Africa/Nigeria · page 10 RSS

Violence and restrictions cast shadow over Nigeria's 2027 election preparations

Recent killings of political supporters in Enugu and Ebonyi states, alongside attacks on party offices and restrictions on opposition access to public venues, have raised serious concerns about safety and fairness ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general election.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 09:15 WAT · 1 source

Akwa Ibom Assembly praises Tinubu, Akpabio for new Federal University of Agriculture

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly commended President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno for establishing the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Obio‑Akpa, recognising the institution as a boost to higher education and agricultural development.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 08:45 WAT · 1 source

Naira holds steady near N1,340 as dollar demand persists in Nigerian FX market

The naira opened trading at approximately N1,339.93 against the US dollar on October 27, 2026, while parallel market rates remained higher, reflecting continued pressure from importers and domestic businesses.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 08:15 WAT · 1 source

Nigeria’s portfolio investment rises to $7.09bn in Q2 2026 while remittance inflows hit record $1.57bn

In the second quarter of 2026, Nigeria’s portfolio investment inflows grew 17.6% to $7.09 billion, and international money‑transfer receipts reached a record $1.57 billion, underscoring the importance of foreign capital and remittances to the economy.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 08:15 WAT · 2 sources

Nigerian fraud suspect arrested at Boston airport after 2019 flight to Nigeria

Adetunji Abudu, accused of laundering millions from online scams targeting elderly Americans, was detained at Logan International Airport in Boston while arriving from Istanbul.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 07:46 WAT · 1 source

INEC to make preliminary voter register available online ahead of 2027 elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission will publish the preliminary register of voters on its website after a nationwide physical display, allowing wider public access while it processes claims and objections. The final register is expected in December 2026.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 07:45 WAT · 7 sources

UN chief calls for US‑Iran talks, stresses maritime freedom and Gaza aid

Secretary‑General António Guterres urged the United States and Iran to resume dialogue and warned that further military action could spiral into wider conflict. He also highlighted the need to restore navigation in key straits and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 06:16 WAT · 2 sources

NGX Lists Only 14% of Nigeria’s Commercial Paper Market in 2026

In the first nine months of 2026, just N216.1 billion of the N1.51 trillion raised through commercial papers was listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited, leaving the majority of issuers off‑exchange. The exchange aims to increase listings and investor access.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 05:46 WAT · 1 source

2027 Nigerian Election: Candidates Promise Power, Jobs and Health Amid Past Unfulfilled Promises

Ahead of the 2027 elections, Nigerian candidates pledge electricity, employment and healthcare, echoing earlier unmet commitments. Analysts warn voters to scrutinise past performance rather than rhetoric.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 05:45 WAT · 1 source

NDC unveils presidential campaign council amid internal backlash from OK Movement

The Nigeria Democratic Congress announced a new national campaign council for the 2027 election, but the OK (Obi‑Kwankwaso) Movement criticised the list as incomplete and unrepresentative, deepening a rift within the party.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 05:15 WAT · 1 source

Atiku aide seeks clarification on seven SUVs displayed by APC youth chief

Paul Ibe, media adviser to former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar, has asked the All Progressives Congress to explain the source and purpose of seven 2026 Toyota Prado SUVs shown by National Youth Leader Dayo Israel, amid concerns over public fund use.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 05:15 WAT · 6 sources

Nigeria targets single-digit inflation by 2027 despite rising lending rates

Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele announced a goal to bring inflation below 10 percent by late 2027, aiming to lower borrowing costs, even as average lending rates increased to 32.62 percent in September.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 04:46 WAT · 2 sources

Nigerian troops arrest man in military uniform for phone snatching in Plateau State

Operation Enduring Peace forces detained a suspect in Jos North for impersonating a soldier and committing alleged crimes, including phone snatching.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 04:16 WAT · 1 source

Chief Justice warns Nigerian judges to avoid pressure and forum shopping before 2027 elections

Justice Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun urged heads of courts in Abuja to guard against political pressure, forum shopping and conflicting orders ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing impartiality and timely justice.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 04:15 WAT · 1 source

Burna Boy and Yseult headline NFL Paris Game halftime, showcasing Afrobeats at Stade de France

Nigerian star Burna Boy performed alongside French singer Yseult during the NFL Paris Game halftime on 25 October 2026, marking a high‑profile Afrobeats appearance at the Stade de France.

Photo: Catherine Omeresan Sutherland / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 03:45 WAT · 1 source

Bauchi police detain stepmother and teen after deaths of two children in separate villages

Bauchi State police have arrested a 23‑year‑old stepmother and a 19‑year‑old man in connection with the deaths of a boy and a five‑year‑old girl in Alkaleri and Ganjuwa LGAs, officials said.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 03:45 WAT · 2 sources

Kaduna APC urges Atiku to withdraw 2027 bid and support Tinubu

The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to drop his 2027 presidential campaign and endorse President Bola Tinubu, citing strong northern support for the incumbent.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 03:00 WAT · 1 source

Swiss Ebola patient evacuated from Nigeria to Switzerland as country reports zero cases

Nigeria has transferred the first Ebola case of the current outbreak, a Swiss woman, and her husband to Switzerland, while continuing to monitor 52 contacts, leaving Nigeria with no active cases.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 02:59 WAT · 3 sources

Nasarawa State SSG Urges Stronger Action Against Drug Abuse

Dr. Labaran Magaji of Nasarawa State highlighted the link between drug use and rising crime, calling for increased support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The meeting in Lafia saw NDLEA commander Saidu Daniel visit the state to discuss logistics and cooperation.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 01:46 WAT · 1 source

Nigerian refineries receive over 127 million barrels of crude in first three quarters of 2026

The Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission reported that domestic refineries were supplied with more than 127 million barrels of crude and condensate between January and September 2026, after earlier supply disputes were eased.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 01:45 WAT · 1 source

Adekunle Gold and Burna Boy Represent Afrobeats on Ballon d’Or Red Carpet in London

Nigerian singers Adekunle Gold and Burna Boy attended the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony at the London Palladium on 26 October 2026, marking the first time the event was held in London and highlighting Afrobeats on football’s premier stage.

Photo: Nuță Lucian from Cluj-Napoca, Romania / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 01:45 WAT · 1 source

Wike-backed PDP rejects Tinubu's claim that opposition caused national hardship

The PDP faction supported by Nyesom Wike has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC for attributing current economic difficulties to the opposition, urging the ruling party to take responsibility for its own record.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 01:16 WAT · 1 source

ADC challenges APC’s two‑million vote claim for Tinubu in Jigawa

The African Democratic Congress has dismissed the All Progressives Congress’s pledge to deliver two million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Jigawa State, citing the state’s voter register as evidence that the target is unrealistic. ADC’s candidate for Ringim/Taura, Shehu Sule Udi, said his party’s growing support will secure a win in 2027.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 01:15 WAT · 2 sources

Omoyele Sowore criticises NDC’s security appointment, revives Lekki shooting debate

AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has denounced the Nigeria Democratic Congress’s selection of retired Major General John Enenche as Director of Security and Intelligence, accusing the party of undermining the EndSARS legacy and reviving controversy over the 2020 Lekki shooting.

Photo: personaldemocracy / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 01:15 WAT · 1 source

Kano State Assembly confirms six governor‑nominated commissioners amid political realignment

The Kano State House of Assembly approved six nominees put forward by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, including a former transport commissioner who resigned over a bail controversy, as the state executive council is reconstituted following the governor’s party switch.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 00:45 WAT · 3 sources

Supreme Court Strikes Down Electoral Act Sections on Party Membership Registers

Nigeria’s Supreme Court declared parts of the 2026 Electoral Act unconstitutional, ruling that mandatory digital membership registers and restricted primary methods conflict with the constitution.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 00:16 WAT · 1 source

Peter Obi accuses President Tinubu of mismanagement and vows clean governance ahead of 2027 elections

NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi criticised President Bola Tinubu for lacking capacity, creating record poverty and misusing borrowed funds, while pledging to combat corruption and ensure a free, fair 2027 vote.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 00:15 WAT · 3 sources

Naira falls to N1,367.61 per dollar as currency extends decline

The Nigerian Naira weakened further against the US dollar on Monday, dropping to N1,367.61 at the official rate despite a recent increase in the country's external reserves.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 00:00 WAT · 1 source

Vice President Kashim Shettima criticises ADC candidate Atiku Abubakar over health knowledge and subsidy policy at Abuja summit

At the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima accused ADC presidential hopeful Atiku Abubakar of lacking the expertise to run a modern economy and of confusing Ebola with the flu, while defending President Bola Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy.

LAS News Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 00:00 WAT · 2 sources

Nigeria could be declared Ebola‑free by 7 December if no new cases emerge

Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate said Nigeria may meet WHO criteria to end the Ebola outbreak on 7 December 2026, provided the 42‑day surveillance period passes without further confirmed or probable cases.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 23:45 WAT · 5 sources

Man and teenage girl swept away in Aba flood while rescue attempt failed

A man and a teenage girl went missing after being carried away by floodwater on Faulks Road, Aba, during a heavy downpour on 26 October 2026. Search teams have yet to recover the victims.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 23:16 WAT · 2 sources

Nigeria’s ₦10 billion Ebola fund also earmarked for Lassa fever and other endemic diseases, says NCDC Director-General

NCDC Director-General Jide Idris confirmed that the ₦10 billion emergency fund approved by President Bola Tinubu for Ebola preparedness will also support Lassa fever and similar health threats, rejecting claims the money is being politicised.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 23:16 WAT · 2 sources

Nigerian forces kill 16 ISWAP fighters in Lake Chad air and artillery strikes

Operation Hadin Kai troops carried out coordinated air and ground attacks on three sites in the Tunbunma area of South Lake Chad on 26 October 2026, killing 16 suspected ISWAP combatants and wounding senior leader Abu Saleem.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 22:45 WAT · 4 sources

ADC rejects APC unpaid salary claims, urges ruling party to defend Tinubu record

The African Democratic Congress has dismissed allegations of unpaid worker salaries as false, challenging the ruling APC to address economic hardship and insecurity ahead of the 2027 elections.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 21:47 WAT · 2 sources

Joint Task Force rescues two motorists after foiled kidnapping on Benue's Naka‑Ahume Road

On 24 October 2026, troops from Operation Whirl Stroke engaged suspected kidnappers on the Naka‑Ahume Road in Benue State, freeing two victims and injuring one who was taken to Naka General Hospital.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 21:46 WAT · 4 sources

Governor Fintiri backs Tinubu and pushes for FCE Yola upgrade

Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri declared Adamawa a supporter of President Tinubu’s re‑election and urged the federal government to elevate the Federal College of Education, Yola to university status. The appeal came during the college’s 16th convocation and a door‑to‑door campaign launch.

Photo: Chatham House / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 19:46 WAT · 2 sources

Egypt’s parliament authorises military support for Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

Egyptian lawmakers gave President Abdel Fattah al‑Sisi a two‑thirds majority vote to deploy military aid to Saudi Arabia, following a request to defend the kingdom against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The decision could bring Egypt closer to the regional conflict.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 17:47 WAT · 5 sources

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani urges opposition to campaign in person, warns 25% vote share a failure

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani told TVC that the All Progressives Congress will view any opposition candidate securing 25 per cent of the state’s votes in the 2027 elections as a failure. He criticised the opposition for relying on social media and urged direct engagement with voters.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 16:46 WAT · 3 sources

Ondo State Assembly approves constitutional amendment to create state police

The Ondo State House of Assembly unanimously passed the Sixth Alteration Bill, amending the 1999 Constitution to establish state police services, joining 24 other states that have met the constitutional threshold for decentralised policing.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 16:46 WAT · 3 sources

ADC launches 600‑member campaign council in Rivers, warns INEC of rigging

The African Democratic Congress inaugurated a 600‑person governorship campaign council in Port Harcourt and cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission that it will not tolerate any attempt to rig the 2027 elections in Rivers State.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 15:47 WAT · 2 sources

Court orders former Kaduna governor to defend himself in wire‑tapping trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed Nasir El‑Rufai’s no‑case submission, ruling that the prosecution had sufficient evidence to require him to enter a defence on 25 November 2026.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 14:46 WAT · 8 sources

Veteran Nigerian journalist Olugbemi Adeniyi dies at 57 in Abeokuta

Olugbemi Adeniyi, a former LEADERSHIP correspondent and publisher of The Guild, has died at age 57 after a brief illness, prompting mourning from the NUJ Sokoto State Council.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 14:17 WAT · 2 sources

Veteran Yoruba actor Tombolo turns to okada riding, seeks public aid

Ezekiel Atilola, known as Tombolo, has begun riding commercial motorcycles to support his family after financial difficulties left him without steady film income. He has sold his own bike and is paying ₦30,000 a week on a ₦1.5 million instalment, and actor Kunle Afod is asking Nigerians to help.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 14:16 WAT · 2 sources

Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Agency chief says personal funds bought over N500m in vehicles for APC campaign

Faruk Enabo, chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, claimed he used personal savings and contracts to purchase 225 motorcycles and 60 cars donated to the APC ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election, prompting legal questions under the Electoral Act 2026.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 14:16 WAT · 2 sources

Nigeria evacuates first imported Ebola patient to Switzerland

Nigeria has airlifted its first imported Bundibugyo Ebola case to Switzerland after clinical improvement, with the patient accompanied by her asymptomatic spouse. Public health measures remain in place to contain the virus.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 13:45 WAT · 9 sources

Gabon ends eight‑month social media blackout as regulator restores online platforms

After suspending Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram in February, Gabon's High Communication Authority lifted the ban on 25 October, citing a need to update legal frameworks and improve content moderation.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 12:49 WAT · 4 sources

Algeria approves historic troop deployment to Niger in first foreign mission since 1973

Algerian parliament has authorised the deployment of army units to northern Niger, marking the country's first overseas military mission since 1973. The move aims to secure energy infrastructure and strengthen security ties amid regional instability.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 11:46 WAT · 3 sources

Gombe PDP Leader Dankwambo Appears on Ruling APC Campaign Council List

Confusion has arisen in Gombe State after Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, the PDP leader, was listed as a member of the APC Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 elections.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 10:46 WAT · 1 source

CCB opens probes into seven former Nigerian officials over offshore assets

Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau has begun investigations into former governors, senators and a minister named in the Panama and Pandora Papers for alleged undeclared offshore holdings. The bureau confirmed the work after a request from Premium Times.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 10:46 WAT · 2 sources

INEC confirms Nigerians, not algorithms, will decide 2027 election

The Independent National Electoral Commission has said that artificial intelligence will support logistics and result verification but will not determine the outcome of the 2027 general election. The chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, explained the role of AI at the AI and Democracy Forum 2026 in Abuja.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 10:16 WAT · 2 sources

FBI’s Operation Blackout leads to nine arrests and seizure of 53 devices in Nigeria

The FBI announced that its Operation Blackout resulted in nine arrests in Nigeria, the confiscation of 53 electronic devices and the identification of about $11 million in potentially freeze‑able funds linked to an international cybercrime network.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 10:15 WAT · 3 sources

Kano NDC threatens court action over exclusion of governorship candidate

The Kano chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress says its candidate Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo was wrongly omitted from the 2027 governorship ballot and will seek legal redress if the Independent National Electoral Commission does not respond. Five other NDC candidates also petitioned INEC to honour court rulings confirming their nominations.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 09:45 WAT · 2 sources

Uganda mandates 21‑day quarantine for citizens returning from DRC amid Ebola concerns

Uganda announced a compulsory 21‑day quarantine, at the traveller's expense, for citizens coming back from the Democratic Republic of Congo as it investigates linked Ebola cases in Kenya and Nigeria.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 09:45 WAT · 6 sources

Zamfara ADC candidate Bilyaminu Yusuf Shinkafi condemns Kaura Namoda bandit attack

Bilyaminu Yusuf Shinkafi, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Zamfara State, has condemned a recent bandit attack in Kaura Namoda. He criticised the state government's handling of insecurity and pledged to prioritise security measures if elected.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 08:46 WAT · 1 source

EU, UK and Nigerian bodies call for stronger protection of disabled voters ahead of 2027 elections

The EU, UK, INEC and the Albino Foundation urged enhanced security for persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, stressing inclusion in all election stages.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 08:45 WAT · 1 source

Tinubu appoints Keyamo to lead APC air mobilisation for 2027 campaign

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Abubakar Keyamo to head the All Progressives Congress (APC) Directorate of Air Mobilisation, a role focused on coordinating aviation logistics for the party's 2027 re-election efforts.

Photo: Chatham House / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 08:16 WAT · 2 sources

Nigerian Army rescues ransom victim in Borno, arrests ISWAP collaborator in Yobe

Security forces in northeastern Nigeria thwarted a 7 million naira ransom payment in Borno State and arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province collaborator in Yobe State.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 07:16 WAT · 2 sources

Lagos Bridge to Open Before Christmas After Steel Monument Delay

Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu confirmed the Opebi‑Odoiya Alaro Bridge will open to traffic before the holiday season, after delays caused by the installation of an 80‑per‑cent‑complete steel monument.

Photo: Ademola Olaniran / Wikimedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 07:15 WAT · 4 sources

Nigeria disburses N38.93bn to 166 public universities, polytechnics and colleges under revitalisation fund

The federal government has released N38.93 billion to 79 universities, 46 polytechnics and 41 colleges of education to address infrastructure gaps and improve teaching facilities, according to the Ministry of Finance.

LAS News Desk · 26 Oct 2026, 07:15 WAT · 3 sources