Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Saturday, 10th January, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Saturday, 10th January, 2026

1. Tinubu Is The Winner In The Battle Between Wike And Fubara – CUPP

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has claimed that President Bola Tinubu has much to gain from the ongoing rift between the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The coalition, in a statement by its National Secretary, Peter Ameh, stated that Rivers is being consciously immolated as a political offering for Tinubu.

Ameh warned that the resolution of the peace pact has placed both Fubara and Wike under the influence of the Presidency, effectively ending any semblance of independent political manoeuvring in the oil-rich state.

CUPP noted that two prominent figures, tormented by the shadow of irrelevance and consumed by the need for powerful patronage, have traded the mantle of responsible leadership for grand gestures of submission, willingly torching the collective destiny of millions in what it described as a shameful rivalry over who can bow lowest before the throne of Tinubu’s authority.

The opposition coalition noted that the lingering crisis, which has seen multiple interventions including a state of emergency and peace accords brokered by the Presidency, has ultimately consolidated federal control over Rivers State politics.

2. Fubara’s Impeachment: ‘Speaker Amaewhule Wants To Become Governor’

A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Daboikiabo Warmate, has accused the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, of attempting to become governor through the back door, describing the move as unconstitutional.

Speaking on Daily Break on Trust TV on Friday, Warmate claimed that Amaewhule was positioning himself to personally benefit from the current controversy surrounding the state budget.

Warmate said, “Speaker Martins Amaewhule wants to become governor through the back door, but he will never be. He stands to be the primary beneficiary of this issue.”

Naija News reports that Warmate’s accusation comes amid growing tensions in Rivers State over the status of the 2026 state budget, with the Speaker at the centre of the political storm.

Warmate referenced Section 122 of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows a governor to spend from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for up to six months after the expiration of a budget if the next budget has not been passed. This provision is commonly referred to as default appropriation.

He argued that the Rivers State House of Assembly’s actions were not only unconstitutional but also disrespectful to the President and other arms of the federal government.

3. Lawmaker Charges Tinubu To Intervene In Move To Impeach Fubara

The lawmaker representing Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has downplayed the political crisis currently unfolding in Rivers State, describing the situation as manageable and not a cause for alarm.

Agbese’s comments come amid heightened political tension in the state, following the Rivers State House of Assembly’s decision to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of gross misconduct, including alleged financial misappropriation.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise News on Thursday, Agbese addressed the unfolding impeachment saga, stressing that the developments should not be exaggerated or allowed to destabilise governance in the oil-rich state.

According to Agbese, the crisis is partly the result of a political transition, with both the governor and several members of the Rivers State House of Assembly recently defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Agbese said, “The situation is manageable. It’s partly a product of a political transition. Many of the tensions are remnants of old political practices and cultures carried over from the former party, rather than a reflection of the values of the APC.”

The lawmaker, who also serves as the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, emphasised that the APC embodies exemplary organisation, a strong commitment to peace and tranquillity, as well as seamless executive-legislative synergy, which has been clearly demonstrated at the national level.

He stressed the need for political actors in Rivers State to put aside old rivalries and adopt the principles of the APC, which he described as centred on cooperation, stability, and effective governance.

4. ‘Alex Otti Does Not Know Politics, He Is A One-term Governor’ – Orji Kalu

Senator representing Abia North at the National Assembly, Orji Uzor Kalu, has vowed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will sack Abia State governor, Alex Otti, in 2027.

Naija News reports that Kalu, speaking to his supporters at a political gathering, described Otti as a one-term Governor, stressing that he does not know politics.

The former Governor of Abia State said Governor Otti should write his will, insisting that the APC is prepared to take over the state in the next election.

Kalu also vowed to campaign from door to door across the state to ensure Governor Otti’s defeat.

He said, “The Governor said in an interview that people who want to take over from him should go and write their wills, tell him to go and write his will first because we are taking over.

“The Governor is a joker, he doesn’t know politics. He is a banker, as far as I’m concerned, the Governor is a one term governor.

“Abia people will speak in one voice. We don’t allow people to rig elections here.”

5. Rivers Crisis: APC Behaving Like ‘Kindergarten’, May Lose 2027 Election – Ikoawaji

A former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANP), Chief Asukewe Ikoawaji, has described the current administration as ‘kindergarten’ and warned that the All Progressives Congress (APC)could lose the 2027 general elections if it fails to deliver on its promises to Nigerians.

‎Ikoawaji also criticised the national leadership of the ruling party for what he termed a “studied silence” over attempts by lawmakers to impeach the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

‎The elder statesman and member of the Rivers State Elders Council said the APC was repeating the errors that led to the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2015 general elections.

‎Ikoawaji said the wave of defections by governors and prominent politicians into the APC was a sign that the ruling party was losing the confidence of Nigerians.

‎According to him, the PDP adopted a similar strategy shortly before it lost power.

‎“The APC has failed Nigerians in the same way the PDP failed before the 2015 elections. That was when the PDP started wooing governors from other parties because it had lost the confidence of the people. That is exactly what is happening now,” Ikoawaji told The PUNCH on Friday.

‎Reacting to the latest impeachment threat against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, Ikoawaji said the political crisis in Rivers State was a reflection of a broader failure of leadership at the national level.

‎He faulted the APC leadership for remaining silent while its members allegedly moved against their own governor.

While blaming the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his role in the Rivers political crisis, Ikoawaji also criticised Governor Fubara for what he described as signs of weakness.

‎He insisted that Rivers people would not vote for a “kindergarten governor” in the next election.

‎He said, “All these things are part of the FCT minister’s game. But the truth is simple: if you are a governor, you should behave like one. You are answerable to the people who elected you.”

‎Recalling his time as Deputy National Chairman of the ANPP, which he described as the leading opposition party during the PDP era, Ikoawaji lamented that many leaders at the apex of the APC lacked a proper understanding of the party’s constitution.

‎He said, “It is unfortunate that many people at the apex of the party do not even understand the party constitution. The Bible says a house divided against itself cannot stand.”

‎The former party chieftain also criticised Wike’s visits to local government areas in Rivers State alongside APC leaders, describing them as premature campaigns carried out without the party’s official symbols.

6. 2027 Must Be A Proof That INEC Can Conduct Technologically-driven, And Transparent Elections – Amupitan

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Joash Amupitan, has submitted that the expectations OF Nigerians from the commission are high and the electoral umpire must rise to the occasion.

The INEC Chairman, said the goal of the commission under is watch will be to conduct a credible, free and fair election in 2027.

He however stressed that before 2027, INEC must also use the opportunity provided by several critical polls, including the FCT Area Council Elections in February 2026 and the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, to test the commission’s preparedness.

According to him, INEC must ensure the 2027 general elections become a reference point for a world-class, technologically-driven, and transparent election which is beyond reproach.

Naija News reports Amupitan made the declaration on Friday while delivering his opening address at the commission’s 2026 Induction and Strategic Retreat organised for its leadership and senior officials, and attended by Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners, as well as administrative secretaries, directors and top management staff across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, the 2027 election presents a unique opportunity for INEC to rewrite the history of elections in Nigeria and set a new benchmark for election management in Africa.

7. FG Launches Reusable Textbooks Policy

The Federal Government has introduced a new policy that will allow the use of reusable and durable textbooks in schools across Nigeria as part of efforts to reduce education costs and improve learning quality.

Naija News reports that the policy was unveiled in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suiwaba Sai’d.

It is aimed at easing the financial pressure on parents, promoting sustainability, and improving the standard of instructional materials used in classrooms nationwide.

Under the new framework, schools are required to adopt standardised textbooks that are built to last between four and six years.

The policy also bans the practice of attaching disposable workbooks to textbooks, a system that often forced parents to buy new books every academic session.

With the new approach, textbooks can now be reused by different students over several years, including siblings within the same family.

This is expected to lower repeated spending on books and reduce waste within the education system.

The policy also introduces other measures designed to cut costs and improve order in schools.

A uniform academic calendar has been approved to bring consistency to teaching activities, learning periods, and school planning across the country.

In addition, graduation ceremonies have been restricted to only pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3, and Senior Secondary School 3.

This move is intended to stop excessive spending on frequent graduation events.

The ministers explained that the policy was developed in response to long-standing complaints about frequent textbook changes that offered little improvement in content but forced parents to keep buying new editions.

Going forward, textbook revisions must show clear improvements in learning content rather than minor changes in design or page arrangement.

The policy also limits the number of approved textbooks per subject and class level.

This step is expected to raise quality, reduce overcrowding in the textbook market, and make book selection easier for schools, in line with practices seen in other countries.

8. I Don’t Wish It On My Enemy -TG Omori Opens Up On Prolonged Battle With Kidney Disease

Popular Nigerian music video director ThankGod Smith Omori, popularly known as TG Omori, has spoken about his ongoing struggle with kidney disease, describing it as a terrible experience no one deserves to face.

Naija News reports that Omori has been battling the illness for months and has spent a lot of time in the hospital as his health continues to fluctuate.

In August 2024, he underwent a kidney transplant in an effort to improve his condition, but the procedure did not succeed.

Since then, his medical journey has been filled with repeated treatments and hospital visits.

While reflecting on the impact of the disease, the video director explained that kidney illness takes a heavy toll on both the body and finances.

He revealed that managing the condition requires constant spending, as survival often depends on regular medical care and pain control.

According to him, the pain that comes with kidney disease can be overwhelming, and many people lose their lives because they cannot cope with it or afford proper treatment.

Omori said that when someone is dealing with such an illness, money begins to lose its usual value because every available amount is spent just to stay alive.

He added that the cost of treatment often runs into millions, making it difficult for many patients to survive.

Despite the hardship, TG Omori expressed gratitude for still being alive, acknowledging that his survival has been possible through strength, support, and grace as he continues to fight the illness.

9. Moses Simon Dismisses Talk Of Rift In Super Eagles’ Camp Ahead Of Algeria Clash

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has moved to calm speculation surrounding an on-field moment involving Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, insisting the Nigerian squad remains firmly united as they prepare for Saturday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final against Algeria.

The Paris FC forward addressed the issue during a pre-match press conference on Friday, January 9, following Nigeria’s emphatic 4-0 win over Mozambique in the round of 16.

The incident, which occurred during the match and involved both Lookman and Osimhen, drew attention among supporters and pundits, but Moses Simon made it clear that there was nothing unusual about it.

According to Simon, moments like that are part of football and do not reflect the spirit within the Super Eagles camp. He stressed that unity and collective effort continue to define the team’s approach at the tournament.

10. Bukayo Saka Agrees Long-term Contract With Arsenal

Nigerian-born English winger, Bukayo Saka is set to commit the prime years of his career to Arsenal, with a new long-term contract now on the brink of completion.

The development, first reported by football journalist David Ornstein, represents a major statement of intent from both Bukayo Saka and Arsenal as the Gunners continue to build around their homegrown star.

According to Ornstein, Saka, 24, has agreed a new and improved five-year deal that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until the summer of 2031.

The England international was already under contract until June 2027, but negotiations over an extension have been ongoing for some time and are now close to being finalised.

The agreement is expected to place Saka among Arsenal’s highest earners, reflecting his importance to the squad and his standing within the Premier League.

Ornstein reported that Saka “has committed his future to Arsenal by agreeing a new and improved five-year deal,” adding that the winger would have been pursued by the biggest clubs in world football if he had been available.

However, those close to the situation were aware that his focus remained firmly on staying at the club where his journey began. The new terms are said to recognise him as one of the leading players in England and across Europe, while also highlighting his growing role with the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.