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Governor Abba Yusuf Defects from NNPP as Kano Political Crisis Deepens

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Daily Post reports that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), citing what he described as the “best interest of the people of Kano.” The announcement reportedly coincided with a broader political shift that includes the defection of eight House of Representatives members and 21 State Assembly lawmakers.

The development signals a deepening rift with Yusuf’s political mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, and points to a wider realignment in Nigeria’s most populous northern state. Sources quoted in the report suggested the move was driven by internal party friction and a strategic calculation to secure stronger federal alignment for state-level projects.

The Punch and Leadership also corroborated the split and its immediate political implications, including rising tensions ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

Echotitbits take: The NNPP’s influence in Kano appears structurally weakened by this exit. Watch closely for party-switch litigation over defecting lawmakers’ seats, and for how Kwankwasiyya loyalists respond in the streets and at the courts.
Source: The Nation — https://thenationonlineng.net/updated-yusuf-eight-reps-members-44-council-chairmen-others-resign-from-nnpp/ 2026-01-24

Photo Credit: The Nation

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Nationwide Blackout as National Power Grid Collapses for the First Time in 2026

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According to The Guardian’s reporting on Saturday morning, Nigeria’s national electricity grid suffered its first total system failure of the year, with power generation plunging to 0.00 megawatts. The collapse reportedly occurred around 2:00 PM on Friday and disconnected all eleven electricity distribution companies (DisCos) from the transmission network, leaving major cities including Lagos, Abuja, and Kano without power.

Real-time data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) indicated that major thermal and hydro power plants—including Egbin, Kainji, and Jebba—went offline simultaneously. While the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had not, at the time of reporting, issued a detailed technical explanation, preliminary accounts pointed to a system disturbance that cascaded through ageing infrastructure.

Daily Post and Vanguard also confirmed the development, with Daily Post quoting energy analyst Paul Igbashangev describing the repeated collapses as harmful to businesses and households, while Vanguard framed the incident as evidence of persistent fragility in the transmission network.

Echotitbits take: This first collapse of 2026 reinforces that tariff adjustments alone do not address grid resilience. Unless Nigeria invests in spinning reserves, grid protection systems, and decentralized solutions (embedded generation and micro-grids), the same systemic failure pattern is likely to recur through the year.
Source: The Guardian (Nigeria) — https://guardian.ng/energy/again-nigerias-power-grid-collapses-causes-nationwide-blackout/ 2026-01-24

Photo Credit: The Guardian (Nigeria)

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Kemi Olunloyo Sparks Outrage Over ‘Autism’ Claims About Davido’s Twins

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Olori Supergal reports that journalist Kemi Olunloyo triggered widespread backlash after making unverified claims about the health of Davido’s twins, including an allegation they are non‑verbal. The post drew strong reactions online.

Legit NG is cited as reporting that Israel DMW rejected the claims, while NewsNow Nigeria is cited as noting the Adeleke family may consider legal action, as many commenters criticized bringing children into adult disputes.

**Echotitbits take:** This episode tests the boundary between free speech and harassment in Nigeria’s digital public square. While controversy can drive engagement, targeting minors often triggers legal and platform consequences. Readers should treat the claims with extreme skepticism unless independently verified.

Source: Legit.ng – https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/movies/1693710-kemi-olunloyo-fresh-allegations-davidos-twins-nonverbal-nonfunctioning/  (January 23, 2026)

Photo Credit: Legit.ng 2026-01-23

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Toyin Abraham’s “Oversabi Aunty” Nears N1 Billion Mark

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BusinessDay reports that Toyin Abraham’s comedy‑drama *Oversabi Aunty* took second place at the Nigerian box office over the weekend, adding ₦53.3 million and bringing total gross to about ₦951.1 million—placing it within striking distance of the “Billion Naira Club.”

The Nation is cited as highlighting producer rankings, while Naija News is cited as pointing to strong admissions and a sustained marketing push.

**Echotitbits take:** The box‑office “World Cup” between Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele continues. Akindele leads the season’s headline numbers, but Abraham’s consistency near the billion‑naira threshold confirms the audience appetite can sustain multiple megastars.

Source: Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/olorisupergalmedia/posts/toyin-abraham-hits-new-milestone-with-oversabi-auntytoyin-abraham-ajeyemis-lates/122274181874197731/?_rdc=1&_rdr# (January 23, 2026)

Photo Credit: Facebook 2026-01-23

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Yeni Kuti Calls for Calm in Wizkid–Seun Kuti Legacy Feud

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Vanguard News reports that Yeni Kuti, Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s eldest daughter, has intervened in the online clash between her brother Seun Kuti and Wizkid over Fela’s musical legacy. The feud has sparked days of heated commentary across Nigeria’s celebrity ecosystem.

The Nation is cited for Yeni’s call for calm and mutual respect across eras, while Daily Post Nigeria notes other celebrities have weighed in with conflicting views.

**Echotitbits take:** Yeni is protecting the Kuti brand. By publicly framing Wizkid as a friend, she is trying to prevent an “old guard vs new school” culture war that could make the Kuti estate appear hostile to modern Afrobeats. It is prudent crisis‑containment.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/video-felas-daughter-calls-for-calm-in-wizkid-seun-kuti-feud/(January 23, 2026)

Photo Credit: The Punch 2026-01-23

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Jimmy Butler’s Season-Ending ACL Tear Devastates Warriors Fans

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CBS Sports reports that Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler suffered a season‑ending ACL tear during a game against the Mavericks, dealing a major blow to the team’s title ambitions as the trade deadline approaches.

Sports Illustrated is cited as suggesting the Warriors may explore aggressive offseason options, while AP News is cited as confirming the seriousness of the injury and the broader roster implications.

**Echotitbits take:** If the Butler experiment ends this abruptly, the Warriors face a fork in the road: sell at the deadline to preserve assets or swing big for a superstar pathway. The reactions from Steph Curry and Draymond Green will be telling, because the championship window is tightening.

Source: ESPN – https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47667747/warriors-jimmy-butler-helped-knee-injury-vs-heat
Photo Credit: BBC News 2026-01-23

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Tiwa Savage and IShowSpeed Viral Meet-up Shakes Lagos

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Vanguard News reports that a TikTok clip showing Tiwa Savage hosting U.S. streamer IShowSpeed in Lagos has gone viral, drawing millions of views in under a day. The item notes that Speed—who has amassed a massive subscriber base—has been touring Nigeria and publicly praised Nigerian Jollof rice during the trip.

Vanguard adds that the meet‑up was arranged in part for Tiwa’s son, Jamil, and Daily Post Nigeria is cited as reporting Speed marked his 21st birthday in Nigeria with heavy fan turnout.

**Echotitbits take:** This is cross‑continental branding done right. Tiwa’s “cool mom” framing keeps her culturally sticky with Gen‑Z audiences, while Speed’s Nigeria content reinforces the country as a primary hub for viral tourism and creator‑driven travel.

Source: Legit.ng – https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1693659-tiwa-savage-shares-how-arrange-meet-son-ishowspeed-lagos/  (January 23, 2026)

Photo Credit: Legit.ng 2026-01-23

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Drake Appeals Dismissal of ‘Not Like Us’ Defamation Lawsuit

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The Express Tribune reports that Drake has filed an appeal after a judge dismissed his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), tied to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” The dismissal reportedly hinged on a finding that the lyrics were non‑actionable opinion; Drake’s appeal argues the track caused measurable reputational harm.

Reuters is cited as noting Drake’s team argues UMG’s marketing and distribution amplified allegedly defamatory claims, while AP News is cited as confirming the appellate process is underway.

**Echotitbits take:** Drake is choosing a business‑logic target: the distributor, not the artist. If courts ever broaden liability around diss tracks, labels could face new risk frameworks for marketing and promotion. Still, the bar to win a defamation appeal over artistic expression is typically high.

Source: AOL – https://www.aol.com/articles/drake-appeals-dismissal-not-us-224500392.html (January 22, 2026)

Photo Credit: AOL 2026-01-22

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Davido’s Father Intervenes in Ongoing Paternity Controversy

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Legit NG reports that businessman Adedeji Adeleke has addressed renewed paternity claims involving a 12‑year‑old girl identified as Anuoluwapo. The report says multiple DNA tests have been conducted to settle the dispute, though the situation remains tense amid responses attributed to the girl’s mother.

Daily Post Nigeria is cited as reporting a public pushback from Anu’s mother, including allegations of intimidation, while Vanguard notes Davido publicly thanked his father for stepping in.

**Echotitbits take:** This has shifted from celebrity gossip to a high‑stakes reputational and legal contest. The patriarch’s involvement signals a bid for finality, but the public nature of counter‑claims suggests the controversy may not quiet down quickly.

Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/davido-thanks-father-for-publicly-defending-him-amid-paternity-drama/ (January 23, 2026)

Photo Credit: Vanguard 2026-01-23

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Kendrick Lamar Within Reach of Jay-Z’s All-Time Grammy Record

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Covers.com reports that Kendrick Lamar is heading into the 2026 Grammy Awards with nine nominations, positioning him to potentially break Jay‑Z’s all‑time record for Grammys won by a rapper. Lamar reportedly has 22 Grammys and would need four more wins to surpass Jay‑Z’s 25.

Associated Press coverage cited in the item frames Lamar as a frontrunner in multiple major categories, while other outlets note the broader momentum around his recent chart dominance.

**Echotitbits take:** The “Kendrick vs. the world” narrative has led to a possible coronation moment. If he surpasses Jay‑Z, the GOAT debate moves from barbershop talk to record books—especially if he delivers a headline performance that addresses the year’s lyrical and legal drama.

Source: Grammy – https://www.grammy.com/news/rappers-who-have-the-most-grammy-wins  (January 23, 2026)

Photo Credit: Grammy 2026-01-23

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