Here Are The Leading Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Saturday, February 21, 2026

According to Ireporter Online, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has voiced his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of Saturday’s local council elections in Abuja. Speaking at a campaign rally in the Apo District, Wike urged voters to back APC candidate Christopher Zakka Maikalangu for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship, emphasizing that his administration would reward those who support candidates aligned with him. “Do your own on Saturday and leave the other ones for me,” Wike stated, encouraging alignment with his policies. Residents of the FCT are set to vote for six Area Council Chairmen and councillors across 62 wards.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also issued a strong call for orderly conduct during the elections in the FCT, Kano, and Rivers states. In a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President urged voters, security agencies, and INEC officials to act responsibly, warning against violence, intimidation, and actions that could undermine the credibility of the polls. Tinubu reassured Nigerians of his government’s support for institutions ensuring free and fair elections, while stressing the importance of calm, tolerance, and mutual respect during the democratic process.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a three-count charge against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, citing alleged cybercrime and breaches of national security. The former governor is expected to be arraigned on February 25 before the Federal High Court in Abuja. According to court documents, El-Rufai allegedly admitted to intercepting the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, during a television interview in February 2026.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has raised concerns over a purported plan to arrest former Minister of Transportation Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. The party’s publicity secretary, Luckyman Egila, stated that, following recent high-profile arrests, the opposition party is monitoring developments closely and hopes Amaechi will not face unjustified detention.

Former Presidential Political Adviser Akin Osuntokun has called on Nigerians to hold INEC accountable as the 2027 elections approach. Speaking on the recently signed Electoral Act Amendment 2026, Osuntokun urged citizens to insist on transparency and vigilance, stressing the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.

In a separate development, the Federal High Court in Lagos ruled that the Nigeria Police acted unlawfully in declaring human rights activist Omoyele Sowore wanted in 2025. Justice Musa Kakaaki awarded Sowore ₦30 million in damages, affirming that citizens cannot be criminalized for exercising their rights to protest, speak freely, or hold the government accountable.

On the technology front, Google has introduced a feature allowing users to customise their news feeds, giving Nigerians greater control over the sources displayed in their Top Stories. Naija News encouraged readers to select it as a preferred platform to ensure timely updates on political, business, and social developments, particularly with the 2027 elections approaching.

In entertainment news, Nollywood actor Ajemba Stanley Chibueze, known as Stanley Ontop, was reportedly arrested at his university over an unknown petition. The incident follows a defamation complaint filed by actor Frederick Leonard. Additionally, Ogun State police confirmed the arrest of TikTok content creator Mirabel over false rape claims, with investigations ongoing.

Internationally, former Napoli sporting director Mauro Meluso has denied allegations of racism by Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, stressing that the club abhors discrimination. Meluso defended Napoli’s actions during Osimhen’s tenure, despite the striker’s claims of mistreatment, which he said were misunderstood.