• Nigerians

A report by the PwC has projects that the poverty rate in Nigeria will likely rise sharply to 62 percent this year, with about 141 million people expected to be living below the poverty line.

The projection is contained in PwC’s Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026, titled “Turning macroeconomic stability into sustainable growth.”

The report notes that despite recent policy actions aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, weak growth in real incomes and persistently high living costs are likely to push more households into poverty over the next two years.

PwC estimates that most Nigerians will struggle to record income gains strong enough to offset rising prices in the near term, particularly as inflation continues to erode purchasing power.

“Poverty is projected to rise to 62 per cent (141 million people) by 2026, reflecting weak real income growth and lingering inflation effects

While inflation is expected to ease gradually, the firm warned that the underlying cost structure of the economy would limit meaningful affordability gains for households,” PwC noted.

Vows to Resist in New Coalition Effort

In a strongly worded statement, the media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of systematically weakening opposition parties in Nigeria, aiming to establish a de facto one-party state amid ongoing economic hardships.

The press release, issued on Tuesday, describes the past three years under Tinubu as one of the harshest periods in recent Nigerian history, marked by “punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space.”

It claims the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is pursuing a “calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives,” leaving the ruling party dominant “by default, not by merit.

“According to the statement signed by Paul Ibe of the Atiku Media Office, opposition leaders have responded by rallying around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a “nucleus of a credible national alternative.” The ADC is portrayed as being on a “national rescue mission,” with Atiku and other figures central to the initiative.

The release directly addresses recent external pressures on the ADC, alleging that “agents aligned with the Presidency” are attempting to destabilize the party by interfering in its internal affairs, particularly regarding the selection of a presidential candidate.

It rejects any calls for Atiku to “step aside,” labeling such demands as “a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.

“Emphasizing the ADC’s commitment to an “open, transparent, and competitive process” for choosing its flagbearer, the statement warns that “APC proxies and external meddlers have no standing to intimidate, blackmail, or sabotage this democratic resolve.”

It notes the party is currently focused on building grassroots structures at ward, local government, and state levels, urging “disruptors and infiltrators” to cease interference.

The ADC remains “open and welcoming to all genuine opposition figures,” the release states, highlighting inclusiveness as the “soul of democracy.”

It asserts that when the nomination process begins, “all qualified aspirants will present themselves freely,” and no one is stepping down. In a pointed remark, it suggests that if anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu, whose leadership is described as a “national liability.

“The statement references the recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, which it says prompted “open boasts” from a serving minister and presidential aides about plans to undermine the party.

“Their fear is evident,” it adds.Concluding with a defiant tone, the release declares the ADC’s determination to “end the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC,” insisting that no amount of “intimidation, intrigue, or sabotage” will derail its mission. “Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight,” it states.

This development comes amid growing political tensions in Nigeria, as opposition groups seek to consolidate ahead of future elections. Neither the Presidency nor the APC has immediately responded to the allegations.

Three Omatu brothers who died in the inferno that razed a 25-storey building known as Great Nigeria Insurance House in Lagos Island, Lagos State, will be buried on January 14.

The three siblings were: Stephen Omatu (40), Casmir Omatu (39) and Collins Omatu (37),

The fire incident, which occurred just hours before Christmas Day, spread rapidly to neighbouring buildings, including a mosque and a nearby plaza, sending thick smoke into the skyline.

However , the surviving twin, Camillus Omatu, narrowly escaped the incident.

Providing an update in a Facebook poston on Monday, a sister of the brothers, Mimi Nonyerem, disclosed that the service of songs would be held on January 7 and would be followed by the burial on January 14.

Nonyerem wrote, “The burial date for our brothers has been scheduled for January 14th, 2026. I humbly request your prayers for divine protection over my family.

“If you are in Ihiala, Anambra State, your presence would be greatly appreciated.”

According to the obituary she posted, the service of songs will be held in Lagos State, while the burial will be held in Anambra State.