Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 31 March 2026

Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 31 March 2026

Tuggar Resigns as Foreign Affairs Minister to Pursue Bauchi Governorship Bid

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has resigned from his position to pursue his governorship ambition in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 general elections. Tuggar, a member of the All Progressives Congress, reportedly submitted his resignation letter on Monday, barely 24 hours before the deadline set by the presidency.


Kwankwaso Dumps NNPP, Joins ADC Ahead of 2027 Political Realignments

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Monday formally aligned with the African Democratic Congress, marking a major shift in Nigeria’s political landscape. The former presidential candidate also received his party membership card, stating that the ADC offers the best opportunity to drive meaningful change. “New dawn; we are ADC,” he posted on his official X handle on Monday.


US Lawmaker Warns Nigeria Over Attacks on Christians After Plateau, Kaduna Killings

United States congressman Riley Moore has warned that continued attacks on Christians in Nigeria could strain diplomatic relations with the US following reports of deadly Palm Sunday killings in Plateau and Kaduna states. While 27 people were killed in Rukuba community in Jos, 13 wedding guests were reportedly gunned down by attackers in Kaduna on Sunday.


Court Bars Turaki-led PDP Faction From Party Secretariat, Nullifies Ibadan Convention

A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Peoples Democratic Party faction led by Kabiru Turaki from accessing the party’s national secretariat. Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik also nullified the November 2025 convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, which produced the Turaki-led national executives.


Naira Falls to N1,415 Per Dollar in Parallel Market

The Nigerian currency depreciated further on Monday, falling to N1,415 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,405 last Friday. In the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, the naira also weakened to N1,386.75 per dollar, reflecting continued pressure on the local currency amid market volatility.


WAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Timetable for School Candidates

The West African Examinations Council has released the timetable for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination for school candidates. According to the schedule, the examination will begin on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and conclude on Friday, June 19, 2026.


APC’s Gawuna Visits Kwankwaso at Kano Residence

Former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Kano State, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, on Monday visited former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso at his Miller Road residence in Kano. The visit, which took place on March 30, was described as a homage by the former deputy governor.


EFCC Arrests Woman Over Alleged N993m Fraud

The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a company representative, Kofoworola Motunrayo Kolawole, over an alleged fraud amounting to N993,247,796.70. Kolawole, 37, an indigene of Ondo State, reportedly turned herself in after repeated invitations by the commission and a subsequent court-ordered remand.


Violent Protests Erupt in South Africa Over Igbo Traditional Ruler Coronation

Violent unrest broke out in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa following protests against the controversial coronation of an Igbo traditional ruler. Demonstrators reportedly torched vehicles and looted shops owned by foreign nationals during Monday’s protest led by members of ActionSA alongside local traditional leaders and residents.


Gunmen Kill Three, Burn Houses in Zamfara Village Attack

Gunmen have killed three people and set several houses and silos ablaze in Dangoro village in Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The spokesperson of the state police command, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the attack in a statement issued on Monday.


Plateau Residents Defy Curfew to Protest Deadly Jos Attack

Hundreds of residents in Plateau State on Monday defied a government-imposed curfew to protest the deadly Palm Sunday attack in Jos North Local Government Area. The protest took place in Anguwan Rukuba, where the attack occurred on Sunday evening, with demonstrators chanting and demanding urgent government action over recurring killings in the area.


Nigeria Secures Agrément for Ambassadors From 10 Countries

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that agrément has been secured from 10 countries for the nation’s newly appointed ambassadors-designate. The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the countries include the United Kingdom, France, United States, Ireland, Qatar, Benin Republic, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Senegal and Sierra Leone, while responses from other nations are still being awaited.


Makinde PDP Faction Awaits Supreme Court Verdict Amid Leadership Crisis

The Peoples Democratic Party faction loyal to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde says it is awaiting the verdict of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the party’s leadership dispute. In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, the faction criticised the rival convention aligned with Nyesom Wike, describing it as a “pre-Easter jamboree.”


Former NHIS Boss Accuses EFCC, ICPC of Selective Justice

Former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Yusuf Usman, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of selective justice. Speaking during an interview with Symfoni’s Naija Unfiltered, Usman alleged bias in arrest patterns under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.


Toyin Abraham Vows Not to Greet Funke Akindele After Public Snub

Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has vowed never to greet colleague Funke Akindele again after an awkward encounter at a movie premiere hosted by Iyabo Ojo. A viral video from the event showed Akindele turning away as Abraham approached to greet guests seated at her table, prompting the actress to leave the scene looking embarrassed.


Opeyemi Aiyeola Criticises Nollywood Stars Backing Tinubu Re-election

Veteran Nollywood actress Opeyemi Aiyeola has criticised colleagues who remain silent about the recent Palm Sunday attack in Jos while supporting the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a video shared on Instagram, Aiyeola urged actors not to allow money and influence to overshadow their conscience.


Osimhen Delays Hospital Discharge to Speed Recovery From Surgery

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen reportedly delayed his discharge from hospital after undergoing arm surgery in order to receive extended medical care. Turkish journalist Haluk Yürekli said the forward requested continued supervision so he could return sooner for Galatasaray.


Tuchel Unfazed by Multiple Withdrawals From England Squad

England head coach Thomas Tuchel says he holds no anger towards players who withdrew from the national team ahead of Tuesday’s friendly with Japan at Wembley Stadium. Several players, including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, pulled out following the team’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay as preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad deadline on May 30.

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