Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 13 March 2026

Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 13 March 2026

Nine Senators Defect to ADC, Trigger Constitutional Debate in Senate

A dramatic session unfolded in the Senate on Thursday as nine senators announced their defection from their respective political parties to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The development sparked heated debate among lawmakers over constitutional provisions guiding political defections.

The move by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe drew particular attention on the floor of the chamber, with some lawmakers questioning the legality and implications of the defections amid Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.


FCCPC Warns Businesses Against Exploiting Iran War to Raise Prices

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it is closely monitoring the impact of the ongoing United States-Israel war with Iran on petrol prices and other consumer goods in Nigeria. The commission warned businesses against exploiting the situation to increase prices unfairly.

Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Dr. Tunji Bello, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists during the Meet-The-Press session at the State House in Abuja.


Tinubu Approves Additional Military Equipment to Fight Terrorism

President Bola Tinubu has authorised the procurement of additional military equipment to strengthen the Armed Forces’ ongoing campaign against insurgency and terrorism across the country.

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), disclosed this on Thursday after leading the Service Chiefs to a meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.


Kaduna Kidnappers Demand ₦1m Ransom Per Victim

Kidnappers who abducted a vigilante member, his wife, and 12 others in the Janjala community of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State have demanded a ransom of ₦1 million for each of the 14 victims.

The new demand came despite the families of the victims already providing food supplies and paying ₦500,000 to the abductors.


Troops Kill 20 Boko Haram/ISWAP Fighters in Yobe Raid

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) have killed at least 20 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, including a commander identified as Abu Yusu, during a military operation in Yobe State.

The offensive targeted the Goniri community in Gujba Local Government Area and began on the night of March 9, continuing into the early hours of March 10.


Zamfara PDP Chairman Defects to APC

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State, Dr. Jamil Jibo Magayaki, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Magayaki’s defection followed the earlier move by Governor Dauda Lawal, who also recently joined the APC, reshaping the political structure in the state.


ADC Says Obi, Atiku, Amaechi United to Unseat Tinubu in 2027

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says its leading presidential hopefuls—Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi—are working together with a shared goal ahead of the 2027 election.

According to the party, the trio is united in their determination to prevent President Bola Tinubu and the APC from returning to power.


Court Bars Aiyedatiwa from Contesting 2028 Ondo Governorship Election

A Federal High Court sitting in Akure has ruled that Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa cannot contest the 2028 governorship election.

Justice Adegoke held that allowing him to seek another term would violate the constitutional eight-year tenure limit, citing the Supreme Court’s precedent in Marwa v. Nyako.


Comedian Broda Shaggi Hospitalised After Alleged Shooting

Popular comedian and skit maker Samuel Perry, widely known as Broda Shaggi, has reportedly been hospitalised after he was allegedly shot in the Sango-Ota area of Ogun State.

The incident was said to have occurred under the Sango-Ota bridge on Sunday afternoon, though further details about the circumstances remain unclear.


Three Dead, Five Rescued After Bus Plunges Into River in Oyo

The Oyo State Fire Services Agency has recovered three bodies and rescued five people after a commercial bus plunged into the Ariyo River along Amunloko Road in Ona-Ara Local Government Area.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, was confirmed on Thursday by the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Services, Moroof Akinwande.


Tinubu Meets Service Chiefs Amid Rising Security Concerns

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday held a closed-door meeting with the country’s top military leaders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to review Nigeria’s security situation.

Those present included Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abass.


Senate Adjourns Till March 31, Plans to Pass 2026 Budget

The Nigerian Senate has adjourned plenary until March 31, 2026, to observe the Sallah break.

The decision was announced during Thursday’s sitting presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with lawmakers also agreeing to pass the 2026 national budget upon resumption.


Power Blackout Looms as Gas Suppliers Threaten Shutdown

Nigeria may face worsening electricity shortages as gas suppliers threaten to halt supply over an outstanding debt of ₦3.3 trillion owed by power generation companies.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Power Generation Companies, Dr. Joy Ogaji, said the situation has already affected electricity output, with the national grid generating only about 3,334 megawatts as of Wednesday.


NNPC Reduces Petrol Price to ₦1,130 in Lagos

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced the pump price of petrol to ₦1,130 per litre in Lagos and ₦1,165 per litre in Abuja.

The new price, which took effect on Wednesday, represents a reduction of ₦100 in Lagos and ₦95 in Abuja, offering some relief to motorists amid months of rising fuel costs.


Appeal Court Affirms Wole Oluyede as PDP Governorship Candidate in Ekiti

The Court of Appeal in Akure has affirmed Dr. Wole Oluyede as the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate for the Ekiti governorship election.

In a unanimous ruling, the appellate panel set aside an earlier judgment of the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti and upheld the validity of the PDP primary election conducted by the party’s National Working Committee.


Ayra Starr Names Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Rema as Afrobeats ‘Big 3’

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has named Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Rema as her personal “Afrobeats Big 3.”

The “Rush” crooner made the revelation during an interview with Hot 97 FM, sparking debate among fans after she excluded global stars Davido and Burna Boy from her list.


I Would Still Accept Child if DNA Test Says Otherwise – Rotimi Salami

Nollywood actor Rotimi Salami has said he could still accept and raise a child even if a DNA test later shows he is not the biological father.

Speaking during an interview on BBC Yoruba, the actor said, “If DNA says a child is not mine and I already see the child as mine, I will accept the child.”


Trump Questions Iran’s Participation in 2026 World Cup

United States President Donald Trump has suggested it may not be appropriate for Iran’s national team to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to security concerns.

Trump made the remark on Thursday amid escalating tensions following military strikes involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.


Friday Ekpo Explains Super Falcons’ Success Over Super Eagles

Former Nigerian international Friday Ekpo says the Super Falcons’ dominance in African women’s football is partly due to less intense competition compared to the men’s game.

Speaking on The PlayZone podcast, Ekpo noted that the women’s team has won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations a record 10 times and has consistently performed strongly on the global stage.

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