Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 24 May 2026

Tinubu Describes APC Primaries as Proof of Internal Democracy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday described the All Progressives Congress primaries conducted nationwide as a strong demonstration of internal democracy. Speaking after voting at his Ikoyi-Obalende Ward L2 in Lagos, the President said the exercise had further strengthened Nigeria’s democratic process.

Ganduje’s Son Picks NDC House of Reps Nomination Form

Abdulaziz Umar Ganduje, eldest son of former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has obtained a nomination form to contest for the House of Representatives under the National Democratic Congress. He is seeking to represent Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado Federal Constituency in Kano State.

Police Dismantle Kidnap Syndicate in Katsina

Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command have dismantled a seven-man kidnapping syndicate accused of abducting an eight-year-old boy in Katsina metropolis. Police said part of the ransom money and other exhibits were recovered during the intelligence-led operation.

Tinubu to Receive APC Certificate and Flag Today

President Bola Tinubu is expected to receive the certificate of return and party flag as the APC presidential candidate for the 2027 election on Sunday. The presentation ceremony will take place in Abuja, according to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

Shettima Travels to Benin Republic for Presidential Inauguration

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Cotonou, Benin Republic, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of President-elect Romuald Wadagni. The ceremony is scheduled to hold on Sunday.

Peter Obi Denies Avoiding Atiku Ahead of 2027 Election

Former Anambra State Governor and presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has dismissed suggestions that he is avoiding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 elections. Obi made the clarification while attending the Spier Dialogue 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Teacher Arrested Over Alleged Murder of WAEC Candidate

Police have arrested a 30-year-old private school teacher, Nathaniel Baiyegun, over the alleged murder of a 16-year-old WAEC candidate identified as Florence. The suspect allegedly lured the teenager under the guise of an academic coaching session before the incident occurred.

NIS Assures Nigerians Over Ebola Surveillance at Borders

The Nigeria Immigration Service has assured Nigerians that the country’s borders are being closely monitored against the spread of Ebola from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The agency said digital surveillance systems had been deployed alongside border personnel.

Thai Police Arrest Six Nigerians Over Alleged Romance Scam

Thai police have arrested six Nigerian nationals during a raid on a luxury condominium in Nonthaburi province. Authorities accused the suspects of operating a romance scam network used to defraud victims.

ADC Announces Ireti Kingibe as FCT Senatorial Candidate

The African Democratic Congress has formally unveiled Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe as its flag bearer for the Federal Capital Territory senatorial election. Kingibe secured 17,535 votes to defeat her sole opponent, Mubarak Tijjani.

APC to Present Tinubu With Certificate of Return

President Bola Tinubu will on Sunday officially receive the APC certificate of return and party flag as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election. The event is expected to be attended by governors, lawmakers and party stakeholders.

Amosun Says APC United Behind Tinubu’s Re-Election Bid

Former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has dismissed reports of division within the APC, insisting that the party remains united behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ambition. He described the ongoing primaries as a show of solidarity for the President.

Tinubu Polls 450,517 Votes in Gombe APC Primary

President Bola Tinubu recorded a landslide victory in the APC presidential primary in Gombe State, securing 450,517 votes. His only challenger, Stanley Osifo, failed to record a single vote across the state’s 11 local government areas.

Ganduje’s Son Joins NDC House of Reps Race

Abdulaziz Umar Ganduje has officially entered the race for the House of Representatives under the National Democratic Congress. The development adds a fresh twist to the political rivalry between the Ganduje and Kwankwaso camps in Kano politics.

Kale Kawu Emerges Kwara PDP Governorship Candidate

The Peoples Democratic Party has adopted Engineer Kale Kawu as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Kwara State. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki announced the decision after consultations with party stakeholders and aspirants.

El-Rufai’s Wife Sues ICPC, Demands ₦2bn Damages

Aichatou El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has dragged the ICPC to court over alleged defamation. She is demanding ₦2 billion in damages over statements made by the commission concerning her visit to its headquarters.

TCN Explains Blackout Affecting Presidential Villa, Abuja Airport

The Transmission Company of Nigeria says efforts are ongoing to restore power to affected parts of Abuja, including the Presidential Villa and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The outage was linked to faults in a transformer at the Apo substation.

Oba Akiolu Says He Rejected ₦5m Bribe During Abacha Era

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has revealed that he rejected a ₦5 million bribe during the military regime of late General Sani Abacha. The monarch made the disclosure while marking his 23rd coronation anniversary.

Bruno Fernandes Named Premier League Player of the Season

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been named the Premier League Player of the Season after an outstanding campaign. The midfielder equalled the league record for most assists in a single season with 20.

Genevieve Nnaji Says Acting Was Never Her Dream

Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji has revealed that acting was not originally her dream career. Speaking at Cannes 2026, the actress said she always wanted to work in the creative industry, with fashion being her first love.