Today’s Top Nigerian Headlines – Monday, Jan 26, 2026

Good morning, Nigeria. Here is a roundup of the top newspaper headlines for Monday, January 26, 2026.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will leave Abuja on Monday for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye. The visit aims to reinforce the strong bilateral relations between the two countries while exploring cooperation in areas such as security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit will include strategic political and diplomatic discussions, high-level meetings, and the signing of memoranda of understanding in sectors including scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media, communications, military collaboration, and protocol. The statement recalled the official visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Nigeria in October 2021.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, is set to formally rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, following his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, confirmed that Yusuf will complete the defection in Kano State. Yusuf originally joined APC in 2014 and later moved across political platforms, including the NNPP. The statement highlighted that his return to the ruling party is motivated by national unity, governance realities, and the desire to support development initiatives, strengthen federal relations, accelerate infrastructure projects, and enhance security and public services in Kano.

The House of Representatives has rejected the interim report submitted by its Minority Caucus on new tax laws. House spokesperson Akin Rotimi clarified that the report does not reflect the position of the lower chamber and lacks legal or parliamentary authority. Rotimi emphasized that only the House in plenary or the Speaker can constitute an ad hoc committee with official parliamentary status. The Minority Caucus had highlighted discrepancies between the National Assembly-approved tax laws and the version gazetted by the government after presidential assent. However, Rotimi stated that caucus-led reports cannot determine the House’s official stance on any matter.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has assured the public that petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices will continue to fall nationwide. The agency’s Chief Executive, Saidu Mohammed, made the statement during an inspection tour of Aradel Holdings Plc in Rivers State. Mohammed attributed the price reductions to increased supply, competition, and sustained private sector investment. He noted that petrol prices have fallen from approximately ₦1,000 to ₦800 per litre, highlighting the positive impact of market forces following the removal of fuel subsidies.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed admiration for former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s leadership, recalling his effectiveness during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of Samson Ajetomobi in Ibadan, Makinde contrasted Osinbajo’s consultative style with what he described as the current administration’s reluctance to engage on policy matters, citing the ongoing tax bill controversy.

Minister of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Hannatu Musawa, predicted a victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections, asserting that opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, would struggle to unseat him. Speaking on the Mic On podcast, Musawa claimed that fielding Obi as the opposition candidate would significantly reduce the chances of success and suggested that even a joint ticket between Obi and Atiku would not overcome Tinubu.

Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwo has revealed that her marriage, arranged by her parents, began when she was 19. She admitted she initially struggled to love a man she did not choose, but over time their bond strengthened. Ozokwo shared that she and her husband were married for 23 years, raising three biological children and adopting five others, one of whom later passed away.

Businessman Olakunle Churchill has publicly responded to his ex-wife, Tonto Dikeh’s announcement of reconciliation, stating that the long-standing dispute has been resolved. Churchill described a recent emotional moment when their son, King Andre, called him “daddy” for the first time. He emphasized that both parents are now committed to co-parenting with love and mutual respect.

In football, Manchester United dealt a major blow to Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions, winning 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium. Matheus Cunha scored a dramatic late winner, capping a match filled with twists, including an own goal by United defender Lisandro Martinez and goals by Patrick Dorgu and Mikel Merino. The victory elevates Manchester United to fourth place in the table.

A bus carrying Bayelsa United players and officials was involved in a terrifying incident on the Abuja road while en route to Kano for their NPFL match against Barau FC. One of the bus tyres came off in motion, causing panic among passengers. Fortunately, the driver regained control, and all occupants were reported safe. Club officials are yet to confirm travel alternatives or impacts on match preparations.