Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 23 May 2026

Kwara Assembly Speaker Emerges APC Governorship Candidate

Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the 2027 election. Danladi-Salihu secured 94,990 votes to defeat his closest rival, Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, who polled over 41,000 votes.

Court Declares CBN Sole Owner of eNaira Platform

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Central Bank of Nigeria has exclusive ownership of the eNaira digital currency platform. Justice James Omotosho also issued a perpetual injunction restraining eNaira Payment Solutions Limited from claiming ownership of the “eNaira” trademark.

Fayemi Warns APC Against Consensus Politics

Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has warned that the increasing use of consensus arrangements within the All Progressives Congress could trigger internal crises. Fayemi said the party had drifted away from its founding ideals and criticised the lack of internal democracy.

Oyo Suspends School Excursions After Deadly Abduction Attack

The Oyo State Government has suspended all school excursions, sports competitions and other off-campus activities following the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area. The directive came as burial rites commenced for slain teacher, Adesiyan Adegboye.

ADC Accuses ICPC of Blocking Access to El-Rufai

The African Democratic Congress has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of preventing party leaders from seeing former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai at its Abuja headquarters. The party described the situation as raising concerns about political persecution.

Naira Appreciates to N1,376 Per Dollar in Parallel Market

The naira appreciated to N1,376 per dollar in the parallel market on Friday from N1,387 recorded on Thursday. However, the currency depreciated slightly to N1,375 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.

Hamzat Emerges Lagos APC Governorship Candidate

The All Progressives Congress in Lagos State has declared Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election. Hamzat secured 657,917 votes in the party’s primary election.

NDC Sets Up Committee to Screen Governorship, NASS Aspirants

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has constituted a 20-member National Selection Committee to oversee the screening of governorship and National Assembly aspirants ahead of the 2026 elections. The committee was announced in a statement issued in Abuja.

Trump Orders Green Card Applicants to Apply From Home Countries

United States President Donald Trump has directed that Nigerians and other foreign nationals applying for green cards must return to their home countries for processing except in extraordinary circumstances. US immigration authorities said the policy was intended to restore the original intent of immigration laws.

Crisis Erupts in Benue ADC Over Governorship Primary

A major crisis broke out within the African Democratic Congress in Benue State on Friday amid protests and allegations surrounding the party’s governorship primary process. Protesters demanded fairness for the Idoma nation in the governorship arrangement.

Court Adjourns Malami’s N8.7bn Money Laundering Trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged N8.7 billion money laundering trial involving former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, until June 23, 2026. The adjournment followed a request by the defence counsel.

Dalung Says No Candidate Can Win Presidency Without Northern Support

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has said no presidential candidate can win elections in Nigeria without support from the North. Dalung made the statement while monitoring ADC primary elections in Nasarawa State.

Akpanudoedehe Accuses APC Leaders of Gang-Up Against Him

Former APC Interim National Secretary, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, has alleged that internal forces within the party ganged up against him, leading to his defection to the African Democratic Congress. He said he remains focused on challenging Governor Umo Eno in 2027.

Fubara Vows to Complete Projects Despite Political Developments

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assured residents that his administration will continue ongoing infrastructural projects despite recent political developments. Fubara made the pledge during an inspection of the Airport Road Bypass project in Port Harcourt.

Kenneth Okonkwo Alleges Governors Budgeting N800bn for Tinubu’s Campaign

ADC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has alleged that state governors are mobilising about N800 billion to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 campaign. Okonkwo accused the administration of focusing more on politics than governance.

NDC Denies Dickson Working for Tinubu, APC

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has dismissed reports suggesting that party leader Seriake Dickson is working for President Bola Tinubu and the APC. The party said Dickson remains committed to its ideals and ongoing consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.

NDC Unveils 20-Member Screening Committee for Aspirants

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has announced a 20-member National Selection Committee to oversee the screening of governorship and National Assembly aspirants ahead of its primaries. The committee will be inaugurated on May 25.

Manchester City to Honour Guardiola With Statue, Stand Rename

Manchester City have announced plans to honour manager Pep Guardiola by renaming the expanded North Stand at the Etihad Stadium after him. The club also confirmed that a statue of Guardiola will be erected outside the stadium.

Blaqbonez Reveals Why He Rejected $1m Mavin Records Deal

Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez has disclosed that he rejected a $1 million offer from Mavin Records because he prefers to maintain a low social media presence. The rapper described himself as “mysterious” while explaining his decision.

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu Opens Up on 13-Year Smoking Addiction

Media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu has revealed that he battled smoking addiction for 13 years after starting in junior secondary school. Speaking on a podcast, he said he eventually overcame the habit through deliberate effort and discipline.