Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 29 October 2026

Tinubu Departs Abuja For Umrah In Saudi Arabia

President Bola Tinubu will leave Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah and pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress, the Presidency said on Wednesday night. Before departure, he will commission equipment acquired for the Nigerian Air Force at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. He is expected back next week.

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TUC Rejects N70,000 Transport Allowance For Workers

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Wednesday rejected the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 transport allowance for workers. The union described the plan as “haphazard measures” to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and demanded an immediate salary increase for workers.

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Atiku Knocks Tinubu Over N70,000 Transport Relief

ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Tinubu over the N70,000 monthly transport support for public service workers, asking whether hardship “ends at the bus stop.” In a statement by Phrank Shaibu, he called the move a last-minute attempt to contain public anger and questioned what it offers private sector workers, traders and the unemployed.

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Reps Summon INEC Chairman Over 2027 Preparedness

The House of Representatives has invited INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan to appear before its Committee on Electoral Matters within seven legislative days. He is to brief lawmakers on the commission’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections, including Continuous Voter Registration, Permanent Voter Cards and election logistics.

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Uba Sani Vows Not To Speak Ill Of Detained El-Rufai

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has said he will not disclose the private steps he took to support his detained predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai. He insisted he would not speak ill of the former governor despite their widely reported political differences, amid growing scrutiny of their relationship.

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Obi Vows To Jail Election Riggers, Says NDC Will “Rig Those Who Rig”

NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi has declared that his camp will “rig those who rig” the 2027 polls. Speaking at a town hall in Nasarawa State on Wednesday, he pledged to jail election riggers, certificate forgers and compromised electoral officials, and called for tougher, verifiable education requirements for aspirants.

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Senate Confirms Eze Anaba, 15 Others As NHRC Board Members

The Senate has confirmed Nigeria Guild of Editors President Eze Anaba and 15 other nominees to the governing board of the National Human Rights Commission. The confirmation followed a report presented on Wednesday by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central).

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Gunmen Kill One, Injure Pastor In Plateau Attack

Gunmen have killed a 36-year-old man, injured a pastor and left another person missing in an attack on Lamor community, Pushit District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State. Community member Nehemiah Bulus confirmed the incident in Jos on Wednesday night, saying it occurred at Pastor Apollos Charly’s farm.

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INEC To Decide Fate Of Pantami, Adebutu, Others On Thursday

INEC will decide on Thursday the fate of former Communications Minister Isa Pantami, Ladi Adebutu and other politicians omitted from its final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship elections. National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday.

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ADC Postpones Sokoto Presidential Campaign Flag-Off

The African Democratic Congress has postponed its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto State from Saturday, October 31, to Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The ADC Presidential Campaign Council in the state announced the change in a statement, citing planning and coordination considerations.

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Police Arrest NSCDC Officer For Firing Shots In Abuja Market

The FCT Police Command has arrested Deputy Superintendent Onoja Samuel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for allegedly firing shots into the air during a confrontation with traders in Kubwa, Abuja. Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said on Wednesday that operatives disarmed and arrested him.

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AAC Candidate Doris Ogala Remanded In Ikoyi Prison

Doris Ogala, the African Action Congress governorship candidate for Abia State, has reportedly been remanded at Ikoyi Prison, Lagos, pending a bail hearing date. Comedian DeeOne confirmed this on Wednesday on 𝕏. The case stems from a legal dispute involving Pastor Chris Okafor.

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Aisha Yesufu Says Women In Politics Are Bolder Than Men

Activist Aisha Yesufu has described Nigerian men in politics as cowardly and quick to grovel, saying women are bolder. She was reacting to an 𝕏 post that mocked Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara after a video showed him declaring FCT Minister Nyesom Wike leader of political actors in the state.

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Adeleke Denies Power-Sharing Deal With APC

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has dismissed reports of a deal with the Presidency to share legislative and local government positions with the state APC. In a statement by spokesman Olawale Rasheed on Wednesday, he called the claims “mere fabrication and fake news” and reaffirmed support for Tinubu’s re-election.

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Carter Efe Complains About Cost Of Dating American Girlfriend

Comedian Carter Efe has complained about the financial demands of dating his American girlfriend, Taylor Jasmine, saying he could run out of money at the current pace. He made the remarks during a livestream at the airport as Jasmine prepared to leave, saying he wants to return to single life.

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Blessing CEO Says Late Son Dreamt Of His Death

Relationship therapist Blessing CEO has revealed that her late nine-year-old son, Bryan, told family members he dreamt about his own death before he died. In an Instagram video, she said she learnt of the dream only after his death, from her first son, Darrell.

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Ronaldo’s 2008 Season Voted Greatest In Ballon d’Or History

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 Ballon d’Or-winning season has topped France Football’s Ballon d’Or of All Time fan poll, held for the award’s 70th anniversary. Lionel Messi’s 2012 campaign was second, with Ronaldo’s 2017 third. The poll featured 32 winning campaigns involving 10 players, Fabrizio Romano reported.

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Copa del Rey Matches Suspended After Spain Train Crash

All 24 Copa del Rey matches scheduled for Wednesday were suspended after a train collision and derailment in Spain’s Toledo province killed at least 68 people. The Spanish Football Federation said the move honours the victims. More than 500 passengers were aboard. Barcelona and Real Madrid sent condolences.