta. “The Federal Government should look into funds released to interventionist agencies, especially the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). “The oil war in the Niger Delta has not ended. “The continued underdevelopment of the Niger Delta region is a great security concern to global security.
Source:Punch
January 02, 2026 20:09 UTC
ADC Faction Releases Guidelines for 2025
A faction of the African Democratic Congress loyal to Nafiu Gombe on Friday released detailed guidelines for the conduct of congresses and a national convention for the 2025/2026 political year. The faction, which described itself as the authentic national leadership of the ADC, said the reported registration violated the party’s constitution and established membership procedures. The statement partly read, “The membership registration and revalidation will take place from January 2 to 15. This will be followed by ward executive committee congresses on January 17, with matters arising to be addressed between January 19 and 22. “The State Executive Committee shall supervise the work of the Congress Planning Committee to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines on State Congresses.”On zoning, the ADC said the composition and distribution of state executive committee positions should, as much as practicable, reflect senatorial zones in line with the party’s constitutional provisions.
Source:Punch
January 02, 2026 19:59 UTC
Punch Bowl Social closes temporarily in Cleveland for 'exciting new concept'
Punch Bowl Social in Cleveland has temporarily closed, hinting at a new concept. CLEVELAND — Punch Bowl Social, located at 1086 West 11th Street in Cleveland, has temporarily closed, according to the company’s website. This location is temporarily closed while we work an exciting new concept. Punch Bowl Social has not provided a specific reopening date and it is unclear when the new concept will launch. 3News has reached out to Punch Bowl Social for more information on the temporary closure.
Source:Punch
January 02, 2026 19:23 UTC
ACJHR hails Tinubu, FIRS boss over tax reform
“For decades, Nigeria’s economic development has been hindered by weak revenue mobilisation, tax evasion, multiple taxation, and overdependence on oil revenues,” the statement said. “Under the leadership of Mr Zacch Adedeji, the FIRS has shown professionalism, transparency, and efficiency. The clarity in implementation and engagement with stakeholders has helped build confidence in the new tax framework,” ACJHR said. Nigerians must see this reform not as a burden, but as a collective investment in a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous nation,” the statement added. ACJHR further urged relevant government agencies to maintain transparency, accountability, and continuous public sensitisation to ensure that the gains of the tax reforms are fully realised and equitably distributed.
Source:The Guardian
January 02, 2026 17:23 UTC
Terrorists kill 14 in Adamawa, as council boss calls for military deployment
The chairman of Hong Local Government Area in Adamawa State, Usman Inuwa, has confirmed that Boko Haram last week killed 14 people in two villages in the council’s area. Inuwa, who spoke exclusively to The PUNCH on Friday, said that Boko Haram invaded two villages, Mubang and Zar, at night, killing 14 people and shooting two other people who, according to the chairman, are receiving treatment in the hospital. “At about 9pm on that day, which I cannot vividly recall, Boko Haram invaded Mubang and Zar villages, which are close to Sambisa forest, they killed 14 people, shot two people and burnt dozens of houses with foodstuffs, ” he said. “These villages are located near Sambisa forest, and there are no other villages in between; it is a vast, empty land, so Boko Haram takes advantage of the ungoverned spaces to attack and kill innocent people,” he statedInuwa said that he usually organised a combined team of military and vigilantes to guard the area and that the Boko Haram were always repelled when they attempted to attack. Inuwa said that only the intervention of the Federal Government can stop the Boko Haram attack on Mubang and Zar villages in Hong LG.
Source:Punch
January 02, 2026 17:20 UTC
Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang officially joins APC
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress. Yilwatda welcomed Mutfwang to the ruling party, describing his move as a boost to the APC’s growing political strength. “Your decision to join the progressive family is a bold and patriotic step, driven by a higher calling to serve the people of Plateau State and Nigeria. “Today’s registration is a statement of hope and a commitment to a shared vision of inclusive development, peace, and prosperity for Plateau State. The PUNCH had reported that Mutfwang had announced his resignation from the party amid rumoured plans to join the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Source:Punch
January 02, 2026 17:10 UTC
Sanwo-Olu Orders GNI Building Demolition After Fatal Fire
Speaking at the site, Sanwo-Olu extended his condolences to families affected by the tragedy and urged everyone to comply with safety directives. The area remains unsafe, and only first responders are permitted on the site. Following a structural assessment, the GNI building is scheduled for demolition, and some surrounding structures will also be removed to prevent further risks. “Following a full structural review, the GNI building will be demolished using the safest possible methods. Sanwo-Olu assured Lagosians that the government remains committed to overseeing the recovery process and supporting affected families.
Source:Punch
January 02, 2026 17:04 UTC
NNPP dissolves Kano executive
The National Working Committee of the New Nigeria Peoples Party has dissolved its Kano State Executive, as well as all local government and ward leaders, ahead of the defection of the state governor, Abba Yusuf’s defection to the All Progressives Congress. NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Oladipo Johnson, stated in a Friday statement that the NWC plans to establish a caretaker committee soon. Recall that the NNPP National Leader and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Yusuf have been embroiled in a political crisis. The Kano state chapter of the APC has confirmed that Yusuf is expected to join the party in a few days. “The NWC accordingly thanked all those who held positions at the State, Local Government, and Ward structures of the party in Kano State and assured them of the party’s appreciation for their invaluable contributions.”
Source:Punch
January 02, 2026 16:52 UTC
JUST IN: Kidnappers demand N450m ransom for Kwara monarch, others
Kidnappers have demanded a total ransom of N450 million for the release of a Kwara traditional ruler, his son, and other abducted residents of Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state. A family source of the monarch, who spoke to PUNCH Online on Friday on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the kidnappers made contact earlier in the day. The Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, also confirmed the ransom demands to PUNCH Online. A family source said about eight armed men attacked the palace, shooting sporadically and demanding to see the monarch and his wife. Efforts to get official comments from the Kwara State Police Command on the latest ransom demands were unsuccessful as of press time.
Source:Punch
January 02, 2026 16:48 UTC
Fubara loyalist hands over Rivers PDP faction to Wike's bloc
He said the faction had been handed over to Aaron Chukwuemeka, adding that the entire PDP was now united behind Wike. “I’m Sim’s PDP chairman. Today, I’m handing over the chairmanship and leadership of that faction to Aaron Chukwemeka. PDP is under one chairman, and under one leadership, under the FCT leader,” he said. Speaking further, the Chairman stated that he had been loyal to Fubara, believing that he was being intimidated by the FCT Minister.
Source:Punch
January 02, 2026 16:38 UTC
Low voter registration is vote of no confidence in governance
When citizens conclude that outcomes are predetermined or easily distorted, voter registration becomes an empty ritual. This withdrawal is evident not only in voter registration figures but also in declining voter turnout and rising political apathy, especially among young people. The implications of persistently low voter registration are grave. Ultimately, voter registration statistics are not just numbers; they are a mirror reflecting the state of the nation. Rebuilding that trust is the real task before Nigeria, and until it is done, low voter registration will remain a symptom of a much larger national crisis.
Source:The Guardian
January 02, 2026 16:12 UTC
Court to Rule on Malami, Wife, Son's Bail Application Jan 7
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Photo: NTAThe Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed January 7 to rule on the bail applications filed by a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, and his wife, Bashir Asabe. The PUNCH reports that the EFCC, in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, named the ex-minister, his wife, and son as the first, second, and third defendants respectively in a money laundering case. The anti-graft agency accused the defendants of carrying out various suspicious transactions and attempting to conceal the unlawful origin of billions of naira through bank accounts and property acquisitions across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi. The alleged offences were committed between 2015 and 2025, a period that includes Malami’s tenure as AGF under the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Source:Punch
January 02, 2026 16:11 UTC
Venus Williams gets Australian Open wildcard aged 45
US Venus Williams attempts to return the ball to Switzerland's Celine Naef during their women's singles match on day two of the Libema Open tennis tournament in Rosmalen on June 13, 2023. (Photo by Sander Koning / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT / NETHERLANDS OUTSeven-time major singles champion Venus Williams was handed a wildcard to the Australian Open aged 45 on Friday, becoming the oldest woman ever to play at the season-opening Grand Slam. “I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” said Williams. She will become the oldest woman to play at the Australian Open since Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round in 2015. Williams, a four-time Australian Open doubles champion, is set to begin her preparations for the January 18-Feb 1 tournament at the Auckland Classic next week, having returned to the circuit at the US Open last year after a 16-month break.
Source:The Guardian
January 02, 2026 15:18 UTC
Lookman makes AFCON 2025 group stage Best XI
The group stage XI was released by the Confederation of African Football on Friday. Nigeria’s coach, Chelle, who guided the team to the top of their group table with three wins, was also named the best coach of the group stage. “His clear vision and consistent choices allowed Nigeria to perform at their best during the group stage, showcasing a balanced style of play. Chelle’s ability to maximise the potential of his squad and build a collective identity was one of the highlights of the group stage,” CAF also wrote about the coach’s inclusion. Egypt’s 36-year-old goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy, was named as the best goalkeeper of the group stage campaign.
Source:Punch
January 02, 2026 14:32 UTC