Today’s Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines – 22 Feb 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Today’s roundup of top newspaper stories highlights political developments, electoral concerns, and entertainment news across the country.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed surprise and disappointment over the low voter turnout in certain polling units during the ongoing Area Council elections. While visiting units in Karshi, Wike met with ad-hoc electoral officials and observed a significant lack of voters. One NYSC official informed the minister that only about 10 per cent of registered voters had cast their ballots. Wike expressed hope that turnout might improve as the day progressed. Earlier, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Moses Paul, attributed the low participation to movement restrictions, describing the situation as unprecedented in his 40 years in the area. According to Ireporter Online, Paul likened the scenario to a “state of emergency” that he deemed unnecessary.

The ADC has also criticized Wike for what it calls “interference” in the FCT elections. In a statement, the party argued that Wike’s monitoring visits could intimidate voters and electoral officials, noting that he is neither a registered voter in the FCT nor constitutionally mandated to oversee the polls. The party further raised concerns over alleged voter suppression, collaboration between security personnel and ruling party agents, and disruptions to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), urging vigilance among its supporters.

Meanwhile, ADC chieftain Usman Okai Austin has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to either charge former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai or release him, criticizing the commission for detaining him before concluding investigations. According to Ireporter Online, Austin described the detention as undemocratic and retrograde, emphasizing El-Rufai’s voluntary cooperation with investigative authorities.

On party politics, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, remarked that no political party is composed of saints but reaffirmed the APC as the best option for Nigeria compared to a return to the PDP era. Keyamo made the statement via his social media account, stressing that past criticisms of the APC should not overshadow its current potential for national progress.

Tensions in the FCT have also seen Wike responding to Senator Ireti Kingibe’s criticisms of movement restrictions imposed ahead of the council polls. Wike clarified that the measures were approved by President Bola Tinubu, dismissing Kingibe’s claims as a misunderstanding.

Electoral irregularities remain a concern as the Obidient Movement reported glitches with INEC’s IReV portal, claiming results uploaded from several polling units were not visible. Yunusa Tanko, the movement’s National Coordinator, urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant while ensuring accurate verification of polling unit results.

In legislative news, activist Deji Adeyanju condemned the National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, over the recently signed Electoral Amendment Bill, describing the lawmakers as unfit to govern and calling for politics to be treated as a temporary public service rather than a career.

The entertainment industry has seen controversies as well. Actress Lizzy Gold publicly accused fellow actress Ekene Umenwa of spreading false claims about her personal life, including allegations concerning her children and hygiene. Meanwhile, social media influencer Abike Raheem, also known as Papaya Ex, had her assault claims dismissed by the Nigeria Police Force, with ACP Benjamin Hundeyin explaining that she initially refused a routine vehicle search.

In sports, Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare acknowledged his omission from the final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad, attributing it to limited club playtime. The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward described the decision as fair despite personal disappointment, noting strong competition for places in Nigeria’s attack.

These are today’s leading stories shaping politics, governance, and society in Nigeria.