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Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, 24th August, 2026.
1. 2027: Atiku, Peter Obi Reject Single-Candidate Plan
The camps of the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar and the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, have kicked against a proposal by the G-100 political pressure group for opposition parties to rally behind a single presidential candidate in the 2027 election.
Naija News understands that the group has been pushing for a unified opposition candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu and prevent votes from splitting among parties opposed to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, Sunday Punch gathered that although the Atiku and Obi camps support greater collaboration among opposition forces, neither side is currently prepared to withdraw its presidential ambition for a consensus arrangement.
Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, told Sunday Punch on Saturday that the former vice-president was no longer interested in prolonged discussions about bringing opposition politicians together for a summit.
According to him, Atiku had already presented his policy proposals to Nigerians and would allow the electorate to decide who should lead the country in 2027.
2. Poverty Level Of Nigerians Has Increased Under Tinubu Administration – Atiku
Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of making unchecked borrowings.
Atiku, in a statement on Sunday released by his media office, called on Nigerians to demand accountability from the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government over the country’s rising debt profile, warning that unchecked borrowing risks trapping future generations in unsustainable debt.
He accused the Tinubu administration of incompetence and financial impropriety, citing a lack of transparency in recent loan agreements.
Naija News reports that Atiku specifically criticized the government’s handling of the $5 billion facility from First Abu Dhabi Bank, insisting that taxpayers deserve full disclosure of how such funds will be utilized.
Recall that the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, had said the government would not disclose details of how the Abu Dhabi loan will be used.
However, Atiku accused the government of accumulating unnecessary debts, mismanaging the economy, and plunging citizens into further debt.
3. ISWAP Leadership Crisis Deepens As Senior Member Executed, Commanders Redeployed
There is currently internal tension amongst the leadership of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Lake Chad area following a series of leadership changes and disciplinary actions attributed to its Wali, Baa Shuwa.
It was gathered that the renewed tensions reflects growing efforts by the group’s leadership to strengthen internal discipline, consolidate command and prevent defections amid continuing military pressure in the Lake Chad Basin.
According to Zagazola Makama, sources said Baa Shuwa ordered the execution of a senior ISWAP member identified as Yaa Saleh, a member of the group’s Shura Council and its Zakkah Amir for an area covering parts of the Gudumbali, Kareto and Gubio axis.
Yaa Saleh, reportedly an indigene of Banki, was accused of repeatedly disregarding directives from the ISWAP Wali, according to the intelligence.
The dispute allegedly escalated before his execution and was reportedly preceded by the killing of three other prominent ISWAP fighters in the area.
The development is believed to have deepened concerns within the group over loyalty, command discipline and the growing concentration of authority around Baa Shuwa.
4. ‘Nigeria Would Have Been A Different Place Had Yar’adua Lived’ – Pat Utomi
Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, said Nigeria would have taken a different political and economic direction if former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua had survived his illness and completed his tenure.
Utomi made the assertion during an interview on Csuite Cafe, where he described Yar’Adua as a patriotic leader who genuinely wanted to improve the country.
Yar’Adua died on May 5, 2010, after serving as president for about three years. He was succeeded by his then Vice-President, Goodluck Jonathan.
Recounting his encounter with the late president, Utomi said Yar’Adua once invited him to the Presidential Villa to convince him to join his administration as a minister.
According to him, he declined the offer, explaining that he believed he could contribute more by providing independent advice from outside government.
5. ‘Do Not Protect The Truth’ – Atiku Tells FBI To Release Tinubu’s Records
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to release records concerning President Bola Tinubu that can legally be made public.
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) made the demand while reacting to the FBI’s request to keep some details about its records on Tinubu away from public view.
Naija News reports that the FBI recently asked a United States District Court in Washington, DC, for permission to submit confidential explanations on why some records linked to its investigations cannot be released publicly.
The agency said revealing certain information could risk individuals and affect protected investigative interests.
However, Atiku rejected the argument that the records should remain hidden where the law allows them to be disclosed.
In a statement issued Saturday in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the FBI could protect sensitive information, including the identities of agents and confidential sources, while still making other releasable records available to the public.
6. APC Wins All 13 Chairmanship Seats In Ebonyi LG Election
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured all 13 chairmanship positions and 171 councillorship seats contested in the Ebonyi State local government election.
Naija News reports that the results, announced by the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), Patrick Enyi, at the commission’s headquarters on Onwe Road, Abakaliki, handed the ruling party a clean sweep across the state.
One of the prominent winners was Osborn Umahi, son of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who emerged chairman-elect of Ohaozara Local Government Area.
Other APC candidates declared winners included Peace Agwu in Ishielu, Paul Ituma in Ohaukwu, Friday Nwuhuo in Ezza North and Chinedu Mkpuma in Ezza South.
Chidi Nwode won in Ikwo, while Timothy Nwachi emerged victorious in Afikpo. Ikechukwu Ogbofia secured Onicha, Michael Kalu Anyim won Ivo, and Simeon Onuoha was declared elected in Edda.
The other winners were Helen Aduga in Izzi, Chidiebere Alo in Abakaliki and Chibueze Odigwe in Ebonyi Local Government Area.
Speaking after announcing the results, Enyi described the election as peaceful and free, stressing that candidates from other political parties also took part.
7. Nollywood Actor Taiwo ‘Ogogo’ Hassan Is Dead
Nollywood star, Taiwo Hassan, also known as Ogogo, has died after battle with cancer.
Naija News reports that this was disclosed in a post on Sunday on Instagram by regina Chukwu.
Also, the actor’s daughter Kira Hassan, in a Tiktok live session, announced his death.
Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has entertained millions of Nigerians for more than two decades with memorable performances that have made him one of the enduring faces of Yoruba cinema.
On screen, he has played the fearless warrior, the stern father, the powerful chief and other unforgettable characters.
Ogogo’s daughters, Lima and Kira Taiwo, had recently spoken about their father’s health condition in separate emotional appeals via Instagram.
8. Tope Osoba’s Lover, Hairdresser Arrested Over Actress’ Death
The lover of late Nollywood actress, Temitope Osoba, popularly known as Tope Osoba, has reportedly been arrested following allegations surrounding the circumstances of her death.
The man, identified as Prophet Itunu, was said to have been taken into custody by the police on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, amid growing public pressure for an investigation into the actress’ death.
Naija News reports that Tope died on August 4, 2026, two years after she survived breast cancer.
Following the actress’ death, some of her close friends and associates accused Itunu and members of his family of allegedly contributing to her death.
The allegations circulated widely on social media, with some of Tope’s associates claiming the actress was manipulated into moving in with Itunu without formally marrying him or maintaining close contact with her family.
The prophet was also accused of allegedly bullying the actress, taking possession of some of her money and a car, and preventing her from acting or maintaining relationships with some of her colleagues and friends.
Some of Tope’s friends subsequently shared chats and voice notes which they said supported their allegations.
9. Maresca Reveals Man City’s Plan To Replace Rodri
English Premier League side, Manchester City, is already missing one of their finest, Rodri.
Naija News recalls that the Spanish player left City last week after seven campaigns at the Etihad Stadium.
Rodri joined La Liga champions Barcelona in a deal reportedly worth around £65 million.
The 30-year-old midfielder penned a four-year contract with the Catalans after becoming one of the world’s leading players during his time in Manchester.
Rodri won four Premier League titles with City and scored the only goal in the 2023 Champions League final. He also won the 2024 Ballon d’Or and was instrumental in Spain’s World Cup victory during the summer.
City’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, has admitted the player’s absence and said the club will look to find a new Rodri as football returns.
Rodri had almost 300 appearances for City and was approaching the last year of his contract at the time of his departure. Although the club proposed an extension, the player eventually left for another club.
10. 2027 Women’s World Cup Playoff Fixtures
FIFA has released play-off fixtures for the Women’s 2027 World Cup tournament. This follows the weekend’s draw in Zurich, Switzerland.
The two African nations, Ghana and South Africa, are among the six teams that will compete in the play-off. Others are Ecuador, Uzbekistan, Papua New Guinea, and Chinese Taipei.
The draw, sighted on FIFA’s website on Sunday, was held at the body’s headquarters in Zurich on August 20, 2026.
FIFA fixtures show three groups of two teams, with each team scheduled to play three matches.
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