Nigerian Newspaper headlines for today, Friday, 23rd January 2026

Here are 10 Things to Know from Nigerian Newspapers This Morning:

1. Makinde Denies Defection After Tinubu Meeting
   Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde says he remains firmly in the PDP, dismissing speculation of a defection after his meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, stressing that national issues sometimes require bipartisan engagement.

2. Rivers Chief Judge Blocks Move to Impeach Fubara
   Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, has refused the Assembly’s request to set up a panel to probe Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, citing existing court orders restraining such action.

3. El-Rufai Slams Unlawful Detentions
   Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai warns that detention without due process is eroding democracy, insisting that the law should protect citizens rather than instil fear.

4. Atiku Faults Senate Over Electoral Reform Delay
   Ex–Vice President Atiku Abubakar accuses the Senate of frustrating the passage of a bill aimed at punishing electoral fraud, warning that delays could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections.

5. Wike Heads to Court Over FCTA Strike
   FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has dragged striking FCTA unions to the National Industrial Court as the indefinite industrial action continues to disrupt government activities in Abuja.

6. US Presses Nigeria on Protection of Christians
   The United States has urged Nigeria to take stronger measures to safeguard Christian communities following the abduction of over 170 worshippers in Kaduna State.

7. FG Says ₦152bn Paid to Local Contractors
   The Federal Government claims it has disbursed ₦152 billion to verified local contractors, urging protesters to stop harassing ministry staff and embrace dialogue over outstanding payments.

8. Yeni Kuti Calls for Calm in Wizkid–Kuti Family Feud
   Fela’s daughter, Yeni Kuti, has appealed for reconciliation between Wizkid and the Kuti family, warning that the public dispute casts Nigeria in a negative light.

9. Israel DMW Dismisses Claims About Davido’s Twins
   Davido’s aide, Israel DMW, has denied reports that the singer’s twins are autistic, insisting all his children are healthy and simply kept off social media by choice.

10. AFCON: CAF Fines Algeria $100,000
    CAF has imposed a $100,000 fine on Algeria over post-match chaos following their AFCON quarter-final loss to Nigeria, citing misconduct by players, officials and supporters.