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Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 29 September 2026
Atiku accuses Tinubu of burdening Nigerians with sacrifices and fresh loans
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of running a government that demands endless sacrifices from Nigerians while repeatedly seeking fresh loans. Atiku was reacting to plans to obtain a $1.5 billion World Bank loan as Nigeria’s public debt reaches N166.79 trillion. He said the government must account for funds already borrowed before seeking additional loans.
Peter Obi pledges to reinstate fuel subsidy if elected president
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has pledged to reinstate the petroleum subsidy after tackling corruption if elected president in 2027. Obi made the commitment at a town hall meeting for the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket in Sokoto on Monday. He described corruption as Nigeria’s major challenge and promised to address it across all sectors.
Nine-hour downpour submerges houses, strands residents in Makurdi
A downpour lasting more than nine hours on Monday submerged several houses in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. The rainfall, which began overnight and continued into the evening, affected several residential areas, destroying household items and leaving commuters stranded.
Naira depreciates to N1,382 per dollar in parallel market
The naira depreciated to N1,382 per dollar in the parallel foreign exchange market on Monday, compared with N1,378 recorded over the weekend. The currency also weakened to N1,331.50 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.
Court fixes October 13 for hearing of Tinubu eligibility suit
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 13, 2026, to hear an application by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress seeking to amend their suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election. The All Progressives Congress and Independent National Electoral Commission are also defendants.
Rivers Assembly backs constitutional amendment for state police
The Rivers State House of Assembly has unanimously backed a bill seeking constitutional provisions for the establishment of state police. The Assembly joined Osun and Edo states in supporting the proposal, which was forwarded by the National Assembly for consideration as part of alterations to the 1999 Constitution.
Three women killed as gunmen attack Plateau mining site
Three women were killed and another person injured when gunmen attacked a mining site in Rakum community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Monday. The attackers reportedly stormed the site at about 4:30 p.m. and opened fire on workers before fleeing.
NDLEA, Army destroy cannabis plantations in Edo
A joint operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigerian Army has destroyed two cannabis plantations measuring 0.544092 hectares in Edo State. The plantations had an estimated yield of 1,360.23kg. Operatives also destroyed 107kg of processed cannabis and cannabis seeds at Eko Camp, Illushi.
1,500 PDP members defect to APC in Kwara
No fewer than 1,500 members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Alapa/Onire/Odegiwa Ward, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, have defected to the All Progressives Congress. The defectors announced their decision during a ward meeting attended by party officials and supporters on Sunday.
Makinde says Nigeria can be reset within four years
Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, Seyi Makinde, has said Nigeria can be reset within four years if elected president in 2027. Speaking at an APM North-Central town hall meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Makinde promised a new security architecture, education reforms and economic reconstruction driven by data, science and logic.
INEC announces October 9 for PVC collection
The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced October 9, 2026, as the commencement date for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 general elections. The commission is expected to strengthen its operations and address identified gaps as preparations for the elections continue.
Atiku reportedly approached Obi over 2027 running mate role
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has disclosed that Atiku Abubakar approached Peter Obi about becoming his running mate for the 2027 presidential election. Lawal said he was sent to persuade Obi to accept the proposal, which reportedly involved a four-year administration followed by a constitutional amendment providing for a single six-year presidential term. Obi reportedly rejected the offer.
Peter Obi, Kwankwaso visit Sultan of Sokoto
Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have visited the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, as part of their political engagements ahead of the 2027 election. The politicians met the monarch at his palace in Sokoto, where they discussed national issues and their political aspirations.
AAC challenges Tinubu’s extended stay abroad in court
The African Action Congress has filed a suit against President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly and the Attorney-General of the Federation over the President’s extended stay in Europe. The party wants the Federal High Court in Abuja to determine whether Tinubu breached constitutional requirements by failing to transmit a written declaration before proceeding on vacation.
Botswana withdraws from 2028 AFCON hosting bid
Botswana has withdrawn from its joint bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations. The decision followed the government’s refusal to provide the financial guarantee required for the bid. Botswana subsequently failed to submit the necessary documents before the September 14 deadline.
Mancini dismisses Manchester City ‘double contract’ allegations
Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has dismissed allegations concerning a purported “double contract” during his time at the Premier League club. Mancini, now Italy manager, was questioned about the matter ahead of his team’s Nations League match against Turkey. The allegations relate to Premier League charges concerning information about player and manager payments.