Nigerian newspapers headlines for today, Thursday, 19th February 2026

Here are 10 things to know from top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today, Thursday, 19th February, 2026:

1. Tinubu Signs Electoral Amendment Bill Into Law
   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Electoral Act 2026 into law, updating Nigeria’s election framework. The law retains electronic transmission of results while allowing manual backup in case of technical failure.

2. Election Notice Timeline Adjusted
   The National Assembly shortened the mandatory notice period for elections to prevent future polls from clashing with sensitive periods like Ramadan.

3. INEC Denies ‘Real-Time’ Transmission Claim
   The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) clarified it never promised “real-time” transmission of results for the February 21 FCT Area Council elections, describing the term as technically misleading.

4. New Executive Order on Oil Revenue
   President Tinubu signed Executive Order 9 of 2026 mandating that oil and gas revenues be paid directly into the federation account to curb excessive deductions and improve transparency.

5. Review of Petroleum Industry Act Planned
   Tinubu also announced plans to review the Petroleum Industry Act to fix fiscal and structural issues weakening national revenue.

6. Akpabio Defends Electoral Act
   Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the amended Electoral Act reflects the will of the majority, not “a few noisemakers,” stressing lawmakers considered Nigeria’s peculiar realities.

7. Tinubu Seeks Stronger Ties With Germany
   Tinubu held talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on security, power, and railway collaboration, and requested used helicopters to support security efforts in the Sahel.

8. Taraba Governor Denies Financial Inducement
   Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas denied claims he was paid to defect from the PDP to the APC, describing the allegation as political gossip.

9. Enyimba Fans Demand Kanu’s Resignation
   Supporters of Enyimba Football Club have called for the resignation of club chairman Kanu Nwankwo amid poor league performance and relegation fears in the NPFL.

10. Osimhen Explains Outburst in Champions League Clash
    Victor Osimhen clarified that his visible frustration during Galatasaray’s 5–2 win over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League was driven by ambition, not dissatisfaction.