Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 01 October 2026

October 1, 2026

Tinubu Signs Appropriation (Amendment) Bill, Extends 2025 Budget to December

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Appropriation (Amendment) (No.4) Bill, 2025, into law. It extends the implementation period of the 2025 budget from September 30, 2026 to December 31, 2026.

His spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Naija News reports that the assent followed the amendment’s swift passage by the Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The Senate had earlier approved an extension for the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act.

The extension gives Ministries, Departments and Agencies more time to complete ongoing capital projects. It also ensures funds already appropriated are fully put to work without disrupting critical programmes.

The President commended the National Assembly leadership and members for their prompt handling of the bill.

2027: ‘I Will Resign As Minister If Tinubu Loses FCT, Rivers’ – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to resign from the Federal Executive Council if President Bola Tinubu loses the FCT and Rivers State in the 2027 election. He said he would announce his resignation by January.

Wike made the declaration on Wednesday during an engagement with leaders and members of the Apo Mechanics and Traders Association in Abuja, Naija News reports.

He said his tenure as a cabinet minister is tied to his ability to deliver political results for Tinubu in his primary areas of influence. According to him, failure to deliver in the FCT means he is not qualified to hold the office.

Wike added that the administration is building a multi-party coalition to win various elective offices in the FCT. He also endorsed candidates across legislative tiers and reiterated his support for the President’s re-election.

Court Remands Alleged Fake PFIPC DG In Kuje Prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, 38, who is accused of falsely parading himself as Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Naija News reports that Justice Mohammed Umar gave the order on Wednesday after Adeyemi pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery and impersonation. Adeyemi has been in detention since July 14, when he was arrested on the strength of a bench warrant.

The judge directed that he be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.

Two other defendants, Femi, whose surname was not disclosed, and Anu, were named in the charge and are said to be at large.

The prosecution alleged that the three conspired to forge documents to set up and run the purported council. These included a presidential appointment letter, State House letterheads and a conveyance approval.

FG Rules Out Return Of Petrol Subsidy, Says Reforms Saved Nigeria From Collapse

The Federal Government has ruled out a return to the petrol subsidy regime. It insists the reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu were necessary to save Nigeria from imminent collapse.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, made the declaration on Wednesday in Abuja at the 66th Independence Anniversary Lecture.

Independence Day: FG Declares October 1 Public Holiday

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.

Naija News reports that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the government. In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, he congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad.

Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to use the celebration to reflect on unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. He said Nigeria’s welcoming spirit, love, human resources and natural wealth had made the country “unarguably the most prosperous black nation in the world.”

He also said peace and stability remain important for the development of any country. He called on citizens to follow the example of the founding fathers and work towards a country future generations would be proud of.

Court Declines Suit Seeking To Stop Donald Duke’s PRP Candidacy

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to stop former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, from contesting the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

Justice Mohammed Umar dismissed the suit filed by an aggrieved PRP presidential aspirant, Yakubu Kingsley. The judge held that it was filed outside the time allowed by law for pre-election matters, Naija News reports.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1234/2026, was filed on June 10, 2026. The PRP presidential primary was held on May 25, with the result announced on May 26.

Justice Umar upheld the preliminary objections filed by Duke and the PRP. He held that the suit was a pre-election matter that should have been filed within 14 days under Section 285(9) of the Constitution.

Kingsley had argued that the 14 days should start from June 6, when the party’s appeal committee communicated its decision. The judge rejected this, found the suit statute-barred and declined jurisdiction.

‘We’ll Be Retired If APC, Tinubu Win 2027 Election’ – Amaechi Warns ADC Leaders

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Vice-Presidential candidate and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has warned party leaders that many of them risk being retired from politics if President Bola Tinubu is re-elected in 2027.

He spoke on Wednesday at the ADC National Women’s League Conference in Abuja.

Amaechi urged leaders and supporters, particularly women, to return to their states and wards and begin aggressive grassroots mobilisation. According to him, the party must secure strong support at the ward level if it hopes to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Amnesty International Rejects Police Drug Claim Over ‘Tinubu Must Go’ Arrests

Amnesty International has rejected the Nigeria Police Force’s claim that five men arrested in Maiduguri while wearing “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts had drugs in their possession.

The rights group described the explanation as an attempt to justify what it called the men’s unlawful detention.

Following the nationwide outrage over the arrests, the Borno State Police Command denied that the motive was political.

Atiku Meets PRP Chairman, Coalition Leaders In Abuja Ahead Of 2027

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, and other coalition leaders have reportedly held a closed-door meeting with former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in Abuja.

The meeting took place at Atiku’s Abuja residence on Tuesday night. Members of his campaign council attended as the opposition coalition intensifies consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

IGP Approves Fresh Probe Into Mohbad’s Death

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has approved a petition by the family of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, seeking a fresh and comprehensive investigation into his death.

The family disclosed this through its lawyer, Oladayo Ogungbe, in a statement dated September 29, 2026. He clarified that the police re-investigation was ongoing despite the recent dismissal of a suit by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Female Police Inspector Dies In Hit-And-Run Ahead Of Tinubu’s Lagos Visit

A female police inspector, Mercy Bassey, has died after she was reportedly knocked down by a hit-and-run driver. She was on route-lining duty ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s arrival in Lagos on Tuesday.

A security source who pleaded anonymity told reporters on Wednesday that Bassey was hit by a black Highlander Sport Utility Vehicle.

Kano Village Head Reportedly Killed By Abductors

The village head of Aujarawar Alkali in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Ahmad Yakubu Ahmad, has reportedly been killed by his abductors.

Ahmad was abducted on Tuesday, September 17, 2026, when gunmen stormed the community at night. His body was reportedly recovered after he was killed.

NDC Ward Chairman Reportedly Murdered In Makurdi

Unknown assailants on Wednesday reportedly murdered Igbu Job Terhemen, Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Fiidi Council Ward, Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.

Terhemen was said to have been attacked by suspected hoodlums. They allegedly tied him with ropes, injected him with substances suspected to be poisonous and abandoned him near his residence, around the NNPC depot along the Makurdi-Otukpo Road.

‘There Is A Lot Of Rigging In The Industry’ – Nollywood Actor, Tayo Faniran

Nollywood actor Tayo Faniran has alleged that the Nigerian movie industry is heavily gatekept by politics, favouritism and rigging.

Speaking in an interview on TVC eSplash, Faniran claimed talent is not always the biggest factor in determining success, Naija News reports.

According to him, some of the producers considered the biggest names in Nollywood are not necessarily the most talented. He added that he believes he would have achieved more if opportunities were based strictly on talent.

‘Nigeria Is Not Safe’ – Cross Cries Out After Being Robbed In Lagos

Reality TV star Cross Okonkwo has raised concerns about security in Lagos after alleging that he was robbed by a street beggar in the Ikate area of Lekki.

Naija News reports that Cross made the allegation in a social media post on Wednesday. He said several beggars approached his vehicle while he was in traffic, and one reached inside, took an item and ran off.

He said he tried to chase the person but could not catch up. The former Big Brother Naija housemate expressed frustration and questioned why street beggars are allowed to operate in the area. He also raised concerns about the safety of residents and motorists, saying the incident made him question the level of security in the country.

Ronaldo Leaves Portugal Camp, Vows To Tell The Truth

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has left the national team camp.

Naija News reports that he disclosed this on Wednesday, saying the decision followed a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Proença. The conversation came after a press conference by national team coach Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo also promised to reveal the truth about what transpired in the camp in due course.

Guardiola Backs Man City After Financial Breach Verdict

Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reaffirmed his support for the club after an independent commission found City guilty of breaching the Premier League’s financial rules.

Naija News reports that the commission ruled City guilty of all charges relating to financial breaches between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. It also found them guilty on all but one charge of failing to co-operate with the Premier League’s investigation.

The commission found that City arranged “sham contracts” with several commercial partners to disguise more than £830 million in secret funding. City have denied wrongdoing and have until 2 October to appeal.

Guardiola, who left the club last summer after almost a decade in charge, declared his continued support in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

POPULAR

Leave a Reply Cancel reply