Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Saturday, 17th January, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Saturday, 17th January, 2026.

1. Court Stops Rivers Chief Judge From Proceeding With Fubara’s Impeachment

A Rivers State High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, has issued an order preventing the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amad, from accepting an impeachment notice directed against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu.

Naija News recalls that the Rivers State House of Assembly had earlier directed the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a panel to investigate allegations against Fubara and his Deputy.

The order was issued by the High Court of Oyibo Local Government Area, sitting in Port Harcourt, following two separate suits filed by Governor Fubara and his deputy, marked Suit No. OYHC/7/CS/2026 and Suit No. OYHC/6/CS/2026.

In the interim orders of injunction, the court restrained the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Martin Amaewhule, and 32 others, including the Clerk of the House and the Chief Judge, from taking any steps towards the impeachment process.

Specifically, the court barred Justice Amadi from receiving, forwarding, considering or acting on any request, resolution, articles of impeachment or any form of communication from the 1st to the 27th defendants for the purpose of constituting a panel to investigate the alleged misconduct against the governor and his deputy for a period of seven days.

The presiding judge, Justice F. A. Fiberesima, gave the ruling while granting motions ex parte in the two suits filed by the governor and his deputy.

2. ‘We Spend Millions Trying To Cover Failure’ – Peter Obi Hits FG Over $9 Million US Lobbying Deal

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has stated that the $9 million reportedly spent by the Federal Government on foreign lobbyists could have been used wisely to purchase essential hospital equipment and improve healthcare capabilities.

Naija News reports that Peter Obi, in a post via 𝕏 on Friday, described reports that the Federal Government approved a $9 million contract for lobbying services in the United States as a national disgrace.

Peter Obi said it is both tragic and concerning that Nigerian leaders continue to prioritise waste, corruption, propaganda, lies, and negative aspects of development over positive initiatives.

According to the former Governor of Anambra State, the FG spends millions to obscure the country’s failures rather than invest in life-saving systems.

3. ‘We Want To Get Tinubu Out Of Power’ – ADC Spokesperson, Abdullahi

The Spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu will be removed from power in 2027.

Naija News reports that Abullahi made this known during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ programme on Friday.

Abdullahi clarified that the ADC is not desperate, but that it is important to get Tinubu out of power to take back the country.

According to him, the country has been hijacked by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, adding that most of the statements of those in power are similar to those of bandits.

4. Rivers Lawmakers Explain Move To Impeach Fubara, Deputy

Lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly have disclosed what they described as the real reason behind the impeachment process initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, citing alleged attempts by the governor to undermine the legislature.

The lawmakers alleged that while efforts were being made by stakeholders and some members to seek a political solution to the protracted crisis, the governor was allegedly sponsoring moves to recall Assembly members through their constituents.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday at the temporary Assembly complex along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Hon. Looloo Opuende, representing Akuku Toru Constituency II, accused the governor of paying constituents to initiate recall proceedings against lawmakers.

“While the impeachment process was ongoing, the governor was busy paying our constituents to withdraw us from the Assembly,” Opuende alleged.

He added that genuine peace could only be achieved through dialogue with the Assembly leadership.

5. There Will Be No Negotiated Settlements With Armed Groups – Defence Minister Warns States

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has urged state governments to desist from making peace deals with bandits.

Speaking during an appearance on BBC Hausa, Musa described the move as dangerous and counterproductive, adding that the Federal Government has consistently advised all levels of government against negotiating with armed groups.

He asserted that negotiating with terrorists is a threat to national security, maintaining that bandits cannot be trusted to honour any agreement.

According to him, negotiations only embolden criminal networks, weaken military operations, and prolong insecurity.

“The Federal Government’s position is clear. There would be no negotiated settlements, no ransom payments, and no legitimisation of armed groups terrorising communities,” he said.

Musa called on governors to align with the federal security strategy, stating that sustained military pressure, intelligence-led operations, and community cooperation remain the only viable path to restoring peace.

The minister’s warning followed growing public outrage over reports of state-level peace initiatives and planned releases of suspected bandits, moves critics say undermine justice and demoralise security forces.

Musa, in the same vein, appealed to citizens to stop aiding bandits with food, money, or information, warning that such support fuels violence and delays national stability

The Katsina State Government had allegedly initiated the process to release about 70 suspected and convicted bandits.

6. Kwankwaso’s Major Ally, Mustapha Shu’aib Dumps NNPP

A key ally of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Mustapha Shu’aib, has resigned from the party.

Naija News recalls that Shu’aib contested the Bida North Constituency seat in the Niger State House of Assembly election, and was the youngest candidate in the 2023 general elections.

According to TVC, Shu’aib said he decided to dump the NNPP after extensive consultations with political associates, community leaders, and supporters across his constituency.

He stated that the move should not be viewed as a withdrawal from politics, but rather as an intention to explore a new political path and broaden his impact in public service.

However, at the time of filing this report, Shu’aib’s next political party is yet to be revealed.

In other news, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears divided and uncertain as negotiations with Kwankwaso have reportedly stalled over what party insiders describe as his “stringent conditions” and prolonged hesitation.

Multiple party sources told The Whistler that the APC leadership has suspended further talks with Kwankwaso and shifted the final decision to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently out of the country.

As a result of the deadlock, plans to formally receive Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, into the APC have been shelved indefinitely.

Governor Yusuf’s proposed defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC has already been postponed twice, on January 5 and January 12, 2026, as negotiations with Kwankwaso, his political mentor, failed to reach a conclusion.

7. ‘Any Attempt To Divide Us Is Dead On Arrival’ – Edo Deputy Gov. Dismisses Attempt To Weaken Relationship With Okpebholo

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, has declared that any attempt to weaken the relationship between him and his principal, Governor Monday Okpebholo, is dead on arrival.

Naija News reports that Idahosa, in a statement made available to journalists in Benin on Friday, described those behind the alleged plot as distractors, noting that they were pained by the practical governance being demonstrated by the administration.

The former member of the House of Representatives advised those attempting to sow seeds of discord between him and Okpebholo to redirect their energies to matters that would add value to the governor’s SHINE Agenda.

Idahosa vowed to stand by Okpebholo despite online smear campaigns against his administration.

While noting that the Okpebholo-led administration remains focused on delivering its campaign promises to the people, Idahosa urged residents of the state to remain steadfast in their support for the government.

8. I Saw One Of The DNA Results, Anu Isn’t Davido’s Daughter – Daddy Freeze

Media personality Daddy Freeze has reacted to the ongoing paternity controversy involving Afrobeats singer Davido and Anu Adeleke, who has repeatedly claimed to be the singer’s daughter.

Naija News reports the issue resurfaced after Anu shared a post on social media asking Davido to undergo a DNA test to confirm her identity.

In her message, she spoke about facing bullying from a young age after telling schoolmates that Davido was her father.

She also explained that the experience affected her mental health and pushed her to seek professional support.

Davido responded by rejecting the claim and stating that several DNA tests had already been conducted.

According to him, the tests were carried out at different hospitals, and all produced the same result, showing that he is not Anu’s father.

He also expressed anger over the renewed controversy and warned that Anu’s mother would be held responsible for continuing to push the matter.

Reacting to the development, Daddy Freeze shared a video on his social media page where he addressed the controversy.

He stated that he had personally seen one of the DNA test results connected to the case.

Based on what he saw, he said the document showed that Davido is not Anu Adeleke’s biological father.

“David is not Anu’s father, I saw one of the DNA results”, he said during an Instagram live session.

9. Wilfred Ndidi Urges NFF To Keep Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to retain head coach Éric Chelle after Nigeria’s hard-fought campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Eric Chelle’s future with the team remains uncertain following Nigeria’s narrow semi-final defeat to Morocco in Rabat. The NFF had set clear objectives for the Malian coach ahead of the tournament, and while he has expressed his desire to continue, the final decision rests with the federation.

“All I want is that we keep the coach. We should be focused on continuity at this point,” Ndidi told reporters during a media session on Friday.

The Super Eagles are now preparing for the third-place playoff against Egypt at 5 p.m. on Saturday, seeking to end the tournament on a high note after the disappointment of losing in a penalty shootout to the Atlas Lions.

Winger Ademola Lookman, reflecting on the semi-final, said the match had been a huge test of both physical and mental endurance.

“It was a tough game. We played 120 minutes. It was a tough game, but losing on penalties makes it even harder,” Lookman admitted, praising Morocco’s quality and composure.

He added, “I think a strong team. At the end of the day, we went to penalties.”

Lookman also admitted he had not yet turned his thoughts to the upcoming clash with Egypt, still processing the heartbreak of the semi-final exit.

“To be honest, I haven’t really thought about it, not really thought about that to be honest. Obviously because of the disappointment,” he said.

10. Eric Chelle Eyes Third Place After Super Eagles’ Semi-Final Heartbreak

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has admitted his disappointment following Nigeria’s semi-final exit at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but he insists his team will fight to secure a podium finish.

Naija News reports that Nigeria fell to host nation Morocco on Wednesday, losing 4-2 in a tense penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation time.

The three-time African champions will now face Egypt for the bronze medal at the Mohammed V Stadium at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

“To be honest with you, I’m disappointed to be here,” Chelle told reporters. “I had great ambitions for this tournament. After we lost to Morocco, I told my players to keep their heads up, as they had a great tournament. My players have told me to do the same for Saturday’s game.”

The 48-year-old Malian coach, widely praised for Nigeria’s strong performance in Morocco, emphasised the importance of returning home with a medal.

“We have to go back to Nigeria with the third place,” he said during his media interaction on Friday. Despite the setback, Chelle is already looking ahead to the future. He hinted at plans to integrate new players into the squad, regardless of his uncertain position beyond the tournament. “If God gives me the chance to be the coach after the AFCON, I’d love to bring in more players for the team,” he added.

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