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Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 26 September 2026
PDP Clears Pantami, Mailantarki, Garry For Fresh Gombe Guber Primary
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has cleared Professor Isa Ali Pantami, Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki and Usman Aliyu Garry to contest a fresh governorship primary election.
The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Abdulkadir Ahmed Dukku, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, confirming that the three aspirants had been cleared to participate in the rescheduled primary.
Onaiyekan Says South-East Should Freely Choose Presidential Candidate Without Interference
The Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has said the people of the South-East should be allowed to freely choose their preferred presidential candidate without interference from state governors.
Onaiyekan made the remark on Thursday during an interview with Afia TV in Enugu, while responding to questions on Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s recent comments on how the Igbo should vote in the 2027 presidential election.
Jigawa Police Arrest Seven, Recover Eight Cows In Cattle-Rustling Bust
The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested seven suspects and recovered eight cows and two operational vehicles during an operation targeting a cattle-rustling syndicate terrorising three local government areas of the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Shi’isu Adam, disclosed this in an interview with the City Round on Friday.
Super Eagles Fight Back To Defeat Madagascar 2-1 In AFCON Qualifier
The Super Eagles of Nigeria came from a goal down to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in their Group L 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
The match was played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday evening. Madagascar took the lead in the 15th minute through a well-directed header by defender Ehsan Kari from a corner kick, temporarily silencing the home fans.
Four Killed By Gunmen In Niger State Communities, Police Confirm
The Police Command in Niger State has confirmed the killing of four people by unidentified armed men in Godoro and Angwan-Bisala communities under Katako District of Rafi Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, told NAN that the incident occurred on Wednesday, September 23. He stated that two other people injured during the attack were taken to hospital for treatment.
Troops Intercept 44 ISWAP Family Members, Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims
Nigerian troops have intercepted 44 family members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and rescued nine kidnapped victims in separate operations across the country.
The operations also led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers and collaborators, alongside the recovery of several weapons and ammunition, according to an operational report made available to reporters on Friday.
EFCC Hands Over N84m Recovered Fund To Edo Businessman
The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over a draft of N84 million to a businessman in Edo State, Ekhahon Abraham.
The EFCC, in a statement posted on its X account on Friday, said the money was recovered by operatives of the commission from one Anita Eborome.
Man Arrested Over Death Of Graduate Who Played With His Child In Ogun
A 43-year-old man, Edebiri Temitope, has been arrested in connection with the death of 38-year-old university graduate, Oje Michael Eje, in Mowe, Ogun State.
Eje was attacked after he allegedly hugged and played with the suspect’s three-year-old child. The spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, stated on Friday that Temitope became angry over what he described as the deceased’s “rough play” with the child.
Rivers Assembly Issues Arrest Warrant On PAMO Varsity VC Over N28bn Scholarship Fund
The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a warrant of arrest on the Vice-Chancellor of PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), owned by former Governor Peter Odili.
It was gathered that the assembly took the decision following the VC’s failure to appear before an ad-hoc committee set up by the House to investigate about N28 billion reportedly paid to the university by the state government for scholarships.
NDLEA Arraigns KC Luxury, Two Others Over N39bn Cocaine Export Bid
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday arraigned Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known as KC Luxury, and two other suspects before the Federal High Court in Lagos over the alleged attempted export of 184.5 kilogrammes of cocaine worth about N39 billion to the United Kingdom.
The two other defendants are Boniface Freeman Ochoche Sule and Ikechukwu Ekugo Patriarch.
Tinubu’s Court Records Look Like A Gangster Film – ADC Replies Morka Over Atiku’s Alleged Corruption
The Presidential Campaign Council of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to produce any court judgment convicting its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, of corruption.
Naija News reports that the council made the demand in response to a statement by APC spokesman, Felix Morka, who declared Atiku unfit for Nigeria’s presidency over alleged past cases of corruption.
In a counter-statement on Friday, the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Campaign Council and Atiku’s spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, described Morka’s remarks as a “grubby attempt to conduct a trial by insult.”
Shaibu said the APC spokesman’s allegations did not address the concerns of Nigerians over the rising cost of food, fuel, transportation and electricity, and accused Morka of treating allegations against Atiku as established facts.
The ADC council also criticised Morka’s warning that Atiku be kept away from the national treasury, citing allegations and legal proceedings involving President Bola Tinubu in the United States. Shaibu referred to a US federal court affidavit concerning an investigation into narcotics trafficking and financial transactions involving individuals whose names, he said, appeared in records connected to Tinubu, including Adegboyega Mueez Akande, alleging that Akande introduced Tinubu to First Heritage Bank and that $80,000 was subsequently transferred through a transaction linked to Akande.
‘There Is Light At End Of Tunnel’ – Tinubu Begs Nigerians For More Time
President Bola Tinubu has asked Nigerians to give his administration more time to complete what he described as the work of correcting mistakes and missed opportunities from previous administrations.
Naija News reports that Tinubu made the appeal through the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during a special prayer session at the National Mosque in Abuja, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The President, through Abbas, urged Nigerians not to lose hope, saying peace and development would return to the country, and that Nigeria was moving in the right direction. Tinubu described Nigeria as a country that had reached maturity after 66 years of independence.
2027: Wike To Lead Campaign Team For Tinubu’s Re-election
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to set up and lead campaign teams for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid in the FCT and Rivers State.
Naija News reports that Wike made this known on Friday during an inspection of the ongoing Phase Two construction of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road dualisation project in Chikuku, Abuja.
The minister said he would personally head the campaign structure in the nation’s capital and his home state, Rivers, adding that political parties were already reorganising ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu Has Abdicated Official Duties To Cabals, Unelected Persons – APM
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has alleged that President Bola Tinubu has abdicated his official duties to cabals, family members, principal aides and other unelected persons.
Naija News reports that APM, in a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, accused Tinubu of lacking the capacity to provide effective leadership, insisting the country needs a more energetic, hands-on leader ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The party said the alleged leadership vacuum was reflected in the administration’s handling of insecurity, the economy and Nigeria’s international engagements, citing Tinubu’s absence from the UN General Assembly. APM claimed that more than 600,000 Nigerians had been killed and many others abducted by terrorist elements in the last three years.
Anyone Praying For Fuel Subsidy Return Do Not Mean Well For Nigeria – Alex Otti
The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has rejected calls for the return of fuel subsidy, saying government support should be focused on production rather than fuel consumption.
Otti stated this during an interview with Arise Television on Friday, while speaking on the economic effects of subsidy removal.
The governor said he had opposed fuel subsidy for years, arguing that subsidising consumption encouraged waste and placed a burden on government finances. He said he had written in support of removing the subsidy during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when global crude oil demand dropped sharply, describing the subsidy system as prone to abuse and “a scam.”
2027 Presidency: Allow Peter Obi, Makinde, Amaechi To Run, Let’s See Who Wins – Sani
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has said the South should be allowed to complete its eight-year presidential tenure before power returns to the North in 2031.
Sani said the arrangement would be fair to the country, while noting that rotational presidency is not provided for in the Nigerian Constitution, Naija News reports. He spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today, maintaining that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has the constitutional right to contest the 2027 presidential election.
He mentioned Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Rotimi Amaechi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as Southern politicians who could represent their parties, referencing Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015–2023 tenure as part of his argument.
You Will Weep – Olukoyede Reveals What EFCC Finds In Corruption Cases
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has raised concerns over the alleged continuous diversion of public funds by some government officials.
Naija News reports that Olukoyede made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja, during an event marking the 80th birthday of Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The EFCC chairman said the commission receives more than 20,000 petitions on alleged public corruption every year, adding that investigations had uncovered cases of individuals who entered public service with relatively small bank balances but were later linked to millions of dollars and naira after just a few years in office.
‘Davido Works Like He Doesn’t Have Money’ – Signee, Logos Olori
Nigerian singer and Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) signee, Logos Olori, has said David Adeleke, better known as Davido, has a relentless drive that contradicts his wealthy background.
Naija News reports that Olori, speaking on a recent episode of the Wahala Podcast, expressed admiration for Davido’s dedication to music, claiming he makes music for fun rather than financial gain.
He said, “Davido works like he doesn’t have money. I feel like the competition drives him. He is very passionate. I don’t think he needs music money; he just does it for fun.”
Olori also revealed that Davido signed him to his record label after he wrote his hit song, “Unavailable,” for him, adding that he was living comfortably in Dubai before relocating to Nigeria to pursue music full-time.
Super Eagles Of Nigeria Come From Behind To Beat Madagascar
The Super Eagles of Nigeria came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.
Madagascar took a shock lead in the 16th minute when Emmanuel Kari converted Rayan Ponti’s assist. Nigeria responded in first-half stoppage time as George Ilenikhena finished from Alex Iwobi’s assist to restore parity.
The Super Eagles completed the comeback in the 65th minute when Moses Usor, who had replaced Samuel Chukwueze four minutes earlier, headed home from Semi Ajayi’s assist. Éric Chelle made further changes as Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare replaced Ilenikhena and Ademola Lookman in the 69th minute, while Benjamin Osayi-Samuel replaced Ola Aina to protect the lead.
Nigeria dominated statistically, recording 22 shots to Madagascar’s four, with 54.6 per cent possession. The result gives the Super Eagles three points from their opening Group L fixture, level with Guinea-Bissau, who beat Tanzania 2-0, while Madagascar remain without a point. Nigeria travel to Bissau for their next qualifier on Tuesday, September 29.
Scaloni Names Messi’s Successor As Argentina Captain
Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni, has named Atletico Madrid defender, Cristian Romero, as the new national team captain as Argentina moves on from Lionel Messi.
Scaloni confirmed the appointment while speaking about Argentina’s leadership structure ahead of the team’s upcoming international matches, noting that Romero was already third captain behind Messi and Nicolas Otamendi.
“The captain is going to be Cuti. He was already the third captain after Leo and Ota (Nicolas Otamendi),” Scaloni said, according to TYC Sports.
The coach also listed Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez among players who could wear the armband. Romero has captained Argentina three times, while Messi is expected to make his final appearance against Benin on October 6 at Monumental Stadium, Buenos Aires.