Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 07 October 2026

Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Oyo lead voter registration ahead of 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that Lagos, Kano, Kaduna and Oyo states have the highest numbers of registered voters ahead of the 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, also said the commission received the certified Supreme Court judgment on the Electoral Act on Tuesday and was studying its implications.

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Amphibious excavators deployed to recover victims of NAF crash

Amphibious excavators have been deployed to recover victims of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The recovery operation began on Tuesday amid difficult terrain and challenging water conditions at the riverine crash site.

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Naira weakens to N1,362 per dollar on parallel market

The naira depreciated to N1,362 per dollar on the parallel market on Tuesday, compared with N1,357 recorded on Monday. However, the currency appreciated in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, trading at N1,331.50 per dollar, according to the latest market figures.

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INEC workers among Nigeria’s least-paid employees, chairman says

INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan has said workers of the electoral commission are among the least-paid employees in Nigeria. Amupitan disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while presenting the commission’s preparations for the 2027 general elections at a World Press Conference.

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FCT council chairmen face fresh summons over N100bn audit queries

The six FCT area council chairmen have again failed to appear before the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee over alleged financial infractions involving about N100bn. The committee has issued a seven-day summons to council officials, directing them to appear on October 14, 2026.

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Wike, Fubara, Rainbow Coalition leaders meet in Port Harcourt

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and leaders of the Rainbow Coalition met with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara at his private residence in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. APC governorship candidate Kingsley Chinda and Senator Magnus Abe were also present at the meeting.

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Peter Obi promises to restore petrol subsidy if elected

Presidential candidate Peter Obi has promised to restore the petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027. Speaking in an interview with the BBC on Tuesday, Obi said the major problem with the subsidy regime was corruption surrounding its implementation, clarifying his earlier comments about reforming the system.

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Traditional ruler shot dead during burial rites in Ondo

A traditional ruler in Ayeka, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, High Chief Akinwalere Akinola, has reportedly been shot dead. The incident occurred on Tuesday while traditional rulers and community members were performing burial rites for another traditional ruler who had died.

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ADC demands audit of funds for NAF aircraft maintenance

The African Democratic Congress has called for an audit of funds allocated for maintaining Nigerian Air Force aircraft following Monday’s ATR-42 crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The opposition party questioned differences between funding for the NAF fleet and the Presidential Air Fleet, citing concerns over government spending priorities.

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Murder suspect dies during court proceedings in Bayelsa

A 50-year-old murder suspect, Bethlehem Nwanlia, reportedly slumped and died shortly after proceedings began at the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa on Tuesday. Nwanlia was standing trial alongside two others over alleged conspiracy, kidnapping and multiple murder when the incident occurred at Court 11.

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INEC reviews Supreme Court ruling ahead of 2027 elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission is reviewing a Supreme Court judgment on provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 that could affect candidates’ eligibility ahead of the 2027 elections. INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan said the commission had received the certified judgment and would announce appropriate action after completing its review.

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25 killed in Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash

The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the deaths of all 25 people aboard an ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The aircraft, NAF 931, was conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers.

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NAFDAC boss says Nigerians are ignorant and do not read

NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye has criticised Nigerians over poor understanding of pesticide instructions and food-safety responsibilities. Speaking on BusinessDay TV, she said, “First of all, we are ignorant in this country. We are very ignorant. We don’t read. We don’t understand.” She explained that several agencies share responsibility for food safety.

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Finance Ministry denies knowledge of ₦124.86bn CBN withdrawal

A Federal Ministry of Finance director, Ali Mohammed, told an FCT High Court that the ministry was unaware of a ₦124.86bn withdrawal from the Central Bank of Nigeria. He testified as a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele over alleged unlawful actions linked to the naira redesign policy.

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INEC names parties without presidential candidates for 2027

INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan has disclosed that APGA, the Youth Party and Accord Party did not nominate presidential candidates for the 2027 elections. He said 18 of Nigeria’s 22 registered political parties nominated presidential candidates, while the NNPP withdrew its nomination during the substitution window.

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Court reserves judgment on El-Rufai’s bail appeal

The Court of Appeal in Kaduna has reserved judgment in former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s appeal against the refusal of his bail application. The ICPC urged the court to dismiss the appeal, arguing that El-Rufai had previously made three unsuccessful bail applications before the Kaduna State High Court.

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Laide Bakare raises alarm over sons’ alleged maltreatment

Actress Laide Bakare has raised concerns over the welfare of her two sons amid a custody dispute with their father. She alleged that the children were being poorly treated by their stepmother, saying, “I’m currently not thinking straight.” Bakare said she decided to speak publicly because of concerns about her children’s safety and wellbeing.

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Kevinblak vows to keep criticising bad governance despite threats

Nigerian skit maker Kevin Arua, popularly known as Kevinblak, has vowed to continue using his “Governor Amuneke” character to criticise bad governance despite receiving threats. He said, “I have gotten countless threats because of my contents criticising bad governance,” adding that he understood the potential consequences before beginning the political satire.

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Super Eagles fight back to draw 3-3 with Russia

Nigeria’s depleted Super Eagles recovered from a two-goal deficit to draw 3-3 with Russia in an international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod. Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring before Russia responded with three goals. Nigeria reduced the deficit through Edokpolor Patrick before Akor Adams scored a stoppage-time equaliser to complete the comeback.

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South Africa seeks to become first African Olympic host

South Africa has expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, potentially becoming the first African nation to stage the Games. The International Olympic Committee said South Africa is among seven countries in discussions over potential bids. Its proposed venues would span Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.