The political landscape is buzzing following a notable snub by former President Olusegun Obasanjo toward his former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
Despite their history as a leadership duo from 1999 to 2007, the relationship remains fraught with tension.
Obasanjo’s latest refusal to engage or endorse Atiku’s recent political overtures suggests that the long-standing rift between the two giants of the PDP era is far from being mended.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a podium finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties following a goalless draw in Casablanca.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero of the night, saving two crucial spot-kicks, including one from Egyptian star Mohamed Salah.
This victory marks Nigeria’s ninth bronze medal in the tournament’s history, maintaining their perfect record in AFCON third-place play-offs.
Also in this recap, Abuja is set for an unprecedented social event as nine of the sons and daughters of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, prepare to wed on the same day.
This grand mass wedding ceremony is expected to be one of the largest high-profile gatherings in the capital this year, attracting dignitaries and political heavyweights from across the country.
The scale of the event has made it a major talking point, reflecting both the traditional importance of family milestones and the Minister’s prominent standing in the current administration.
In other news, President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after a 20-day trip abroad, which included participating in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
Additionally, the European Union has officially delisted Nigeria from its list of “high-risk” jurisdictions for money laundering and terrorist financing, a move hailed by the government as a validation of its ongoing economic and financial reforms.
Meanwhile, a Qatar Airways aircraft made an emergency landing in Lagos following a mid-air fault, though no casualties were reported.
Read the details of the PUNCH Online Sunday recap below:
2027: Obasanjo shuns Atiku, drives Obi-Kwankwaso ticket against Tinubu
The proposed alliance between the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, for a joint 2027 presidential ticket has reached an advanced stage.
Findings by Sunday PUNCH revealed that both Obi and Kwankwaso have jointly set up a committee for the actualisation of the joint ticket under the African Democratic Congress.
A principal official of the ADC disclosed that the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance was originally proposed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to the party official, Obasanjo not only blessed Obi’s defection to the ADC, he also asked the former Anambra State governor to work with Kwankwaso to secure the presidential and vice-presidential tickets of the party.
Eagles edge Pharaohs to win ninth AFCON bronze
Nigeria won a record-extending ninth Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties following a tense, goalless third-place play-off at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Super Eagles and the Pharaohs, two of Africa’s most decorated national teams, were separated only by a penalty shoot-out after 90 minutes of attritional football, as neither side could find a breakthrough in regulation time.
The result preserved Nigeria’s perfect record in AFCON third-place play-offs, having now won all eight they have contested, and ensured they finished third at the tournament for the ninth time overall, including the 1976 edition decided by a second group stage.
Matawalle’s nine sons, daughters to wed same day in Abuja
Arrangements are in top gear for the marriage ceremony of nine children of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
The invitation card for the event, which has circulated widely on social media, was sighted by our correspondent on Saturday.
According to the invitation, which has the minister’s picture, the weddings will hold at the Central Mosque, Abuja, by 1:30 pm on February 6.
The names of the children are: Ibrahim, Suraj, Safiya, Maryam, Aisha, Fahad, Muh’d, Nana Firdausi, and Farida.
Impeachment: Respect court order, Rivers APC tells CJ
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has called on the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi, to respect an interim court injunction restraining him from receiving or acting on any resolution of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The Publicity Secretary of the APC in state, Darlington Nwauju, made the call in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Saturday and made available to newsmen.
Recall that the Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, during Friday’s plenary, directed Justice Amadi to set up a seven-man panel to investigate allegations against the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
President returns to Abuja after 20 days abroad
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after spending 20 days abroad as part of his annual leave.
During the leave, the President attended the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where he witnessed the signing of a major trade agreement between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the President’s return in a statement titled ‘President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after Abu Dhabi trip,’ issued on Saturday.