Ward congress: APC consolidates, Fintiri defection sparks postponement in Adamawa
The All Progressives Congress on Wednesday advanced its nationwide ward congresses, consolidating grassroots structures across several states. The APC, in a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission dated February 17, 2026, announced the postponement of Adamawa ward and local government congresses. The letter, titled “Notice of Postponement of State, Local Government and Ward Congresses in Adamawa State,” was signed by APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary, Dr Ajibola Basiru. In Edo State, ward congress was held across the 192 wards of the state, and leaders emerged on a consensus basis. “The ward congress, which took place across the state, was largely peaceful as it was devoid of schism and protests.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 07:54 UTC
A Tribute to Prof Biodun Jeyifo, Grandteacher & Human
Unlike most people who have written tributes since his recent passing, I was not Professor Biodun Jeyifo’s student. The second time, it was my father who told me he had been Jeyifo’s student while at the HSC. I remember how—contrary to my expectations that I would be intimidated by him—I was at ease in his genial presence. When I saw the news report of his 80th birthday in January, it occurred to me that I could ask Uncle Kunle Ajibade for his phone number. So, yes, Professor Biodun Jeyifo, grandteacher and grand human, farewell, as you embark on your journey to the great beyond.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 07:24 UTC
Two killed in violent Ondo APC ward congress
The ongoing ward congress of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State on Wednesday turned violent, leaving two people dead and several others injured in Idanre Local Government Area. On Wednesday, reports indicated that the congress could not hold in some wards in Idanre after suspected hoodlums attacked party members. APC elders condemn attacksOndo State APC elders under the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum condemned Tuesday’s attack on the party secretariat in Akure. In a statement signed by its chairman, Pa Erastus Akeju, the forum said, “The violent assault and public humiliation of the Ondo State APC Chairman, Engr. “On behalf of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Ondo State, I condemn this incident in the strongest terms.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 05:27 UTC
US allies gather as Trump kicks off Board of Peace
The “Board of Peace” came together after the Trump administration, teaming up with Qatar and Egypt, negotiated a ceasefire in October to halt two years of devastating war in Gaza. At the “Board of Peace” meeting, Trump is expected to detail pledges of more than $5 billion for Gaza, where the vast majority of buildings lie in rubble and the property-mogul-turned-president has improbably suggested developing resorts. US officials say Thursday’s meeting is about Gaza but have also spoken of the “Board of Peace” in broader, amorphous terms, saying it can address other global hotspots. – Friends and suitors –The inaugural meeting will bring ideological allies of Trump including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is facing a tough reelection battle, and Argentina’s President Javier Millei. Japan, usually among the most stalwart US allies, has not decided whether to join the board and will send an envoy handling Gaza.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 05:09 UTC
Nigerian woman dies after arriving UK for son’s graduation
A Nigerian woman, Oluranti Akinyemi, has died in the United Kingdom shortly after reportedly arriving in the country for her son’s graduation ceremony. According to the post, Akinyemi travelled to the UK to attend her son’s graduation but suffered a cardiac arrest less than 20 hours after arrival. Akinyemi, believed to be a mother of four, reportedly arrived in the UK on February 11 for a graduation scheduled for February 18. Another user, @The4thTobs, recounted a similar incident involving a woman who reportedly collapsed after arriving in the UK for childcare support. The incident comes amid reports of other Nigerian deaths in the UK, including that of Saburi Adeniji, who died after battling a severe brain stem injury.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 04:40 UTC
ICPC grills El-Rufai after EFCC release
Former Governor, El-Rufai on his way to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja...Credit: Muyiwa Adekeye on XThe former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, was, on Wednesday, released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. El-Rufai had arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 10 am on Monday for questioning and was held by the commission until Wednesday. “We have released him today, but he was shortly picked up after he was released by ICPC,” a source said. It accused El-Rufai of admitting during a television interview that an unnamed associate unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone communications, and he listened to them. “Former governor El-Rufai claimed that until Dadiyata’s disappearance, he did not know anyone by that name.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 04:08 UTC
FG seals Plateau mine after gas leak kills 37
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of a mining site in Plateau State after about 37 villagers reportedly died from inhaling toxic gases during artisanal mining activities. The team, according to the statement, includes experts in mining, environmental compliance and artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives. “The team also includes experts in mining, environmental compliance and artisanal cooperatives. The area, it was gathered, was an abandoned lead mining site containing mineral deposits prone to emissions of sulphuric oxide gas. The tragedy highlights the growing risks associated with abandoned mining pits across Nigeria, especially in rural communities where economic hardship pushes residents into informal mining without adequate safety awareness.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 03:56 UTC
Widow, late Nigerian boxer’s family clash over estate
Adebusola told our correspondent that funds paid by the Ghana Boxing Authority were completely withheld from her and their two children by her late partner’s relatives. “All the money the NBBofC helped me recover from the GBA, Segun’s family took everything,” Adebusola said. You are not married legally, so you are not a wife, you are a baby mama.”Regarding the bus, Anuoluwapo questioned Adebusola’s claim to it. You are not married legally, so you have no say on my brother’s remains. The dispute leaves Olanrewaju’s two children, three-year-old Irenitemi Success and two-year-old Oluwatobiloba, caught in the crossfire between their mother and paternal family.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 02:56 UTC
March fight biggest of my life – Adesanya
Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has described his upcoming fight against Joe Pyfer at UFC Fight Night 271 in Seattle on March 28 as the biggest of his life, insisting he returns from a year out of the octagon feeling “unstoppable.”Adesanya, who enters the bout on a three-fight losing streak, said the stakes of the Pyfer matchup go beyond the immediate result. This is the biggest fight of his life. It’s the biggest fight of my life in another way — not like it is for him, but as it is for me. I’ve been sitting at the top, still at the top, doing more than a lot of guys who are even champions,” he said. “Everything I’ve done in this game has been for this moment in my life now.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 02:31 UTC
Where to buy Punch the monkey's IKEA orangutan
If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. That's why we were delighted to learn that the famous Ora-Mama plushie is available online from Ikea, and for just $19.99. Mashable Trend Report Decode what’s viral, what’s next, and what it all means. Sign up for Mashable’s weekly Trend Report newsletter. Punch’s best friend, the "DJUNGELSKOG" soft toy designed by Ann-Cathrine Sigrid Ståhlberg from IKEA, is still in stock.
Source:Punch
February 18, 2026 19:56 UTC
Minister shuts Plateau mining site, orders probe after villagers’ death
The team, according to the statement, includes experts in mining, environmental compliance and artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives. “The team also includes experts in mining, environmental compliance and artisanal cooperatives. The area, it was gathered, was an abandoned lead mining site containing mineral deposits prone to emissions of sulphuric oxide gas. The tragedy highlights the growing risks associated with abandoned mining pits across Nigeria, especially in rural communities where economic hardship pushes residents into informal mining without adequate safety awareness. Nigeria’s mining industry has witnessed renewed government attention under the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, which has intensified efforts to formalise artisanal mining, enforce environmental compliance and attract foreign investment.
Source:Punch
February 18, 2026 19:46 UTC
Tinubu signs amended Electoral Act into law for 2027 polls
President Bola Tinubu signing the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday. Photo: X/@DOlusegunPresident Bola Tinubu on Wednesday signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law, just days after the Independent National Electoral Commission released the timetable for the 2027 general elections. The signing took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, around 5:00 pm on Wednesday, with principal officers of the National Assembly in attendance. The National Assembly had passed the bill on Tuesday. The 2027 general elections are scheduled to hold on February 20 for Presidential and National Assembly elections and March 6 for Governorship & State Houses of Assembly Elections.
Source:Punch
February 18, 2026 17:57 UTC
After my ICE arrest, I learned one crucial way to respond to trauma. We can all take part
What followed was my first personal encounter with human-made trauma through state violence. I had previously encountered human-made trauma more conceptually – as a 21-year-old college student during a course simply called Trauma. This is a human-made trauma – one we are all responsible for. I often wonder: what would it mean to suffering children if they knew they were cared for by so many people all over the world? I believe that this kind of care can help children suffering, even thousands of miles away.
Source:The Guardian
February 18, 2026 15:07 UTC
Lagos transfers TikToker sexual assault case to Ogun State
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has confirmed that the sexual assault case involving TikTok user Mirabel (@mirab351), who claimed she was raped in her apartment by a stranger, has been referred to authorities in Ogun State. The case had sparked widespread concern online, trending under the hashtag #StopRapingWomen on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands calling for urgent action against sexual assault and greater protection for survivors. The alleged assault reportedly occurred on Sunday, February 15, with the survivor posting about the incident on Monday. The DSVA clarified that the incident took place in Ogun State, outside its jurisdiction. “We have since confirmed that the incident occurred in Ogun State and is therefore outside the jurisdiction of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.
Source:Punch
February 18, 2026 14:39 UTC
Kaduna Gov Ends 11-Year Ban on Christian Pilgrimage
The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has approved 50 Christians from the state to embark on holy pilgrimage, ending an 11-year suspension of the programme. The Christian pilgrimage scheme was halted during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, when the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Agency was scrapped—a move that generated controversy within sections of the Christian community. “We are grateful to Governor Uba Sani for approving 50 Christians to commence pilgrimage after 11 years. They will pray for peace, unity and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large,” he stated. He expressed hope that the resumption of the pilgrimage programme would foster greater harmony and spiritual renewal across Kaduna State.
Source:Punch
February 18, 2026 14:35 UTC