Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 16th January, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 16th January, 2026

1. Atiku’s Son Dumps PDP For APC, Pledges Loyalty To Tinubu

Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has dumped the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Naija News reports that the defection of the younger Atiku, who is popularly called Abba, was announced on Thursday at the National Assembly.

According to Vanguard, upon defection, Atiku was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), alongside APC leaders from the North-East geopolitical zone.

Speaking on the defection, Atiku cited personal and historic reasons.

He also directed all coordinators and members of his political structure, formerly known as the Haske Atiku Organisation founded in 2022, to immediately join the APC and support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

2. Court Strikes Out FG’s Criminal Defamation Charges Against Senator Natasha

An Abuja High Court on Thursday, January 15, struck out the criminal charges instituted by the Federal Government against the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, effectively bringing to an end a high-profile legal battle that generated nationwide controversy.

Court documents revealed that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation filed a Notice of Discontinuance, leading the court to formally strike out the charges of criminal defamation and related offences earlier preferred against the senator.

Naija News reports that the development brought proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 to a close. The Notice of Discontinuance, dated December 12, 2025, was acknowledged by the court during Thursday’s sitting.

Presiding over the matter, Justice C. N. Oji noted the notice and accordingly struck out the case.

In his remarks, the judge emphasised the importance of caution in the exercise of prosecutorial powers, particularly in a democratic society.

3. ‘You Must Be Ready To Show Your Red Eyes If You Want To Defeat Tinubu’ – Datti Baba Ahmed

The Labour Party (LP) 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has stated that defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections requires red eye and not court action.

Naija News reports that the Kaduna-born politician made this known during an interview with ‘Nigeria Right Now’, which was shared on 𝕏.

While criticising Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems, Baba-Ahmed claimed that the Constitution was breached during the 2023 presidential election.

Citing the June 12 struggle, Baba-Ahmed said political actors in the past aggressively defended their interests and mobilised Nigerians over long periods to challenge perceived injustice.

The LP chieftain maintained that any opposition politician seeking to unseat Tinubu must be prepared to confront the system decisively.

4. ADC Knocks Tinubu For Absence During 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has queried the absence of President Bola Tinubu at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.

As earlier reported by Naija News, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Thursday, January 15, led proceedings marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day at the cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier, Eagle Square, Abuja.

Shettima represented President Tinubu, who is currently in the United Arab Emirates attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026.

However, the ADC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, commemorating the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, honouring the courage and sacrifice of fallen and serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, sharply criticised President Tinubu’s absence from the national observance.

The party described the President’s unavailability on such a solemn day as troubling, arguing that the physical and moral presence of the Commander-in-Chief is a vital symbol of solidarity with troops and military families.

The ADC called for the leadership to take responsibility, show up, and match the sacrifices of Nigeria’s armed forces with a clear strategy and genuine political will.

5. ‘Fake News’ – FG Denies Suspension Of Tax Reform Laws

The Nigerian government has denied reports claiming it suspended the release of implementation guidelines for the country’s new tax laws.

In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, dismissed the claims as “fake news.”

Oyedele’s response comes amidst growing controversy surrounding the new tax laws, which took effect just two weeks ago. There have been widespread calls for the suspension of the tax reforms from various quarters, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi, the Nigeria Labour Congress, and other civil society groups.

Despite the calls for suspension, the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NIRS), Zacch Adedeji, recently rejected the idea, asserting in an interview on TVC that the tax reforms are beneficial to Nigerians and should not be suspended.

6. Alaafin Absent As Makinde Inaugurates Olubadan As Head Oyo State Council Of Obas

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has inaugurated the inaugural edition of the Oyo State Council of Obas, with the Olubadan of Ibadanland l, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja ARUSA 1, appointed as the chairman for a two-year term.

Naija News reports that this development marks a new chapter in the governance of traditional institutions in the state, as the council will now rotate leadership among the Obas.

‎The announcement was made by Governor Seyi Makinde at a brief ceremony held at the House of Chiefs, Agodi, Ibadan.

‎The event, which was attended by various traditional rulers and dignitaries, marked a new chapter in the history of the Oyo State Council of Obas.

‎According to Governor Makinde, the chairmanship of the council will be rotational among the trio of Olubadan, Alaafin of Oyo, and Soun of Ogbomoso-land, with each leader serving a term of two years.

‎This decision, the Governor emphasized, is aimed at promoting unity and cooperation among the traditional institutions in the state. The rotational system, he noted, will provide an opportunity for each of the prominent traditional rulers to contribute to the development of the state.

‎Meanwhile, the absence of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, at the event has raised eyebrows.

7. Go Look For Your Biological Father Elsewhere – Davido Fires Back At Alleged Daughter’s DNA Test Request

Afrobeats singer Davido has reacted to the renewed paternity claim made by his alleged daughter, Anu Adeleke.

Naija News reports that Anu, who asked for a DNA test to confirm her identity, explained that she was returning to school after the holidays and stepping into her teenage years.

She spoke about lessons taught by her mother and grandmother, including staying away from harmful behaviour.

She also revealed that she had faced bullying from a young age after telling classmates that her father was David Adeleke, adding that the experience affected her mental well-being and led her to seek professional help.

According to her, the DNA test request was important as she grows older and wants clarity about who she is.

Reacting on social media, Davido dismissed the allegations and said multiple DNA tests had already been carried out, all showing he is not her father.

He stated that the matter should be put to rest and urged Anu and her mother to stop involving him, insisting they should look elsewhere for her biological father.

8. Why I Won’t Be Removing My Tattoos Despite Giving My Life To Christ – Tonto Dikeh

Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has shared her decision not to remove the tattoos on her body, even after committing herself again to her Christian faith.

Naija News reports that since reconnecting with her faith, Tonto has been open about her spiritual journey, sharing videos of her prayers and speaking in tongues, showing the changes in her life.

During an interaction with a fan online, she was asked if she would consider removing her tattoos now that she has renewed her faith.

Tonto explained that although she once thought about removing them, she does not want to risk harming her skin with laser procedures.

She added that her spiritual beliefs do not require her to erase the tattoos, stating that her faith is not affected by the ink on her body.

9. Super Falcons Of Nigeria Drawn In Group C For 2026 WAFCON In Morocco

Super Falcons of Nigeria have been drawn alongside Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi in Group C of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following Thursday’s final draw in Rabat.

The draw marked a historic moment for African women’s football, with the tournament featuring 16 teams for the first time. Morocco will host the expanded edition for the third consecutive time, with matches scheduled from 17 March to 3 April 2026 across Rabat, Casablanca, and Fes.

The Super Falcons will face familiar foes in Zambia’s Copper Queens. Nigeria will enter the group with confidence after a resounding 5-0 quarter-final victory over Zambia at the 2024 WAFCON, which paved the way for their record-extending 10th continental title. That win included a semi-final victory over South Africa and a thrilling comeback against hosts Morocco in the final. Egypt and Malawi round out Group C.

10. Super Eagles Turn Focus To Egypt Third-Place Play-Off After Morocco Heartbreak

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have turned their attention to Saturday’s third-place play-off against the Pharaohs of Egypt following a painful semi-final exit at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Super Eagles were beaten 4-2 on penalties by hosts Morocco on Wednesday night after a fiercely contested encounter that ended level in regulation time.

Following the defeat, Nigeria’s delegation arrived in Casablanca on Thursday afternoon ahead of the play-off, scheduled to take place at the Mohammed V Stadium.

The team is billed to hold a recovery session at 6.30pm, which will be open to the media, while Friday’s training is expected to be conducted behind closed doors.

Kick-off for Saturday’s encounter is set for 5pm Nigerian time, with the Super Eagles aiming to end their AFCON campaign on a positive note.

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