Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 19th June, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 19th June, 2026.

1. 36 State Governors Declare Position On State Police

Governors of the thirty-six states in Nigeria, have declared their support for the establishment of State Police in the country.

The Governors, operating under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), made their stance known in a communiqué signed by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Naija News reports that the decision was taken at the NGF meeting in Abuja, which lasted from Wednesday to early Thursday.

According to the Governors, the move must be constitutionally sound and align with federalism and citizens’ rights.

The communique disclosed that the Governors took the decision after they received a presentation from the Forum’s secretariat and a delegation of the Honourable Attorneys-General of the States on efforts to support establishing state police in Nigeria.

According to the governors, they noted a dedicated consultation with the attorneys-general to review the proposed constitutional amendments and frameworks.

2. Nigeria Weighing Action Against South African Firms Like MTN, MultiChoice, Others – FG

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has hinted at possible measures against South African companies operating in Nigeria, including telecommunications giant MTN, as outrage mounts over the continued harassment and attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.

Naija News reports that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on Thursday while addressing concerns over worsening anti-migrant attacks in South Africa and the ongoing evacuation of Nigerians from the country.

The minister said Nigeria had exercised restraint and continued to pursue diplomatic engagement but warned that the government might be compelled to consider other options if the attacks persist.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that more than 120 South African companies currently operate in Nigeria without facing the kind of treatment Nigerians are subjected to in South Africa.

3. Appeal Court Rules On Oyebanji’s APC Candidacy

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election.

Naija News reports that the appellate court, in a unanimous judgment delivered on Thursday, dismissed an appeal filed by an APC member, Mrs Abimbola Olawumi, who challenged the outcome of the party’s primary election.

A three-member panel of the court, led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, held that the appeal was incompetent.

The Court of Appeal found that Olawumi’s brief of argument was filed in contravention of the court’s rules, having exceeded the number of pages allowed.

The court consequently held that the appeal was unsupported by valid arguments and was therefore incompetent.

The ruling effectively cleared the way for Oyebanji to remain the APC candidate in the governorship poll. The appellate court also allowed the cross-appeal filed by Oyebanji.

It held that the trial court was wrong when it ruled that Olawumi qualified to be classified as an aspirant within the contemplation of the Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022.

4. Any Amendment To Electoral Act 2026 Must Come After 2027 Elections – Senator Bamidele

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has ruled out an amendment to the 2026 Electoral Act before the conduct of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview with ThisDay, in which he spoke about matters affecting the 10th National Assembly and other pressing national issues, Bamidele said amending the act just months before a major election can cause further distrust and confusion in the polity.

The Ekiti lawmaker pointed out that some of his colleagues had pushed for fresh amendments to the Electoral Act in the aftermath of certain court rulings, but as the leader of the Senate, he refused to support such moves.

According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is already under enormous pressure from various stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections, and any amendment to the 2026 Electoral Act must come after the elections have been concluded.

5. 2027 May Be My Last Shot At Presidency – Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi has said he may not run for president again after the 2027 election.

Naija News reports that he made this known during an interview on Nevon HQ, where he spoke about a question from a secondary school student.

The student had asked if he would still contest for the presidency again if he runs in 2027 and does not win.

Obi explained that his thinking is shaped by Nigeria’s zoning system, which moves power between the North and the South.

The former Anambra Governor noted that if he contests in 2027 and loses, the presidency may move to the North in 2031 under the usual arrangement.

Obi added that by the time power could return to the South after that cycle, he would be around 78 years old.

Because of that, he said he does not see himself still actively seeking the office at that stage of life, making 2027 likely his final attempt.

6. National Assembly A Cooperating Arm Of The Executive – Kingibe Raises Alarm

The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Red Chamber, Senator Ireti Kingibe, has accused the National Assembly of being a rubber stamp.

Naija News reports that she made the allegation during an interview on Arise Television.

She claimed that the legislature has become a “cooperating arm” of the Executive rather than an independent institution providing oversight and accountability.

Speaking on political tensions ahead of 2027, the senator said public frustration is driven by hardship rather than opposition activity, urging government to focus on addressing citizens’ challenges instead of limiting political competition.

7. Tears As Nollywood Actor, Alexx Ekubo Is Laid To Rest

The body of Nollywood actor, Alexx Ekubo, has finally been laid to rest amid tears, tributes, and prayers from friends and family members.

Naija News reports that Alexx was laid to rest in his hometown in Arochukwu, Abia State, on Thursday, June 18.

The burial attracted a large turnout of mourners, including Nollywood actors and actresses across the country, to honour the late actor, whose career spanned more than a decade.

In one of the emotional moments from the burial ceremony, family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones gathered around as the late actor was committed to mother earth.

The reality of the painful goodbye settled in as mourners watched Alexx Ekubo’s final resting place become a symbol of a life remembered and cherished.

8. Why I Kept My Marriage Private — Baba Ijesha’s Wife

Abiodun Folashade Tokunbo, wife of Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has explained why she chose to keep her marriage away from public attention.

Naija News reports that Tokunbo, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Anjy Luminee Couture, a Lagos-based fashion brand popularly known as House of Luminee, said privacy remained important to her peace and personal well-being.

She made this known in a post on Instagram, where she shared a photograph showing her journey with her husband over the years.

In the post, Tokunbo expressed gratitude despite the challenges she had faced, saying discretion in personal matters had helped her protect her peace.

9. World Cup: Police Arrest Ivory Coast Player Wahi Over Alleged Match-fixing

Ivory Coast international, Elye Wahi, was arrested by French police less than two weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as part of an investigation into alleged spot-fixing offences.

Naija News reports that the 23-year-old striker, who is currently representing Ivory Coast at the World Cup, is being investigated over allegations that he deliberately sought to receive a yellow card while playing for French club Nice in a Ligue 1 match against Metz on May 17.

According to the report, French authorities are probing suspicious betting patterns linked to wagers placed on Wahi being booked during the match.

Spot-fixing involves manipulating a specific incident within a game, such as a card, corner, penalty or substitution, usually for betting purposes.

A spokesperson for the Marseille public prosecutor’s office confirmed to The Athletic on Tuesday that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was arrested on May 29 as part of a wider investigation.

The spokesperson said the probe involves allegations of organised fraud, organised sports corruption, handling proceeds of crime and money laundering.

10. FIFA Extends South Africa’s Themba Zwane’s Ban At 2026 World Cup

South Africa have suffered a major setback at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after attacking midfielder Themba Zwane was suspended for three matches following his red card in the Group A defeat to Mexico.

Zwane was sent off in the 84th minute of Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 loss at the Azteca Stadium after a VAR review. FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that the midfielder was found to have illegally raised his arm against Mexico winger Roberto Alvarado while South Africa were pushing forward in attack.

Although a straight red card normally carries a one-match suspension, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee classified the incident as serious foul play and imposed an additional two-game ban.

The suspension remains subject to appeal, but the decision leaves South Africa without one of their most experienced players at a crucial stage of the tournament. Naija News reports that the ban comes after Bafana Bafana had already been reduced in numbers during the match, with midfielder Sphephelo Sithole also receiving a red card.

Head coach Hugo Broos accepted the dismissal of Sithole but strongly disagreed with the decision to send off Zwane.

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