Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, 12th March, 2026
Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 12th March, 2026.
by Oladipo Abiola · Naija News1. Reps Amend Electoral Act, Propose ₦10 Million Fine, Jail Term For Dual Party Membership
The House of Representatives has moved to crack down on political cross-carpeting by amending the Electoral Act 2026 to criminalise dual membership of political parties.
Naija News reports that the lower legislative chamber passed the amendment during Wednesday’s plenary.
Under the new provision, individuals found guilty of belonging to more than one political party at the same time will face a fine of ₦10 million and a maximum prison term of two years.
The amendment introduces three new subsections to section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026, which deals with political party membership and provides that any individual found to be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time will have such membership declared void.
2. Makinde’s PDP Postpones Caucus, BoT, NEC Meetings, Seek Reconciliation
The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced the postponement of its caucus, Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Council (NEC) meetings until further notice.
The postponement was announced in a statement on Wednesday by the National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja.
He explained that the decision was approved by the party’s BoT and is based on the advice of the court to seek an out-of-court settlement for the crisis rocking the party.
Arapaja added that the move was approved in good faith and in the overall interest of the party.
Naija News recalls that the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan on Wednesday adjourned indefinitely the case involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its Ibadan elective convention.
The appellate court also granted the parties leave to resolve the dispute amicably outside the courtroom.
During the proceedings, the panel of justices advised the parties to explore a peaceful settlement of the dispute.
3. Defence Minister Reveals Details Of Emergency Meeting With Service Chiefs
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has disclosed what was discussed during the meeting with service chiefs.
Naija News reported that Musa summoned all Service Chiefs to an urgent meeting on Wednesday in the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja. The summons follows fresh attacks on military bases in the North-East.
Among those present are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. Also in attendance are the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass.
Representatives of the National Intelligence Agency and other security officials also attended the meeting.
Speaking after the meeting, the Minister stated that terrorists are sustaining heavier losses than government troops in ongoing operations across the country.
The minister also warned against the spread of false information on social media, stressing that such narratives can undermine security efforts.
He urged citizens to report suspicious activities.
4. ‘We Are Doing Nothing At The National Assembly’ – Senator Ndume
The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has said that the core oversight responsibility of the National Assembly of Nigeria has effectively collapsed.
Naija News reports that Ndume made the remarks during an interview with Dan’Uwa Rano TV, where he criticised the current functioning of the legislature and expressed concern over what he described as the National Assembly’s failure to properly scrutinise government policies.
The lawmaker, who has in recent times been vocal in criticising some policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as the routine approval of executive proposals by the legislature.
Speaking during the interview, Ndume said the oversight responsibility of the legislature, which is meant to ensure accountability in governance, was no longer being effectively carried out.
The senator went further to question the relevance of the legislature under the current circumstances.
5. Senate Confirms Oyedele As Tinubu’s Minister
The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of Taiwo Oyedele as a minister-designate under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Naija News reports that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, announced the confirmation after lawmakers cleared the nominee through a voice vote at the Committee of the Whole.
Oyedele is expected to replace Mrs Doris Uzoka-Anite as Minister of State for Finance.
The Senate had on Wednesday screened of Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance.
The screening process began during plenary after the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion to admit the nominee into the chamber.
Following the motion, senators approved Oyedele’s entry into the chamber to begin the confirmation process for the ministerial position.
Oyedele was subsequently ushered into the chamber by Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Senate Matters.
6. We Are The Only Ones That Can Present Candidates In 2027 – Wike’s PDP Faction Boasts
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction loyal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has declared that it is eligible to present candidates for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
The declaration was made in a statement on Wednesday by the chairman of its National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC), Abdulrahman Mohammed, after its meeting in Abuja.
The statement explained that its position is anchored on the judgment of the Appeal Court in Abuja delivered on Monday, 9th March, 2026, as it concerns the national leadership of the PDP.
Naija News reports that Mohammed urged all party members and supporters to rally around the National Caretaker Working Committee in preparing the PDP for the 2027 polls, which includes hosting a National Convention.
7. I Was Going To Have A Baby With Her – Omah Lay Opens Up On Painful Breakup
Nigerian singer Omah Lay has shared details about a recent short-lived relationship that ended painfully for him.
He spoke during the listening party of his new album, Clarity of Mind.
Naija News reports that the romance lasted only two months, but the artiste said he invested deeply in it and even imagined a future with a child.
He revealed that the breakup happened during the Grammy Awards while Justin Bieber was performing, making the situation even more difficult for him.
The timing of the split meant that he could not fully enjoy the event or focus on the music, as his mind was preoccupied with personal heartbreak.
The experience inspired one of the songs on his upcoming album. The track, titled ‘Don’t Love Me’, reflects his struggle to balance love and personal happiness.
Omah Lay explained that when he commits to something, he gives it his all, which made it hard for him to be present at the Grammy event while dealing with the breakup.
8. Men’s Constant Body-shaming Pushes Women To Undergo BBL Procedures – Nkechi Blessing
Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday has stirred conversation online after speaking about the way women are treated over their bodies and the growing debate around cosmetic surgery.
Naija News reports that the actress shared her thoughts in a video posted on social media, where she addressed men who now tell women to accept their natural bodies after years of criticizing them over their appearance.
She said many women have been pushed into cosmetic procedures because of constant insults and pressure from society.
According to her, the same people who mocked women for not having certain body shapes are now advising them to avoid surgery and love themselves as they are.
Nkechi Blessing said the harsh comments women receive about their bodies have played a role in the rise of procedures like the Brazilian Butt Lift, popularly known as BBL.
The mother of one explained that the pressure to meet certain beauty standards often comes from repeated criticism and expectations placed on women.
9. Mikel Obi Accuses Arsenal Of ‘Cheating’ Their Way Towards Premier League Title
Former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel has sparked debate after accusing Arsenal F.C. of “cheating” their way towards the Premier League title.
Arsenal currently sit seven points clear of Manchester City F.C. at the top of the table, although the North London side have played one match more. Despite their commanding position, Mikel Obi insists he would struggle to recognise them as worthy champions.
The former Chelsea midfielder criticised the team’s heavy reliance on set-pieces, particularly corners, which he believes have become the main route to victory under manager Mikel Arteta.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Mikel Obi said, “They’ve cheated their way to winning the Premier League.
“So I wouldn’t recognise them as winners, because for me it’s illegal the way they’re winning games.
10. Iran Pulls Out Of 2026 World Cup After Killing Of Supreme Leader
Iran has announced it will not take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the joint United States and Israeli attacks that killed the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The decision was confirmed by Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali, who said the national team will not travel to the United States for the tournament.
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply since the strikes. Iran has since retaliated with attacks on US military bases across the region, drawing several other countries into the conflict.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico in June and July.
Iran was drawn in a group that would see them face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and June 21, before a final group game against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
But Donyamali said the political situation makes participation impossible.