Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines – Sunday, 8 February 2026

Good morning, Nigeria. Here is a roundup of the top newspaper headlines for Sunday, 8th February 2026.

The presidency has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, of misrepresenting facts about the nation’s security situation. According to a statement issued by Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant on Social Media to President Bola Tinubu, the president has achieved more in the security sector in two years than the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accomplished during its sixteen-year tenure. Olusegun highlighted increased security funding, sustained military interventions, recruitment of additional security personnel, and efforts to establish state police as evidence of the administration’s achievements. He dismissed Abdullahi’s claim that rising insecurity in regions such as Kwara and Katsina indicates a lack of government as misleading.

In legislative news, Senate President Godswill Akpabio addressed criticisms of the ongoing Electoral Act Amendment. According to Ireporter Online, Akpabio emphasized that the process is incomplete and warned that the Senate will not be intimidated in its efforts to provide Nigerians with an Electoral Act that strengthens democracy. He clarified that the debate surrounding Section 60(3) is premature, as the amendment process is still underway.

Details have also emerged regarding Nigeria’s evolving military partnership with the United States, following heightened international attention on security challenges. Ireporter Online reports that after Nigeria was re-designated as a Country of Particular Concern by the US, President Tinubu sent National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to Washington for high-level talks with US officials. Subsequently, US contractor-operated surveillance flights and coordinated intelligence efforts led to a precision strike against terrorist camps in Sokoto State. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the operation followed international practice and bilateral agreements.

Meanwhile, US lawmaker Riley Moore denied claims that the United States intends to divide Nigeria. Moore stated that discussions with Nigerian officials never broached the idea and stressed that destabilizing Nigeria would worsen security and threaten Christians across the region. He confirmed that a security cooperation agreement has been established to tackle violence and strengthen bilateral ties.

In political developments, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has declared her candidacy for the 2027 Ogun State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC). She emphasized that her focus is solely on the governorship race, ruling out a Senate return.

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned alleged threats made by Edo APC Acting Chairman Jarrett Tenebe against a female critic of the state government. According to the PDP, the comments were reckless and anti-democratic, prompting calls for President Tinubu’s intervention.

In Kano State, the House of Assembly dismissed reports of a planned impeachment against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo. Spokesperson Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai described the claims as false and stressed that the House remains focused on legislative duties.

Prominent lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN) has come under scrutiny after Nigerian authorities disowned a passport he presented as evidence in a London tribunal, confirming it was fraudulent. Ireporter Online notes that this revelation has triggered criminal investigations in Nigeria.

In the entertainment sector, media executive Mo Abudu denied allegations of favoritism in Nollywood cinema slots, stating that screening priorities are based on business considerations rather than personal influence.

Finally, in sports, Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola rejected Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s suggestion that entertaining football outweighs winning trophies. Guardiola reiterated that success remains the ultimate measure of a coach, ahead of a crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool.

This concludes today’s roundup of Nigeria’s top newspaper headlines.