Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 30th October, 2026.1. Court Declares Okorocha APC Candidate, Sacks Uzodimma
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to stop presenting himself as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election in 2027.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that Uzodimma did not win the party’s primary election held on May 18, declaring former governor Rochas Okorocha the winner after finding that he secured the majority of votes cast.
The court consequently directed the APC to submit Okorocha’s name as its candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election scheduled for January 16, 2027.
2. Tinubu Defends Nigeria’s Fresh Loans
President Bola Tinubu has defended his request for fresh loans from international institutions and banks, arguing that the focus should be on how borrowed funds are used rather than the amount borrowed.
In a statement shared by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the government’s priority was to create value, build infrastructure and secure a better future for Nigerians.
He identified the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Trans-Sahara Superhighway, electricity grid upgrades and modernisation of commercial ports in Lagos as major projects expected to strengthen the country’s economy.
3. INEC Clears Pantami, Gwarzo For 2027 Elections, Rejects Adebutu’s Petition
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected a petition by Ogun State PDP governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu seeking inclusion in the list of candidates for the 2027 elections.
However, the commission cleared former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, and Kano State NDC governorship candidate Abdulsalam Gwarzo to contest, subject to the outcome of pending court cases.
According to a source at INEC, about 36 of the 69 petitions submitted by political parties over omitted governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates were successful.
4. Ajaero Tackles TUC Over ₦70,000 Transport Allowance
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero has criticised the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for rejecting the Federal Government’s ₦70,000 transport allowance for workers for six months.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Ajaero argued that the TUC had no right to reject the agreement because it did not participate in the negotiations that produced it.
He also disputed the proposed August 2027 date for the next minimum wage negotiations, saying it does not align with the provisions of the law.
5. APC Defends Tinubu’s Ministers Over Appointment Allegations
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to allegations by its chieftain, Alwan Hassan, that some ministers pay billions of naira to secure government appointments.
APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said Hassan was speaking in a historical context and was not referring to the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Morka described the interpretation of the remarks as misleading, insisting that appointments under Tinubu are based on merit, competence and the ability to deliver.
6. Tinubu Arrives In Saudi Arabia For Umrah
President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the lesser Hajj, also known as Umrah, and pray for Nigeria.
The president arrived on Thursday and was welcomed by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, BUA Group CEO Abdulsamad Rabiu, Senator A.A. Yari and Saudi Arabia’s Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.
Tinubu departed Abuja on Thursday aboard an Airbus A330-200, which reportedly took off at about 2:20 p.m.
7. Uzor Arukwe Speaks On Movie Roles
Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has said movie producers cannot restrict him to playing one type of character.
Speaking during an interview on The Creativitea Podcast, the actor complained that producers repeatedly offer him “Odogwu” roles because they believe such characters will guarantee returns on their investments.
He urged filmmakers to give him opportunities to explore different characters, just as someone once took a chance on the role that helped establish his popularity.
8. D’banj Pays Tribute To Late Son
Nigerian singer D’banj has paid an emotional tribute to his late son, Daniel Oyebanjo III, years after his tragic death.
In a post on Instagram, the singer expressed how much he misses his son and reflected on the impact the young boy had on his life.
He also acknowledged the pain his wife might have experienced following the loss, while expressing gratitude that his family is now in a safe place.
9. Flamingos Beat Mexico To Reach U-17 World Cup Quarter-Finals
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have qualified for the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Mexico 2-1 in their round-of-16 encounter in Morocco.
Oluebube Umejiaku opened the scoring in the 40th minute before Mary Dustan extended Nigeria’s lead in the 71st minute. Mexico scored a late goal through Emily Delgado in the 100th minute.
Despite the late pressure, the Nigerian team held on to secure victory and book a place in the last eight.
10. Ampem Darkoa Beat Edo Queens To Reach CAF Women’s Champions League
Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies have defeated Nigeria’s Edo Queens 3-2 after extra time to secure the WAFU Zone B ticket for the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League.
The rescheduled final in Cairo, Egypt, was level at 2-2 after 90 minutes before Mohammed Afishata scored the winning goal two minutes into extra time.
The match was replayed from the beginning of extra time following a successful protest by Ampem Darkoa over the original final, which Edo Queens won on penalties. The Ghanaian side will now represent WAFU Zone B at the continental competition in Egypt from November 1 to 15.
