Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 17 August 2026

August 17, 2026

INEC Declares Adeleke Winner Of Osun Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party winner of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election. Adeleke, seeking a second term, won 19 local government areas with 511,067 votes, defeating APC’s Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes across 11 LGAs — a margin of 66,256 votes. Najeem Salaam of the ADC finished a distant third. Governors and other political leaders have continued sending congratulatory messages to Adeleke following the declaration, with reactions still trickling in from across the political spectrum as the results were formally announced.

Tinubu Hails Osun Poll As Proof Of Nigeria’s Thriving Democracy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday said the outcome of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election affirmed Nigeria’s flourishing democracy. The President phoned to congratulate re-elected Governor Ademola Adeleke hours before he was officially declared winner by INEC. In a statement, Tinubu said the outcome of the keenly contested poll demonstrated a fitting assurance that democracy would continue to thrive in the country. He commended the peaceful conduct of the election and the commitment shown by Osun residents in exercising their franchise, describing it as a reflection of growing confidence in the electoral process nationwide.

APC Reviewing Osun Poll Results, May Head To Tribunal

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress says it is reviewing results of the 2026 governorship election across the state’s 332 wards, with a view to exploring available legal options, including a challenge at the election tribunal. In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, the party said it was consulting its legal team before deciding on its next line of action. The party did not immediately allege specific irregularities but indicated a decision on whether to proceed to court would follow the review.

El-Rufai Sues ICPC For ₦10bn Over Alleged Denial Of Family Access

Detained former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a ₦10 billion suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging gross violation of his fundamental rights. In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1852/2026 and filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the embattled former governor accused the ICPC of denying his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and son, Abba El-Rufai, access to him while in detention. He also joined the ICPC Chairman and the Attorney-General of the Federation as co-defendants, arguing the alleged denial breached his constitutional rights to dignity and family life.

Accord, AAC, SDP Presidential Candidates Resolve To Form Common Front For 2027

The presidential candidates of the Accord Party, the African Action Congress (AAC), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have resolved to work together toward a common force ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The three candidates — Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim of Accord, Mr Omoyele Sowore of AAC, and Prince Adewole Adebayo of SDP — reached the resolution after a meeting held in Port Harcourt at the weekend. Details of how the proposed alliance would be structured were not immediately disclosed, but the leaders described the move as a step toward strengthening opposition unity ahead of the polls.

Heavy Rainfall Floods Major Roads, Estates Across Abuja

Heavy rainfall disrupted movement across parts of Abuja on Saturday as floodwater swept through major roads and residential areas, leaving motorists stranded and forcing some businesses to close. Several locations recorded severe flooding, including Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent in Wuse 2, the area around Delight Event Centre in Gudu, and parts of Efab Estate in Lokogoma. Commuters were seen wading through knee-deep water in some areas as vehicles broke down along flooded stretches. Residents have continued to raise concerns over poor drainage infrastructure in the affected districts as the rainy season persists.

Kwankwaso Says NDC Appointments Will Be Based On Competence, Not Affinity

National Democratic Party (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, says political appointments under the party’s government will be based primarily on competence and the needs of the country. Kwankwaso said that if the NDC wins the 2027 presidential election, the administration will not appoint people merely because of political affinity or personal connections. He stressed that merit would guide the party’s approach to governance if elected, positioning the pledge as part of the NDC’s broader case to voters ahead of the general election.

Woman Found Dead With Severed Wrist Inside Osogbo Church

An unidentified woman has been found dead inside a church premises in the Obelewo area of Osogbo, Osun State, with her left wrist reportedly cut off. This was contained in a statement issued Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, who said police detectives visited the scene following the discovery of the body. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death are ongoing, with authorities yet to establish a motive or identify the victim. Iniedu assured that the police were working to unravel the incident.

Two Kidnappers Neutralised, Victims Rescued In Imo Forest Gun Duel

Two suspected kidnappers were neutralised while two victims were rescued during a gun duel between security operatives and kidnappers in a forest in Imo State. According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, the operation followed an intelligence report that prompted police operatives and local vigilantes to mobilise to the forest where the victims were being held. The rescued victims have been taken to safety, while security operatives continue to comb the area for other suspects who may have escaped during the exchange of gunfire.

NDLEA Arrests Businessman With 1.55kg Cocaine Hidden In Luggage At Lagos Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 48-year-old businessman, Nwankwo Onyebuchi, with 1.550kg of cocaine concealed in the walls and railings of his luggage at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday. The suspect was intercepted during routine screening of outbound passengers, and the substance was discovered after further inspection of the luggage. Investigations are ongoing to determine his final destination and possible links to a wider trafficking network.

Kebbi: Governor Idris Dumps Deputy As Running Mate, Gives Reason

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has dropped his deputy, Umar Abubakar Tafida Arugungu, as his running mate ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state on Sunday declared Ibrahim Muhammad Augie as the new running mate to Governor Idris. APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, disclosed the decision during a thank-you visit by stakeholders from the Argungu Emirate to the governor at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi. Suleiman said the party reached the decision based on professional legal advice regarding Arugungu’s eligibility to run.

Where Did The Money Go? Atiku Challenges Tinubu Over ₦4trn Refinery Bill

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Bola Tinubu to account for trillions of naira spent on Nigerian refineries under his watch. Atiku noted that combined obligations of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries to the NNPCL rose from about ₦4.52 trillion at the end of 2023 to ₦8.67 trillion at the end of 2024, questioning the ₦4.15 trillion difference within a single year. He urged Tinubu to stop blaming former President Muhammadu Buhari and instead explain the extra expenditure. Atiku spoke through his aide, Phrank Shaibu, in a Sunday statement.

Why Tinubu’s Primary, Secondary School Certificates Weren’t Published — INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why it did not publish primary and secondary school certificates of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after recently releasing credentials of presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 general election. A top INEC official told The PUNCH that the commission only publishes documents submitted by candidates and has no authority to question or alter what is presented to it. The credentials, the official said, are published to allow Nigerians scrutinise them and raise objections where necessary, noting INEC is not constitutionally empowered to query candidates over missing or unverified documents.

‘There Is No Agreement’ — Adeleke’s Camp Denies Political Deal With Tinubu

The Imole Campaign Council of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed suggestions that the governor’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid was based on a political agreement. The council said Adeleke’s backing for the President was informed by Tinubu’s performance and economic reforms, not a secret arrangement between the two camps. Spokesperson Pelumi Olajengbesi stated this in a post on his X handle on Sunday, reacting to comments by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, who had congratulated Adeleke on his re-election and praised his public endorsement of Tinubu.

Get Your Body Done If It Boosts Your Confidence — Sarah Martins Tells Women

Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has urged women never to settle for low self-esteem, advising they should go for body enhancement procedures if it would help boost their confidence. Speaking in an interview with Potpourri, Martins argued that women should be free to make choices about their bodies if those choices help them feel more confident and empowered. “Nothing kills women faster than low self-esteem. If getting your body done will give you the confidence you need as a woman to grow and win, then go ahead and do it!” she said, adding she remains comfortable with her own physique but would not rule out plastic surgery in future.

Osun Election: ‘Nah Me And You Tomorrow’ — Davido Taunts Edo Gov Okpebholo

Nigerian singer and producer, David Adedeji, popularly known as Davido, has taken to social media to taunt Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo following Saturday’s Osun governorship election. Davido and Okpebholo had engaged in a back-and-forth exchange ahead of the poll, after Okpebholo urged his supporters not to vote for Governor Ademola Adeleke on August 15, arguing that Adeleke’s habit of dancing at official functions suggested he was disconnected from governance. Davido’s latest post comes after Adeleke’s re-election was declared by INEC, deepening the online exchange between the two.

Maresca ‘Disappointed’ As Arsenal Thrash Man City To Win Community Shield

Enzo Maresca started his first campaign at Manchester City with a humbling defeat on Sunday after his side lost to Arsenal in the Community Shield final. Mikel Arteta’s side found the net three times, with goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard sealing the win. Reacting afterward, Maresca described the match as disappointing, expressing regret that his side failed to convert their chances. He said the match became more complicated for his team after Arsenal netted their second goal, admitting City struggled to respond once further behind.

Cameroon Beat Malawi 3-0 To Claim First WAFCON Title

Cameroon defeated Malawi 3-0 to claim their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in a historic final held in Rabat on Sunday. Marie Ngah Manga opened the scoring in the 20th minute, heading home from close range to give the Indomitable Lionesses the lead. Naomi Eto doubled Cameroon’s advantage ten minutes later with a stunning volley before setting up Ngah Manga for her second goal in first-half stoppage time. Malawi, competing at the tournament for the first time, struggled to find a way through Cameroon’s defence throughout the encounter.

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