It’s another edition of NRTC WEEKLY Roundup, and in this week’s edition, we are focusing on five trending stories across the country.
As usual, the stories will cut across the top five beats in our media organisation, NRTC [your one-stop hub for rich and reliable content covering entertainment, sports, politics, metro, and leading stories].
As we all know, a day can’t pass without trending stories, and we have tracked many of them for you this week. Why not scroll down and treat yourself?
Politics: INEC fixes 20 February 2027 for presidential poll
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan on Friday released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections.
According to the timetable, the presidential and national assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027.
Speaking at a high-level briefing with political leaders, civil society groups, and the media in Abuja, Amupitan characterised the announcement as a “milestone” in the nation’s democratic evolution and a fulfilment of constitutional mandates.
The Commission also scheduled the governorship and state houses of assembly elections for 6 March 2027.
Governorship elections will take place in all states except Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun, where off-cycle elections are held.
Business/Economy: CBN warns election spending and excess liquidity threaten economic stability
NRTC WEEKLY learnt that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has cautioned that rising election-cycle spending and persistent excess liquidity pose significant risks to national macroeconomic stability.
Governor Yemi Cardoso issued this warning during the National Economic Council conference at the Presidential Villa on February 10, 2026.
Although recent monetary tightening has stabilized exchange rates, the apex bank described the current economic recovery as fragile and susceptible to policy reversals. This vulnerability stems from a substantial liquidity overhang that continues to fuel inflationary pressures and currency volatility.
Cardoso noted that while monetary policy is a vital tool, it cannot independently fix structural issues like food supply shocks and infrastructure deficits.
He revealed that previous intervention programs totaling N10.93 trillion provided temporary relief but ultimately created long-term distortions in the financial system.
Leading Stories: US seeks sanctions against Kwankwaso over religious freedom violations
NRTC WEEKLY reported that the United States has proposed targeted actions, including visa bans and asset freezes, against individuals and groups accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria, with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso specifically named.
The proposal is contained in the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, introduced on Tuesday by US Congressman Rep. Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) and co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey).
The bill also identifies Fulani nomadic militias and organisations such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
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Part of the bill states, “The United States should deliver humanitarian assistance, co-funded by the Government of Nigeria, through trusted faith-based and nongovernmental organisations in Nigeria’s middle belt states; the Department of State and the Department of the Treasury should impose targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, on individuals or entities responsible for religious freedom violations, including (A) Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria, (B) Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Governor (C) Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN); and (D) Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.”
Sports: Tottenham sack Thomas Frank amid poor results and performances
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed Thomas Frank will leave his role as Men’s Head Coach. The Dane’s short tenure ended after poor results and performances led the Board to conclude a change was necessary.
According to an official statement on Tottenham’s X account, Frank, “who joined Spurs in June 2025, had been given time and support to build for the future.”
However, a troubling run of form, especially domestically, left him on increasingly shaky ground. The Club’s statement noted that he “conducted himself with unwavering commitment” and thanked him for his efforts. They added they … “wish him every success in the future.”
Tottenham’s board acted after Tuesday’s 2–1 home defeat to Newcastle United, leaving Spurs 16th in the Premier League, just five points above the relegation zone. That loss marked one of many poor results, with the club winning only two of their last 17 league games.
Entertainment: Teddy A, Bambam unfollow each other on Instagram
NRTC WEEKLY learnt that Big Brother Naija stars Teddy A and Bambam have sparked fresh concerns about their marriage after they unfollowed each other on Instagram.
Teddy A has also removed all photos of Bambam from his account, and neither appears on the other’s follower list.
The move comes after weeks of speculation about tension in their relationship.
Some fans suggested that Bambam’s acting projects might be adding pressure to their marriage, while others noticed that Teddy A has stopped wearing his wedding ring.
Teddy A and Bambam met on Big Brother Naija, where their relationship began under the public eye.
That’s all for this week on NRTC WEEKLY. Stay tuned and join us again for another exciting edition next week!
