Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, 26th March, 2026
Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 26th March, 2026.
by Oladipo Abiola · Naija News1. Tinubu Returns To Abuja After UK Visit, Eid-el-Fitr In Lagos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday departed Lagos and returned to Abuja after observing the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, marking the end of the Ramadan fast.
The President’s return to the Federal Capital Territory followed his recent state visit to the United Kingdom.
The development was disclosed in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to him, Tinubu’s aircraft departed from the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 6.44 p.m.
During his stay in Lagos, Tinubu held meetings with several political and diplomatic stakeholders.
2. Kebbi Governor Reacts As Terrorists Gun Down Soldiers
The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has expressed sadness over the killing of some soldiers in the state.
Naija News reports that an unspecified number of Nigerian soldiers were killed after a fresh terrorist attack in the Girinmasa area of Yauri Local Government Area in Kebbi State.
Security analyst, Bakatsine, made this known in a post via his 𝕏 handle on Tuesday.
According to the post, suspected Lakurawa fighters launched the attack on troops stationed in the area, resulting in casualties among the soldiers.
Speaking with journalists during a visit to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, on Wednesday, Idris described the incident as sad, reiterating the government’s efforts to protect lives and property.
Governor Idris further assured that the state government would cover the medical bills of the injured and provide support to the families of the deceased security personnel.
3. Court Takes Fresh Decision On El-Rufai’s ₦1 Billion Suit Against ICPC
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday raised fresh concerns regarding the ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and four other respondents.
The presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, expressed dissatisfaction when El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ugochukwu Nnakwu, told the court that the second respondent, a magistrate, had not yet been served.
Naija News understands that all parties except the 2nd respondent were represented in court on Wednesday.
Also, during the day’s proceedings, the lawyer representing the ICPC, Isaac Akwo, requested that the matter be stood down until noon to allow his senior, Abdu Mohammed (SAN), to appear, but the judge declined due to another engagement.
Justice Abdulmalik asked Nnakwu to specify the magistrate named in the suit. Nnakwu acknowledged the judge’s intervention and sought an adjournment to regularize the process.
The application by El-Rufai’s lawyer was not opposed by the lawyers for other respondents, including R.N. Maiguru (Inspector-General of Police) and Chima Augustine (Attorney-General of the Federation).
Thereafter, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until March 31 for the hearing of the pending motion and ordered that a hearing notice be issued and served on the 2nd respondent.
4. ‘Combative, Derogatory Statements Have Stopped’ – Turaki Gives Update On PDP Reconciliation
The Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed that there is an ongoing reconciliation process aimed at uniting aggrieved factions within the party and ending the lingering crisis.
The confirmation was given in a statement on Wednesday, which was personally signed by Turaki.
The factional PDP National Chairman confirmed that a committee to interface with the faction loyal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has been set up with a view to resolving outstanding issues and repositioning the party for the 2027 elections.
He assured that his own faction has de-escalated combative communication on all fronts and urged the other faction to also stop issuing hurtful and derogatory statements so the reconciliation can continue in good faith in the overall interest of the party.
According to him, hope is not lost as the PDP is alive and will field candidates for the 2027 general elections.
5. Focus On 2031, Stop Disputing 2027 Mandates – APC Tells Opposition
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged opposition parties to redirect their efforts towards rebuilding their structures and preparing for future elections rather than contesting what it described as concluded mandates from the 2027 polls.
The party made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesman, Seye Oladejo, in reaction to recent political activities and comments by opposition groups across the state and the country.
According to the APC, while opposition parties remain vital to democratic governance, their engagement must be guided by realism and responsibility.
The party added that the outcomes of recent elections reflected Nigerians’ confidence in its leadership and development agenda.
The ruling party also criticised opposition groups for what it described as poor preparation and lack of cohesion, particularly ahead of party primaries.
It noted that last-minute alliances among opposition figures pointed to internal disorganisation.
6. 2027: Datti Baba-Ahmed Vows To Help Peter Obi If ADC Presidential Ticket Run Fails
The Labour Party (LP) 2023 Vice-Presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has pleaded with the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, to return to their party if he fails to secure the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket.
Naija News reports that Datti Baba-Ahmed made the plea in an interview on Trust TV, stating he has an alternative for Peter Obi.
Speaking on the 2027 general elections and the possibility of Peter Obi getting the ADC ticket, Baba-Ahmed promised to help Peter Obi secure the Labour Party (LP) presidential ticket.
He said, “I have much respect for Peter Obi. If he doesn’t get the ADC ticket, he should come back to the Labour Party please.
“I will work for him and try to get him the ticket in the Labour Party. I will try and mend the ways between him and whoever he may have offended.”
7. My Days Are Numbered – Blessing CEO Diagnosed With Cancer, Sells Off Properties
Nigerian social media personality and self-styled relationship expert, Blessing CEO, has begun selling her belongings after revealing she is battling a serious health condition.
Naija News reports that the development became public on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, after she shared videos on her Instagram page where she disclosed that she has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
In the videos, she appeared emotional and physically distressed, showing signs of hair loss linked to the illness.
The situation has drawn reactions from many people online, with followers expressing concern and support.
Shortly after making the announcement, she revealed that she would be putting some of her personal items up for sale to raise money for treatment.
Among the items listed are her car, wigs, and her house in Lagos, as she seeks funds for chemotherapy and other medical expenses.
She also appealed to her followers to support her by buying the items, noting that she is already dealing with a lot due to her health condition.
8. They Treated Me Badly – Shallipopi Calls Out Colleagues In Music Industry
Nigerian singer Shallipopi, has opened up on the difficult treatment he faced from fellow artistes while trying to grow his music career between 2023 and 2024.
Naija News reports that the fast-rising act shared that his early journey in the industry was not smooth, as many of his colleagues were unkind to him during that period when he was still trying to find his place.
The singer made this known through a post on his social media page, where he reflected on how he was treated before gaining fame.
According to him, he did not receive the kind of support or welcome he expected from others in the music scene.
He explained that those experiences affected his attitude and shaped how he now relates with people around him.
9. 2025 AFCON Title Saga: CAS Reacts To Senegal’s Appeal Against Morocco
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has moved to calm rising tension over Senegal’s disputed Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title loss, saying a ruling on the country’s appeal will be delivered “as swiftly as possible”.
Senegal thought they had secured continental glory after beating Morocco 1-0 in the final on 18 January. That win, however, has since been wiped from the record books. Naija News reports that the match was later awarded 3-0 to Morocco following a dramatic late incident that sparked chaos on the pitch.
The controversy centred on a stoppage-time penalty awarded to the hosts, which prompted Senegal’s players to walk off in protest. Although they eventually returned, the fallout proved decisive.
After reviewing a complaint from the Moroccan Football Federation, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruled that Senegal had forfeited the fixture, handing Morocco the title.
Senegal have now taken their case to CAS, sport’s highest arbitration body. CAS director general Matthieu Reeb acknowledged the urgency surrounding the case.
10. Mbappe Knee Injury Misdiagnosed After MRI Error At Real Madrid
French forward, Kylian Mbappe was mistakenly cleared to play through injury after Real Madrid doctors scanned the wrong knee during a medical check in December 2025.
Reports from The Athletic claim the club’s medical team examined his right knee instead of the injured left. The scan showed no damage, allowing the forward to feature in three matches despite visible swelling.
The issue only came to light later when further checks were carried out on the correct leg. An X-ray revealed a partial tear of the posterior cruciate ligament.
Despite that, Real Madrid issued a general update on 31 December, describing the problem as a “knee sprain” and advising a cautious recovery plan.
Under new boss Alvaro Arbeloa, Mbappe returned to action and featured in eight of the next 10 matches, scoring nine goals. His last appearance came on 21 February.
The problem, however, was never fully settled. He missed the 2 March fixture against Getafe, the first of five straight absences.
Mbappe has since travelled back to Paris for further tests and specialist treatment as concerns linger over his knee.