Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 19 August 2026

FCCPC Probes Cement Manufacturers Over Rising Prices

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has confirmed that cement manufacturers are under investigation over the continued rise in cement prices across Nigeria. The commission said the probe followed an extensive industry-wide investigation that suggested possible manipulation of product prices in the Nigerian market. It did not name specific companies under scrutiny but indicated that findings from the investigation would guide further regulatory action. The development comes amid growing public concern over the cost of building materials, with cement prices remaining a major driver of rising construction costs nationwide. The FCCPC said more details would follow as the probe progresses.

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ADC Slams Tinubu Over Rising Food Prices

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over rising food prices, saying the latest inflation reports show the government has no solution to the cost-of-living crisis. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the Tinubu government had “run out of ideas.” Abdullahi added that the administration’s approach, which focuses only on core inflation figures, does not prioritise the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians. The ADC’s comments add to mounting opposition criticism of the government’s economic policies as households continue to grapple with high food costs nationwide.

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Atiku Reveals Why He Rejected Tinubu As Running Mate In 2007

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has narrated how he rejected an attempt by then Lagos State Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to become his running mate, saying he opposed a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the interest of the country. In a Hausa-language video interview shared on X, Atiku disclosed that some elders approached him after he secured the presidential ticket, seeking to persuade him to accept Tinubu as his running mate. He said he turned down the request, citing the need for religious balance on the ticket. The revelation adds new detail to the political history between the two leaders.

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Wike Says He’d Have Helped APC Win Osun ‘At All Costs’ If Tinubu Wanted

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he would have gone to Osun State to help the All Progressives Congress (APC) secure victory in the governorship election if President Bola Tinubu had wanted the party to win “at all costs.” Wike made the statement on Tuesday while speaking with journalists during an inspection of flood-prone areas in Maitama, Abuja. His comments come days after the APC’s defeat in the Osun governorship poll, raising questions about the level of the party’s mobilisation for the election.

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23 Killed As Bandits Attack Plateau Community

More than 23 people have been killed in the Binper community, Bwai District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, in an attack by suspected bandits. The assault happened less than a week after three people were killed in the same area, with the Fulani and Mwaghavul communities trading blame over the earlier violence. Details of the latest attack remain sketchy, with residents said to be living in fear as security agencies work to restore calm to the affected communities. No arrests have been announced in connection with the killings.

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Boko Haram Kills Police Inspector, Seven Civilians In Adamawa

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Gaya community in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State on Monday night, killing a police inspector and seven civilians. The Chairman of Hong Local Government Council, Aliyu Sa’ad, confirmed the attack on Tuesday. Details of the extent of damage and the response by security forces were not immediately available. The attack adds to a string of insurgent activities recorded in parts of northeastern Nigeria in recent weeks, as authorities continue efforts to contain the resurgence of Boko Haram violence in the region.

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Fire Guts Pharmaceutical Council Office In Awka

Panic broke out at the Federal Secretariat Complex in Awka, Anambra State, on Tuesday after a fire gutted part of a building housing the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria and an adjoining store occupied by a pharmaceutical company. The fire, which reportedly started around 3pm, destroyed office equipment and documents before it was brought under control. The cause of the inferno has not been ascertained. No casualties were reported, though the incident caused significant disruption at the complex as emergency responders worked to contain the blaze.

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NDLEA Busts International Cocaine Cartel, Arrests ‘KC Luxury’

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an international cocaine-trafficking cartel that allegedly used Nigeria as a transit hub for moving illicit drugs to the United Kingdom, other parts of Europe and Asia. The agency arrested the alleged Nigerian arrowhead of the syndicate, a self-styled luxury goods dealer and social media influencer, Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known online as “KC Luxury,” as he attempted to flee the country. The NDLEA said further investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the network and trace the proceeds of the illicit trade.

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Tinubu, Akpabio Hold Closed-Door Meeting At Aso Rock

President Bola Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday. Journalists observed Akpabio’s official S-Class Mercedes-Benz sedan pull up at the forecourt of the President’s office at exactly 6:12pm. The reason for the meeting is yet to be ascertained, and no official statement has been issued by the Presidency or the Senate President’s office. The meeting comes amid ongoing engagements between the executive and legislative arms of government on various national issues.

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Presidential Candidates Sign Peace Accord Ahead Of 2027 Elections

Presidential candidates and national chairmen of major political parties on Tuesday signed the first National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections in Abuja. The accord was signed on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, alongside the All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda. The signing brought together key political stakeholders committing to peaceful conduct ahead of the polls. More details on the accord’s provisions and further signatories are expected in the coming days.

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‘Tinubu Was So Upset’ – Atiku Narrates How Buhari Rejected Oluremi As Running Mate

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) 2027 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has recalled how President Bola Tinubu got upset after late President Muhammadu Buhari turned down his request to make his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, a running mate in 2015. In a Hausa-language interview on X, Atiku said after securing the presidential ticket in 2007, Tinubu sent five elders, including Tom Ikimi and Bisi Akande, to request the running mate slot, which he rejected. Atiku said he and Buhari reconciled in 2014 on condition that Tinubu would not be his running mate, a promise he said Buhari failed to keep.

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Judge Gives US Attorney Four Days To Release Tinubu’s ‘Drug Trafficking Allegations Record’

A United States District Judge, Beryl Howell, has granted US Attorney Jeanine Pirro an additional four days to release records linked to longstanding allegations concerning President Bola Tinubu. A US-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York L.C., disclosed the development in a post on X. According to the firm, Pirro, who was appointed by US President Donald Trump, had requested a 10-day extension to comply with the disclosure process, but Judge Howell granted only four additional days, extending the deadline to August 21, citing the more than three years the case had remained unresolved.

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Osun: ‘There Was No Alliance With ADC’ – Adeleke

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State on Tuesday distanced himself from reports claiming he entered into an agreement with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to secure victory in Saturday’s governorship election. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke insisted there was no arrangement with the ADC before, during or after the poll. His reaction followed comments by ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who reportedly said the party collaborated with the Accord Party to block the APC. Adeleke attributed his victory to God and the people of Osun State.

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I Have No Fears About 2027 Presidential Elections – Peter Obi

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has warned Nigerians against voting for politicians who violate the Peace Accord, saying withdrawing votes from such politicians would deter such behaviour. He spoke on Tuesday during the signing of the National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections. Referencing the violence recorded during the Osun governorship election, Obi said nobody needs to die because of an election. He said he wants to reform the electoral process but must first go through it, urging all 2027 contestants to conduct themselves well, and added that he has no fears going into the race.

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‘Find A Mad Man Who Can Make The Refineries Work’ – Murray-Bruce Tells Tinubu

Former Bayelsa East Senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, has charged President Bola Tinubu to make fresh efforts to ensure the nation’s refineries become functional. In an open letter to the President on Tuesday, Murray-Bruce said there should be no more excuses regarding the non-operation of the three publicly owned refineries, noting that if the privately owned Dangote Refinery can function, government-owned refineries have no excuse. He urged Nigeria to aim beyond meeting local fuel needs and become a major exporter of refined petroleum, charging Tinubu to appoint someone determined to fight oil theft and bureaucratic bottlenecks.

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This Must Be Stopped – Jonathan Faults Govs’ Invasion Of States During Off-Cycle Elections

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the recent trend of political leaders, including serving governors, converging on a state during off-cycle elections, warning it could threaten Nigeria’s fragile democracy if allowed to continue. Jonathan made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, referencing the just-concluded Osun governorship election where APC governors stormed Osogbo to support their candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who lost to Governor Ademola Adeleke. He noted similar events occurred in Ekiti and Ondo, and while commending INEC and security agencies, insisted that political mobilisation on election day must have boundaries.

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‘This Is False’ – Ogogo’s Family Debunks Death Rumour

The family of Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has dismissed online reports claiming the actor is dead. The rumour began trending hours after Ogogo’s daughters, Lima and Kira Taiwo, spoke about their father’s health condition in emotional Instagram appeals on Monday, revealing he is battling stage-four cancer and is in critical condition. A Facebook user had claimed another daughter, Haleemah Taiwo, announced his death after he was allegedly rejected by several hospitals. Reacting on Instagram, Lima strongly denied the death report and urged the public to stop spreading unverified information about the veteran actor.

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‘I Will Not Be 40 And Dragging Spotlight With Some 20-Year-Old Kids’ – Davido

Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has urged veteran musicians to step back from the industry and stop competing with younger artistes for the spotlight. Speaking on a recent episode of the Uncut Podcast, Davido said it is unfair for older acts to be competing with younger ones, adding that he and his contemporaries should be winding down from the music scene in the next five to six years. He further boasted that with his current catalogue, he could take a 10-year break, make a comeback, and still sell out 50 arena shows.

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Rodri Joins Barcelona For £65m

Barcelona have completed the signing of Rodri from Manchester City for a reported £65 million, with the Spain midfielder signing a four-year contract. Rodri, 30, returns to Spanish football after seven years in England, having left Atletico Madrid for City in 2019, where he made 298 appearances and won 12 major trophies, including four Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League. Injuries disrupted his final two seasons, but he returned to top form at this summer’s World Cup, winning player of the tournament as Spain lifted the trophy. Real Madrid had shown interest but ended their pursuit.

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Patrick Vieira Becomes Senegal Head Coach After World Cup Exit

Senegal have appointed France 1998 World Cup winner Patrick Vieira as their new head coach, replacing Pape Thiaw following the team’s disappointing exit from the 2026 World Cup. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday. Vieira, born in Senegal but raised in France, inherits a team seeking to recover from a bruising campaign that ended with a last-32 defeat to Belgium. The federation described the appointment as a “strategic move” to establish a high-level technical staff, with Vieira’s first task being to rebuild the squad and restore confidence following Thiaw’s dismissal.