1. Osun Governorship Election Underway as Voters Head to Polls Amid Heightened Security
Voters across Osun State are casting their ballots on Saturday to elect a governor in an off-cycle election involving 15 candidates. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party is seeking re-election against APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji and other contenders.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has distributed sensitive materials across all 30 local government areas and reprinted ballot papers to accommodate the Social Democratic Party candidate following a court order. President Bola Tinubu has also directed security agencies to ensure a peaceful and transparent election.
The poll has attracted national attention following last-minute withdrawals and endorsements, including the Allied Peoples Movement candidate backing Adeleke. Security agencies have also imposed movement restrictions and barred non-state security groups from polling units amid reports of isolated violence and political tension.
2. Atiku Abubakar Files Suit Seeking Tinubu’s Disqualification from 2027 Presidential Race
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress have approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the disqualification of President Bola Tinubu and the APC from the 2027 presidential election over an alleged forged National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate.
Atiku personally deposed to an affidavit claiming that the document submitted to INEC bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, which he says differs from the President’s official name. The suit relies on constitutional provisions concerning the presentation of forged certificates and also challenges aspects of the Electoral Act 2026.
The case is expected to generate further political and legal reactions as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential contest.
3. Naira Ends Week Stronger Against Dollar as External Reserves Climb
The naira closed the week slightly stronger at the official foreign exchange market on Friday, trading at ₦1,357.61 to the dollar compared with ₦1,357.65 recorded the previous day. The currency gained about ₦8 against the dollar over the week, while the parallel market remained around ₦1,425.
Nigeria’s external reserves also rose to $52.26 billion, providing a stronger buffer for the country’s foreign exchange market. The modest appreciation comes amid continued reforms aimed at improving liquidity and stabilising the naira.
4. Equities Market Extends Losses as Investors Shed ₦257 Billion
The Nigerian Exchange All-Share Index fell by 0.16 per cent on Friday to close at 242,619.20 points, while market capitalisation dropped by approximately ₦257 billion to ₦156.62 trillion. The decline extended the market’s five-session losing streak.
The recent sell-off has wiped out about ₦3.8 trillion in market value from the exchange’s recent record high, with insurance, industrial and consumer stocks among those affected. Despite the correction, the market’s year-to-date return remains above 55 per cent.
Analysts attributed the pressure largely to investors taking profits after the strong rally, with more stocks closing lower than higher during Friday’s session.
5. Victor Osimhen Scores Brace as Galatasaray Held to 2-2 Draw
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored twice for Galatasaray in their 2-2 draw against Corum FK in the Turkish Super Lig opener on Friday. The Nigerian forward also addressed supporters after the match as speculation about his future continued.
Galatasaray has reportedly rejected a €130 million offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal and maintained that Osimhen is not for sale. Arsenal has also held discussions involving the striker amid continued interest from European clubs.
Osimhen remains under contract with Galatasaray until 2029 and has become one of the club’s key players since his permanent transfer.
6. NAHCON Announces 2027 Hajj Fares from ₦7.56 Million to ₦7.88 Million
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has announced approved fares for the 2027 pilgrimage, ranging from ₦7,560,822 for pilgrims from the Maiduguri and Yola zones to ₦7,882,822 for those travelling from the Southern zone.
Pilgrims who have already paid the initial ₦5 million deposit are expected to settle their outstanding balances. NAHCON also set September 26 as the deadline for biometric data uploads and December 2 for full remittances by state pilgrims’ boards.
The fares affect hundreds of thousands of intending Nigerian pilgrims preparing for next year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
7. US and Nigeria Hold Talks on Protecting Christian Communities and Prosecuting Terrorists
The United States and Nigeria have held the second session of their Joint Working Group in Washington, focusing on the protection of Christian communities in the Middle Belt, prosecution of perpetrators of violence and stronger military and counterterrorism cooperation.
The Nigerian delegation was led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, while the US team was headed by Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker. Discussions also covered police recruitment, intelligence sharing, prosecutions and the return of internally displaced persons.
The talks form part of wider security cooperation between both countries following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern, with both sides stressing the need to protect civilians regardless of faith.
8. Police Impose Movement Restrictions Ahead of Osun Governorship Election
Security agencies in Osun State have imposed movement restrictions and barred Amotekun and other non-state security outfits from operating around polling units during Saturday’s governorship election. Thousands of police and civil defence personnel have been deployed across the state as authorities move to prevent disruption.
The restrictions follow reports of isolated clashes and political tension during the final days of campaigning. Authorities said the measures are intended to protect voters, electoral officials and materials and maintain order throughout the voting process.
9. INEC Completes Distribution of Sensitive Materials for Osun Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission has completed the distribution of sensitive electoral materials to all local government areas in Osun State ahead of Saturday’s election. The commission also confirmed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System has been tested and is ready for use across the state’s 3,763 polling units.
Ballot papers were reprinted to accommodate the late inclusion of the Social Democratic Party candidate following a court judgment. INEC said 11 of the 13 pre-election activities had been completed, with final deployment of ad-hoc staff ongoing.
The commission has reiterated its commitment to conducting a transparent and credible election as voters prepare to choose the next governor of Osun State.
10. Entertainment Figures Call Out Influencer Over Alleged Misuse of Funds
Popular comedians and content creators Woli Arole and Apa have publicly criticised influencer Ola Best over allegations surrounding the management of funds raised from supporters for a thrift business. The dispute gained attention on social media on Friday after claims that the influencer relocated to Canada following the alleged mismanagement of the funds.
The controversy has generated reactions within Nigeria’s entertainment and digital creator communities, with renewed discussion about accountability among influencers who raise money from their followers.
The episode has also raised concerns about the risks involved in informal online businesses and financial schemes built around the trust of large social media audiences.
