Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Saturday, 11th July, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Saturday, 11th July, 2026.

1. APC Announces Tinubu’s Running Mate For 2027 Election

The National leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Friday, formally announced Vice President Kashim Shettima as the running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

Naija News reports that the announcement was made at a meeting of the APC leadership in Abuja, attended by members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by its National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

The stakeholders meeting was also attended by members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), led by its Chairman and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, announced President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima as the APC’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates, respectively, for the 2027 election.

Masari presented Tinubu and Shettima’s nomination forms to the APC leaders at a formal presentation ceremony on Friday.

The forms were received by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

The emergence of Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 election was also confirmed by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.

2. Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers In Orire Regain Freedom

The kidnapped pupils and teachers from Orire Local Government Area in Oyo State have regained their freedom after over 50 days in kidnappers’ custody.

Naija News reports that the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a post via his 𝕏 handle on Friday.

Onanuga said the teachers and pupils were rescued by security forces.

The post read, “Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been freed by their abductors. The kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo, have been rescued by the security forces.

“One of the rescued teachers in Oyo sends a thank you message to President Tinubu and the security agencies.”

3. ‘No Collateral Damage’ – President Tinubu Praises Rescue Of Orire Abducted Children, Teachers

President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound joy at the successful rescue of the children and teachers from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, by the security forces.

President Tinubu praised the heroic efforts of the security agencies, especially the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Police, for working around the clock in the last 56 days to secure the release of the abducted children and their teachers without any collateral damage and for arresting eight of the abductors and neutralising others.

The President, in a statement on Friday, signed by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, expressed regret over the anguish that the children and their teachers, as well as members of their families and the entire nation, have experienced since the sad occurrence.

He also commended the Oyo State government for cooperating with the federal government in all rescue efforts, and charged it to ensure adequate security around schools across the state.

Naija News reports that Tinubu vowed that the government will get justice for the children, teachers and Mr. Oyedokun, who unfortunately, lost his life in the den of the criminals.

4. ‘Oyo Pupils, Teachers Were Abducted Hours After I Declared Presidential Ambition’ – Makinde

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said his administration is still working with relevant security agencies to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted in the state on May 15.

Naija News reports that Makinde spoke on Friday after a closed-door meeting with his Bauchi State counterpart and APM leader, Bala Mohammed, at the Government House, Bauchi.

The governor described the incident as the first major security breach recorded in Oyo State after several years of relative peace.

Makinde said the abduction occurred only hours after he formally declared his intention to contest the presidency.

He said, “The insecurity you mentioned happened on May 15. For several years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State.

“I declared to run for the presidency at 4 p.m., and by 9 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted. We’re still dealing with all of this. Yes, we may have to do more, and we’re trying to do more.”

The governor acknowledged that additional measures were needed to strengthen security and bring the victims home safely.

He, however, maintained that state governments would continue to face limitations in responding to security emergencies unless they were granted the authority required to match the responsibilities placed on them.

5. 2027: APC Already Has 12 Million Votes For Tinubu – Yilwatda

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will record a resounding victory in the 2027 elections.

According to him, the party already has about 12 million votes assured from its registered members nationwide.

Naija News reports that he expressed confidence while speaking on Friday in Abuja at the submission of the nomination forms of President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as the party’s candidates for the 2027 presidential election.

He added that the overwhelming support Tinubu received during the APC presidential primary is a testament to what to expect during the elections.

According to him, millions of Nigerians benefiting from the administration’s programmes and projects would further boost the President’s chances at the polls.

The APC chairman urged governors, party leaders and supporters to return to their states and publicise what he described as the administration’s achievements, stressing that facts and performance would be the party’s strongest campaign tools.

6. If Peter Obi Attacks Tinubu, I Will Attack Him – Umahi

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed claims by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that his life is under threat.

He urged Obi to desist from verbal attacks against President Bola Tinubu.

Naija News reports that Umahi spoke during an inspection of some legacy projects of President Tinubu in Ebonyi State on Friday.

Umahi warned he would also attack Obi, saying “If Peter Obi attacks Tinubu, I will attack him”.

Umahi attributed the statement by the former governor of Anambra State as a sign of frustration, adding that the visible development and inclusion of the South East zone by President Tinubu has become a major threat to Obi’s acclaimed popularity in the region.

He said: “Nobody wants Obi dead, it’s not just reasonable. We all want him alive to contest this election and watch himself lose again. What he is afraid of is because he said South East is his catchment area because of the last election which I call accident of history, but we have come with visible development in the zone and our people have now agreed with us that we are better off with President Tinubu to complete the good works he is doing for us than playing Artificial Intelligence (AI) kind of politics.”

The minister also reiterated his readiness to debate with Obi on the many gains of the present administration and reasons the South East should be grateful for inclusion in national politics.

7. Sheikh Gumi Kicks Over Execution Of Repentant Insurgents

Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has asserted that the calls for the killing of repentant insurgents and secessionists are contrary to religious teachings and international law.

Naija News reports that the Senate, during plenary on Tuesday, resolved that persons found culpable of terrorism and other organised criminal offences should face immediate prosecution rather than rehabilitation, insisting that justice must be seen to be done to restore public confidence in the country’s criminal justice system.

The resolution was adopted as part of measures to address the worsening security situation across Nigeria.

Reacting to the lawmakers’ position that the Federal Government should end the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists, Gunmi, in a Facebook post on Friday, said killing repentant insurgents, secessionists, or prisoners of war is morally wrong and violates both religious and international legal principles.

According to Gumi, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is monitoring such actions, stressing that those involved should consider both legal and religious consequences.

He maintained that emotions should not dictate decisions in the fight against insecurity, adding that adopting the same approach as terrorist groups by killing perceived enemies undermines morality and does not contribute to winning conflicts.

8. Nollywood Actor Seeks Help After Spending ₦15 Million On Cancer Treatment

Nollywood actor, Ikechukwu Nweke, has appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance as he continues treatment for colon cancer.

Naija News reports that Nweke disclosed that he was diagnosed with the illness in 2025 and had initially chosen to manage the condition privately with the support of his family and some colleagues in the film industry.

The actor, in an Instagram video titled, ‘My Cancer Journey,’ posted on Friday, said he had spent more than ₦15m on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, medical tests, scans and medications.

He explained that although he had undergone several stages of treatment, doctors had advised him to continue with another phase to improve his chances of making a full recovery.

Nweke said he kept the diagnosis away from the public for months while his relatives and close associates contributed towards his medical expenses.

He said, “Good morning, good afternoon and good evening from wherever you are watching me from. I was diagnosed with colon cancer last year. I have been trying so hard to manage it privately.

“I have spent a lot of money, and my family members have contributed a whole lot.”

The actor also expressed gratitude to his colleagues, including Uche Nancy, Destiny Etiko, Lizzy Gold and Ebele Okaro, for supporting him throughout the treatment.

“People close to me, like Destiny Etiko, Uche Nancy, Lizzy Gold, Ebele Okaro, among others, have also been supportive,” he added.

Nweke said the financial burden of continuing treatment had become difficult for him and his family to bear.

According to him, suspending or skipping the next stage could affect his chances of recovery.

The actor consequently appealed to members of the public to support his treatment through donations, prayers and the sharing of his video.

9. I Was Accused OF Killing My Mentor And His Wife – Oga Bello

Veteran Nigerian actor, Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, has revealed that he almost left his acting profession because of the death of his mentor.

Naija News reports that the 73-year-old actor made the disclosure during a recent interview with Feel Right News TV.

He shared the emotional challenges he experienced after the passing of his former boss and mentor, Ojo Ladipo (popularly known as Baba Mero), in 1978. The tragedy was compounded seven years later when Baba Mero’s wife also passed away.

Salami explained that during this difficult period, public speculation and malicious rumours falsely accused him of being responsible for their deaths.

Despite the intense pressure and false allegations, Salami chose to continue his late mentor’s legacy.

As the second-in-command at the time, he assumed leadership of the Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group following Ladipo’s death, a move that eventually propelled him into the national spotlight.

Salami, whose career began in 1964, has since become a major force in the Yoruba film industry as an actor, producer, and director.

10. FIFA Ranking: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Remain In Africa’s Top 5 As France Replace Argentina

Super Eagles of Nigeria first eleven before their 2-1 win over Iran on Friday, March 27, 2026.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have held on to their place as Africa’s fifth-highest-ranked men’s national team in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, remaining 26th in the world after an encouraging run of results before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles went unbeaten in their last four outings, beating Zimbabwe 2-0 and Jamaica 3-0 before earning a 2-2 draw away to Poland. Those performances were enough to keep Eric Chelle’s side among the continent’s leading teams.

Morocco remains Africa’s highest-ranked side in sixth place globally after their impressive FIFA World Cup campaign. Senegal are second on the continent in 18th, followed by Egypt in 24th, Nigeria in 26th and Algeria in 29th.

At the top of the global standings, Argentina have slipped to second after France climbed to number one following a strong run at the World Cup. Spain completes the top three, with England fourth and Brazil fifth.

The latest top five African teams are:

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