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2026 Target Date Set for Fury-Joshua Heavyweight Showdown, Ending Years of Speculation

By
Ola Akinola
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0

December 16, 2025 — The biggest fight in British boxing history is finally on the horizon. Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, the two defining heavyweights of their generation, have a concrete plan to finally meet in the ring in 2026, promoters and multiple sources have confirmed to NewsFocus.

A fight that has been mooted, negotiated, and fallen apart for nearly half a decade is now being actively lined up to headline a major Riyadh Season event in the latter half of 2026.

“Tyson’s indicated if it’s the right deal, he’ll definitely do it,” Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions, told Sky Sports News. “I do believe it will happen… sometime in late summer.”

This agreement follows a familiar pattern of failed negotiations, most notably in 2021 and 2022, when last-minute complications and contractual disputes left fans disappointed. This time, however, confidence is high, with the powerful backing of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority Chairman, Turki Alalshikh, who is credited with making the deal.

Hurdles on the Path to the Ring

Despite the advanced planning, the blockbuster fight is not yet a certainty, with both fighters facing significant tests before they can face each other.

· Coming Out of Retirement: Tyson Fury, 37, announced his retirement after two consecutive losses to the undisputed champion, Oleksandr Usyk, in 2024. He has since posted a cryptic message hinting at a return: “The king must return to his throne… after the long and hard battles awaits immortality!” Promoter Frank Warren confirmed Fury is “in the gym full-time training very hard.”

· Mandatory Warm-Up Fights: A key stipulation of the 2026 plan is that both Fury and Joshua must first win separate bouts in early 2026. This strategy is not without risk, as a shock loss for either man could derail the entire event.

Potential Warm-Up Opponents

Media reports have begun speculating on who could share the ring with the British stars before their clash.

For Tyson Fury

· Arslanbek Makhmudov: A heavy-handed Russian (21-2, 19 KOs) reportedly in consideration.

· Zhilei Zhang: A dangerous Chinese veteran who would provide a stern test.

· Martin Bakole: A credible heavyweight who has previously sparred with Fury.

For Anthony Joshua

· Deontay Wilder: A long-discussed mega-fight that never materialized.

· Martin Bakole: Also linked to Joshua, potentially in Nigeria.

· Derek Chisora: A domestic battle that would draw a huge UK crowd.

· Joshua’s Immediate Test: Before any 2026 plans, Anthony Joshua, 36, must first return to the ring this week against YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami. Following a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, Joshua admits he needed a “reset.” A loss to Paul, while considered highly unlikely by experts, would undoubtedly jeopardize the Fury superfight.

A Legacy Fight Beyond Belts

Originally conceived as a clash for the undisputed heavyweight championship, the 2026 iteration will have no world titles on the line. Instead, it represents a pure legacy fight to settle a historic British rivalry and determine the second-best heavyweight of the era behind Usyk.

“The fans have been asking for this, and everybody has been talking about it, for years and years and years,” said Frank Warren. “It’s better that if it’s going to happen it happens now.”

For both fighters, the financial incentive is monumental. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, stated that Alalshikh is “probably the only one who can make the Tyson Fury fight because both guys are going to want a huge amount of money.”

The Long Road to Agreement

The journey to this point has been fraught with false starts:

· 2021: A deal was nearly finalized for an undisputed title fight, but was scuppered when Deontay Wilder exercised a rematch clause against Fury.

· September 2022: Fury publicly called out Joshua and set a deadline to sign a contract. When it passed unsigned, Fury declared the fight “officially over.”

Now, with a clear path and powerful financial backing, the boxing world is holding its breath, hoping the third time is the charm for a fight that has been over half a decade in the making.

FRSC To Prosecute TikTok Star Over Reckless Driving Livestream

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has initiated legal proceedings against popular TikTok personality Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, over a viral video that captured him livestreaming while driving, an act authorities say led to a road accident.

The move was ordered by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, after he reviewed the widely circulated footage. In a statement issued on Monday by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, Mohammed condemned the growing trend of reckless road behaviour by celebrities and social media influencers.

The statement clarified that using mobile devices or livestreaming while driving is a clear violation of traffic laws and poses a severe risk to the driver and other road users.

“The Corps Marshal stressed that no individual is above the law, regardless of fame or online following,” the statement read.

Mohammed has directed relevant FRSC commands to conduct a thorough investigation and commence prosecution in accordance with traffic laws. He reiterated the Corps’ zero-tolerance policy toward distracted driving, identifying it as a leading cause of road crashes nationwide.

The FRSC also called on content creators and influencers with large followings to promote responsible road usage through their platforms, warning that violators would face sanctions to deter future offences.

ADC Denies Plans for State, LGA Congresses, Disowns Purported Publication

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has refuted claims that it is planning to conduct state and local government congresses, describing a recent publication attributing such a directive to its National Chairman, Senator David Mark, as false and unauthorized.

In a joint statement issued on Monday and signed by the Chairman of the ADC Chairmen’s Forum, Hon. Kingsley Temitope Ogga (Kogi State Chairman), and the Forum’s Secretary, Hon. Kennedy Odion (Edo State Chairman), the party clarified that the said publication did not originate from Senator Mark or the National Working Committee (NWC).

The statement followed a meeting between the ADC Chairmen’s Forum and the National Chairman, where Senator Mark categorically denied issuing any directive for congresses.

“During the meeting, the National Chairman stated categorically that the publication calling for state/local government congresses of the party published in one newspaper did not originate from his office. He further confirmed that he neither authorized nor had prior knowledge of the document, and that it was unknown to the National Working Committee of the party,” the statement read.

It added that the publication was “illegal, invalid, and of no effect whatsoever,” and urged party members, stakeholders, and the public to disregard it entirely.

“Accordingly, any claims, notices, or insinuations contained therein suggesting that congresses will be held across the states of the Federation for the ADC at the local government and state levels are false and should be disregarded in their entirety.”

The Forum also reaffirmed its loyalty to Senator Mark-led NWC and commitment to the party’s success in future elections, including the 2027 general polls.

The clarification aims to prevent confusion within the party ranks and ensure stability ahead of upcoming electoral activities.

Lamido Reaffirms PDP Loyalty But Signals Readiness for Alliances Amid Party Crisis

By
Ola Akinola
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0

KANO — Former Jigawa State Governor and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido, has reaffirmed his commitment to the party but declared he is prepared to explore political alliances if ongoing efforts to resolve the party’s internal crisis fail.

Lamido stated this on Monday while addressing a gathering of party loyalists at his office in the Sharada area of Kano, where he acknowledged enduring what he described as persistent injustices against him and his political family within the PDP.

The former governor stressed that, despite his grievances, his long-standing commitment to the PDP would not be easily discarded. He, however, noted that political realities might necessitate broader cooperation if internal reforms prove unattainable.

“By the end of this month, December 31, 2025, we shall know where we are going,” Lamido declared. “I remain a PDP member, but my supporters and I are open to alliances with any political party, depending on how events unfold.”

He explained that the coming weeks would be decisive, as critical national consultations and meetings are expected to determine whether the PDP can overcome its leadership and structural challenges.

Lamido urged his supporters to exercise patience, assuring them that behind-the-scenes efforts are ongoing to resolve the crisis rocking the party. He warned that hasty decisions could further weaken the opposition and undermine democratic balance in the country.

The former Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed that he had held discussions with prominent PDP stakeholders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other party elders, who he said had pledged to work towards restoring unity and stability within the party.

Lamido recalled issuing a 10-day ultimatum to the PDP leadership over the executive committee formed at the party’s Ibadan convention, insisting the process was flawed.

He maintained that the convention was illegal and advised those involved to retrace their steps in the interest of party cohesion.

“What we are asking for is fairness, justice, and adherence to the party’s constitution,” he said.

Lamido also revisited his aborted ambition to contest for the national chairmanship of the PDP, describing his exclusion as unjustified and divisive. He argued that denying members legitimate aspirations only deepens internal resentment and weakens party unity.

Monday’s stakeholders’ meeting in Kano drew a large turnout of political heavyweights loyal to Lamido, including former commissioners, 27 local government chairmen, and 30 lawmakers who served during his tenure as governor. Party stakeholders and women leaders from all 27 local government areas of Jigawa State were also in attendance, underscoring Lamido’s enduring influence within the party.

He assured his supporters that whatever decision emerges by December 31 would be guided by principle, consultation, and the broader interest of democracy, rather than personal ambition.

Governor Aiyedatiwa Begins Statewide Tour, Mobilises Support for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid

By
Ola Akinola
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0

In a strategic move ahead of the 2027 general elections, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has commenced a thank-you tour across all 18 local government areas of the state, using the opportunity to rally support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his anticipated re-election bid.

The governor, who began the tour on Monday in the Akoko region, also disclosed that his main opponent in the November 2024 governorship election, Hon. Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has concluded plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Aiyedatiwa visited Akoko North-East, Akoko South-East, Akoko South-West, and Akoko North-West local governments, where he was received by traditional rulers, community leaders, APC stalwarts, and enthusiastic residents.

Addressing supporters at Oke-Agbe, the headquarters of Akoko North-West, the governor clarified that the tour was not a political campaign but a gratitude visit to appreciate the people for their support during the governorship election.

“I am here to greet you and thank you. Some people say politicians do not return after elections. I have no election now. I only came to appreciate you all for your support for my administration,” he stated.

He, however, swiftly aligned the visit with national party objectives, declaring that the APC at both state and national levels has adopted President Tinubu as its consensus candidate for 2027.

Aiyedatiwa attributed the growing strength of the APC and visible infrastructural development across Nigeria to President Tinubu’s reforms. He noted that these reforms had even attracted governors from opposition parties to join the ruling party.

In a significant political revelation, the governor announced that his erstwhile rival, Agboola Ajayi, who was the PDP candidate in the last gubernatorial election, had met with him and would soon be received into the APC fold.

He urged party members to embrace unity, tolerance, and cooperation to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 polls.

“There will be no fight in the party. We will resolve all issues through dialogue, and everyone will be satisfied,” Aiyedatiwa assured.

During the tour, the governor inaugurated five utility vehicles for traditional rulers and a bus for the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Akoko North-West. He also highlighted ongoing projects, such as the dualisation of the Ikare–Akungba road, as evidence of developmental progress spurred by the Tinubu administration.

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, who accompanied the governor, thanked residents for the massive turnout.

The tour also included the distribution of palliatives to party members and residents in the visited LGAs.

Governor Aiyedatiwa was accompanied by top state officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN; and several other commissioners, special advisers, and party leaders.

Military Launches Youth Football Championship in Bid to Curb Niger Delta Crime

By
Ola Akinola
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0

PORT HARCOURT — The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has inaugurated a six-day Under-15 Boys Football Championship in Port Harcourt, describing it as a strategic non-kinetic initiative to reduce youth crime and strengthen civil-military relations in the Niger Delta.

The tournament, which kicked off on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Sharks Stadium in Rivers State, features young participants from across the South-South region, as well as Abia and Imo states.

Represented by Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, General Oluyede stated that the championship is a core component of the Armed Forces’ soft approach to tackling insecurity by engaging youths through sports, discipline, and talent development.

“This championship symbolizes the spirit of teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition that defines our great nation,” the CDS said. “It provides an avenue to deter future security challenges with the cooperation of the good citizens of Nigeria through a non-kinetic approach.”

He noted that the Niger Delta faces “unique social and security challenges,” and while kinetic military operations continue, initiatives like the football competition are essential to redirecting youths away from crime and toward productive pursuits.

“By empowering this generation, we help build a safer, more stable, and more prosperous future for all,” Oluyede added.

He charged the participating youths to compete with fairness and sportsmanship, while urging coaches and officials to uphold professionalism and empathy throughout the tournament.

In his welcome address, the Director of Sports at the Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Phillips, emphasized the unifying power of sports and its role in building trust between the military and host communities.

“Undoubtedly, this championship has come at a time when good working relationships between the military and civilians are mostly required to ultimately overcome the enormity of security challenges being faced by our dear nation,” Phillips stated.

The CDS expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support of youth empowerment and security initiatives, and thanked the Rivers State Government for co-sponsoring the event, along with partners such as Greater Heights Global Sports Development Limited.

The tournament is scheduled to run for six days, with the military hoping it will foster lasting engagement, talent discovery, and peace-building in the region.

PDP Alarms Over Supreme Court Ruling on Emergency Powers, Warns of “Dangerous Precedent

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised a red flag over the potential implications of a recent Supreme Court ruling concerning presidential powers to declare a state of emergency, warning it could set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy and federal structure.

The party’s alarm follows a split decision (6-1) by the apex court in the suit Attorney-General of Adamawa State & Others v. Attorney-General of the Federation & the National Assembly (SC/CV/329/2025), which challenged the constitutionality of President Bola Tinubu’s earlier declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

While the Supreme Court struck out the case for lack of a cause of action, the PDP, in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, argued that the court’s accompanying commentary has been broadly interpreted as an endorsement of expansive presidential emergency powers.

The party expressed deep concern that the ruling’s reasoning, if left unchecked, could empower the presidency to suspend democratically elected state officials, including Governors and State Houses of Assembly.

“Our concern is anchored on the long-standing legal principle that the express mention of one thing excludes others, and the clear constitutional position that no person or institution, other than the State House of Assembly or a court of law, is empowered to remove a Governor from office during their constitutional term,” the statement read.

The PDP cautioned that the interpretation of the judgment creates a pathway for the President, backed by the National Assembly, to leverage emergency declarations as a tool for political coercion against state governments.

Further, the party warned that such a precedent could, in future, be extended to justify the suspension of other core constitutional institutions, including the judiciary.

To avert this perceived threat, the PDP called for urgent legislative action. It urged the National Assembly to introduce constitutional amendments and legislative safeguards to clearly define and circumscribe the scope of presidential emergency powers.

The party also appealed to Nigerians, civil society organisations, the media, and the international democratic community to remain vigilant in defending the principles of constitutionalism, federalism, and the sanctity of electoral mandates.

Concluding its statement, the PDP expressed hope that the Supreme Court would, at the next appropriate opportunity, provide definitive clarity on the constitutional limits of emergency powers to ensure justice, democratic integrity, and long-term national stability.

You Cannot Stop a Moving Train,” Declares APC Chieftain, Predicts Tinubu’s 2027 Return

By
Ola Akinola
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0

“You Cannot Stop a Moving Train,” Declares APC Chieftain, Predicts Tinubu’s 2027 Return

Insists Party’s Achievements Will Secure Victory; Clears IPAC of Blaming for Internal Party Crises

A senior official of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unstoppable and will secure a second term in 2027, citing ongoing infrastructural projects and economic policies as the foundation for his re-election.

Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim, the APC Deputy Women Leader who also serves as the Deputy National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), made the assertion in an exclusive interview in Abuja on Monday.

Ibrahim positioned the Tinubu administration’s record—highlighting salary payments, project execution, and nationwide infrastructure improvements—as the decisive factor for voters in the next electoral cycle.

“As an IPAC executive, I cannot publicly disclose strategies, but I assure you that President Tinubu will return in 2027,” she stated. “Salaries are being paid, projects are executed, and infrastructure is improving nationwide. These are the modest achievements that will make Nigerians return him in 2027.”

IPAC Not a Source of Party Crises

Beyond the political forecast, Ibrahim addressed criticisms aimed at IPAC, the umbrella body for political parties in Nigeria. She firmly rejected allegations that the council fuels internal crises within member parties.

“I do not think IPAC is responsible for the internal problems of any political party. That is their internal affair,” she clarified.

She explained that IPAC’s mandate is clearly defined and primarily involves interaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “Regarding factions, IPAC relates strictly with INEC. We work with the names of party leaders on INEC’s portal. We do not concern ourselves with factional disputes,” she added.

APC: “A Moving Train”

Defending the APC’s expansive influence, Ibrahim described the party as a formidable national entity whose appeal naturally draws members from other parties.

“APC is a formidable national party with representation across all zones. That attraction draws people in. You cannot stop a moving train,” she said, dismissing notions that the party orchestrates interference in other political groups. “Other parties’ challenges are their responsibility.”

On internal party democracy, the APC chieftain affirmed that the party adheres to constitutional provisions, including the use of consensus candidacy where applicable.

“The first form of election recognized by the Constitution is consensus. Where candidates agree to adopt a consensus candidate, the party must respect it,” she noted.

She acknowledged that political contests inevitably produce disappointed individuals but maintained that this should not be mistaken for a lack of democratic process. “APC remains a party that leads in internal democracy,” she asserted.

Advocacy for Women’s Special Seats

Shifting focus to gender representation, Ibrahim, a former Executive Director of Women Affairs in IPAC, renewed a push for constitutional amendments to create special legislative seats for women.

She pointed to the acute under-representation of women in the National Assembly: only four out of 109 Senators and 17 out of 360 House of Representatives members.

“Politics is a game of numbers. Without representation, voices are not heard,” she argued, highlighting structural barriers in finance, education, and society that disadvantage women.

“The advocacy for special seats is about equity, not superiority,” she explained. “The proposal is for one Senate seat and one House of Representatives seat per state reserved exclusively for women to contest among themselves.”

Ibrahim concluded with an appeal to federal lawmakers, urging them to support the initiative for the sake of equity and national development.

Dangote Price Move Triggers Major Petrol Price Slash in Lagos Depots

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Ex-depot price falls ₦118 per litre in one week as competition intensifies.

LAGOS – Private petroleum depot owners in Lagos have slashed the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by an average of 14%, a dramatic market shift directly attributed to competitive pressures from the newly operational Dangote Refinery.

Market surveys conducted on December 15, 2025, reveal a significant drop, with major private depots now selling petrol at ₦710 per litre. This marks a sharp decline from the average of ₦828 per litre recorded just a week earlier, on December 8.

The move is a direct response to the increasingly dominant market presence of Dangote Refinery-linked marketers, who have been offering petrol at approximately ₦703 per litre. Industry sources confirm this price advantage has made it untenable for independent depots to maintain their previous rates.

“Once Dangote marketers began selling at the ₦703 price point, our volumes at higher prices completely stalled,” a depot operator, who requested anonymity, told NewsFocus. “The Lagos market is highly sensitive and reacts faster to such shifts. We had to adjust to remain competitive and avoid a costly stock build-up.”

Key Depot Price Adjustments (₦/Litre):

· Menj Depot: ₦828 → ₦710

· Integrated Depot: ₦826 → ₦710

· Bovas Depot: ₦826 → ₦710

· A.A. Rano Depot: ₦829 → ₦710

Market analysts note that private depots initially attempted to hold prices close to the ₦800 mark but were forced to capitulate within days due to severely reduced sales activity.

This significant ex-depot price reduction is expected to intensify competition across the downstream supply chain. Observers predict that if the Dangote Refinery maintains its current supply volume and pricing strategy, further price reductions could cascade to retail outlets, particularly during the high-demand holiday season.

The development marks one of the most substantial market corrections since the Dangote Refinery began influencing local fuel supply, signaling a potential new era of price dynamics in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

Nigeria Police to Resume Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement from January 2026, Cites Security Concerns

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

ABUJA – The Nigeria Police Force has announced the resumption of full enforcement of its Tinted Glass Permit policy, effective January 2, 2026. The decision, announced on Monday, is attributed to a rise in criminal activities involving vehicles with unauthorized tint.

In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police clarified that the enforcement was previously suspended “in the spirit of responsibility, transparency, and public convenience” to allow motorists time to regularize their documents, and not due to a court order.

“Recent trends, however, reveal a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass,” the statement read. It noted that criminal elements have exploited the enforcement pause to conceal identities and facilitate crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping.

A Proactive Security Measure

The Police Force framed the resumption as a “proactive measure to safeguard our communities.” The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, assured that the enforcement would be conducted “with utmost professionalism, respect for the rights of citizens, and in accordance with extant laws.”

The IGP reiterated the Force’s commitment to public safety and collaborative efforts to secure the nation.

Call for Compliance

Motorists using, or intending to use, tinted glass on their vehicles are strongly advised to obtain the requisite permit through approved channels before the January 2, 2026, deadline to avoid penalties.

The announcement signals a renewed crackdown on vehicle modifications that compromise security, as the police seek to close a perceived operational gap exploited by criminals.

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