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Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 25 September 2026
Atiku Appoints El-Rufai Deputy Chairman Of ADC Presidential Campaign Council
Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has appointed former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, into his Campaign Council. Atiku announced the appointment in a statement on Thursday, saying El-Rufai will serve as Deputy Chairman and will be responsible for high-level political coordination and engagement with key stakeholders across the country. He will serve under Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, appointed Chairman of the council, while Senator Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu will serve as Director-General and Campaign Manager. El-Rufai is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over charges filed against him by the Federal and Kaduna State governments, and is also facing separate proceedings filed by the Department of State Services over allegations of intercepting communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Court Orders Fresh PDP Governorship Primary In Gombe State
The Federal High Court sitting in Gombe has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to conduct a fresh primary election for its governorship ticket in Gombe State. The court, presided over by Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed, gave the order in a suit filed by Usman Aliyu Garry to challenge the emergence of Prof. Isa Ali Pantami as the PDP governorship candidate.
Keyamo Says N70,000 Minimum Wage No Longer Sufficient For Workers
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Thursday said the current N70,000 national minimum wage was no longer sufficient to withstand the economic pressures confronting workers and other Nigerians. Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said the wage was insufficient to absorb the economic shocks confronting workers, while calling for an immediate upward review of wages in order to get the best out of them.
Peter Obi Rejects Claims He Left Anambra With $123 Million Debt
Former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has rejected claims that he left the state with $123 million in debt, saying he handed over a financially strong government with more than $150 million in funds. Obi made the clarification during an exclusive interview with Arise News on Thursday, responding to claims attributed to the incumbent governor, Chukwuma Soludo.
Benue Police Confirm Arrest Of Multicare Hospital CMD In Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command said the Chief Medical Director of Multicare Hospital, Makurdi, Dr Jonah Ogbaji, was arrested by operatives of the Force Headquarters in Abuja. A statement issued Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the medical doctor was arrested by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad attached to the Force Intelligence Department, Abuja, in connection with an undisclosed issue.
I’m Not A Member Of Atiku’s Policy Team – Moghalu Rejects ADC Position
Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, has rejected his inclusion in the policy team of African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 election. In a statement signed by Atiku’s aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku named Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as chairman, El-Rufai as deputy chairman, and Senator Austin Akobundu as director-general, adding that Mohammed Hayatudeen would chair the policy team alongside Professor Mohammed Sagagi and others, including Moghalu. Reacting on his X handle on Thursday, Moghalu said he was “surprised” to see his name included and insisted he never agreed to serve on the team, noting that he had quit partisan politics in Nigeria since 2022.
NDLEA Arraigns Two Over Nigerian-Mexican Meth Lab In Enugu
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it has arraigned two suspected members of a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in the Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
Four Feared Dead As Boat Capsizes In Jigawa
Four passengers have died after a boat conveying eight passengers capsized at Dudduru Pond in the Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State. Confirming the incident in a statement on Thursday, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Jigawa State Command, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, said the tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.
NECO Releases 2026 SSCE Internal Results, 58.67% Score Five Credits
The National Examinations Council has released the results of the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) internal, with 804,948 candidates, representing 58.67 per cent, obtaining five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics. The results were released 63 days after the last examination paper was written.
Naira Extends Losing Streak, Weakens Further To N1,328.67/$
The Naira extended its depreciation against the US dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Thursday. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) data showed that the Naira further weakened to N1,328.67 against the dollar on Thursday, from N1,328.50 on Wednesday.
‘End Global Warfare’ – Tinubu Addresses UN General Assembly
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed calls for a radical shake-up of the United Nations, insisting that reforms must start with reconstituting the Security Council to grant Africa permanent seats. He warned that the continent can no longer afford to fill the Council’s agenda from the margins, pointing out that the world of 2026 cannot remain captive to the distribution of power in 1945. The address was delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima on his behalf during the General Debate at the ongoing 81st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Tinubu specifically demanded at least two permanent seats for the continent — including full rights, responsibilities, and veto power — along with five non-permanent seats. He also issued a wake-up call to world leaders, demanding an immediate end to global warfare and a total rejection of the rising tide of nationalism, warning that the global order hangs in the balance while calling on the international community to dismantle unilateral aggression and restore trust in institutions built to reconcile differences.
2027: APC Attacks Atiku, Says ADC Candidate Unfit For Presidency
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused former Vice President and 2027 ADC candidate, Atiku Abubakar, of involvement in local and international bribery and corruption schemes, saying his record makes him unfit to occupy the presidency. APC spokesperson Felix Morka made the allegation in a statement on Thursday, citing controversies surrounding the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, the Siemens bribery scandal, the William Jefferson case, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) funds controversy, and a US Senate investigation into suspicious financial transactions. Morka said Atiku’s past as a public official was marked by corruption and cronyism that had damaged Nigeria’s economy and public trust, and said the forthcoming election would give Nigerians the chance to reject his bid. He described Atiku as “an accidental vice president” who was “categorically unfit for the office of president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
How Tinubu Ensured Most-Wanted Terrorist Mamuda Was Captured Without Gunshot – FG
The Federal Government has revealed that one of the most wanted terrorists, Mamuda, and his Chief of Staff are currently in court following their recent capture. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during a ministerial briefing on preparations for Nigeria’s 66th independence celebration, saying the country’s security situation has improved under Tinubu’s administration. He explained that intelligence coordination among security agencies under President Bola Tinubu led to the capture of the terrorists without any gunshot. The minister added that although the Tinubu administration has not fully resolved Nigeria’s security situation since assuming office in 2023, there is significant work in progress.
FG Working To Announce New Minimum Wage – Labour Ministry
The Federal Government is set to begin the process of reviewing the current national minimum wage. Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Kamil Shoretire, disclosed this in Abuja during a capacity-building workshop organised for labour correspondents, saying discussions were already taking place within government as part of preparations for negotiations on a new wage structure. He said an official timetable for the negotiations had not been released, but consultations on the proposed review were already underway, adding that details would be made public once the government was ready to formally involve the media. He also disclosed that the government was holding discussions with workers in some sectors where disagreements over salaries, allowances and other payments had not been resolved. The planned review comes amid continued pressure from organised labour for an increase in the national minimum wage.
Omowunmi Dada Reveals Why She Ended Her Relationship
Nollywood actress Omowunmi Dada has opened up on ending a relationship after discovering that the man she was dating had started observing Islamic practices despite initially presenting himself as a Christian. The actress disclosed this in an interview with VJ Adams, explaining that she met the man as a Christian but his position changed when Ramadan began. According to her, the man told her he was fasting because doing so would make his mother happy. She said the situation made her realise the relationship could not continue because she wants to marry a practising Christian and raise her children within the Christian faith. She added that the man tried to convince her to remain in the relationship and offered to attend church with her, but this was not enough because he also wanted their future children to visit the mosque and learn about Islam.
Life Taught Us – Iyabo Ojo Reconciles With Toyin Lawani After Bitter Feud
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has reconciled with celebrity fashion designer Toyin Lawani following years of estrangement. The actress shared pictures of herself with Toyin on Instagram on Thursday, reflecting on the nature of genuine friendships and saying that their time apart had given both women a different perspective on their relationship. Tagging Toyin Lawani, Iyabo wrote: “Life taught us that real friendships aren’t perfect, they are real. We had our moment apart, but real friendship always finds its way back. @tiannahsplacempire ❤️” The development comes amid the public disagreement that caused the duo to go their separate ways.
Anthony Joshua Vs Tyson Fury Clash Confirmed For 11 December In Cardiff
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will meet in the ring on 11 December when the two British heavyweight stars face each other at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. The long-awaited all-British showdown, more than a decade in the making, will be broadcast globally on Netflix. Organisers are considering a late start, with the main event potentially taking place in the early hours of Saturday morning in the UK to accommodate viewers in the United States. Joshua and Fury will begin the build-up with a news conference in London on Wednesday, 30 September. Joshua, 36, welcomed the announcement on Instagram, writing: “I am inspiring a generation.” Fury, 38, is yet to comment publicly. The fight will be promoted through a collaboration between Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh’s The Ring and UFC chief Dana White.
2026 Ballon d’Or: Dembele Names Kvaratskhelia As Player Who Should Share Award
Ousmane Dembele has suggested sharing the 2026 Ballon d’Or with Paris Saint-Germain teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after both players were named among the 30 nominees for the prestigious award. The PSG forwards enjoyed a successful year with the French champions, helping the club win both the Ligue 1 title and the Champions League during the period under review. Dembele praised Kvaratskhelia during an interview with BBC Sport, describing the Georgian international as a “dazzling and incredible” player who has proven himself at the highest level. With both players in contention for the individual prize, Dembele offered a humorous solution to the possibility of one of them missing out.