Top 10 Stories in Nigeria You Need to Know This Monday Morning

These are the top stories in Nigeria you need to know today:

1. INEC Says No New Party Registration Applications Received

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) states that no group has applied for registration as a political party. The Commission was responding to the viral news that the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), reportedly formed by a coalition of opposition politicians, has submitted an application to be registered as a political party.

2. Tinubu Played Major Role in June 12 Struggle – Alake Counters Lamido

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has dismissed comments by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who questioned President Bola Tinubu’s involvement in the June 12, 1993, pro-democracy movement. Speaking on Arise TV, Alake described Lamido’s claims as an attempt to rewrite history, insisting that Tinubu was actively involved from the very beginning of the struggle against the annulled election. 

3. Iran-Israel Tensions May Push Petrol Price to ₦1,000/Litre

Petrol prices in Nigeria could climb to ₦1,000 per litre as global crude oil costs surge due to growing tensions in the Middle East. Following reported U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, oil markets are reacting sharply, with Brent crude expected to cross $80 per barrel. The rising cost, along with Nigeria’s foreign exchange challenges, has prompted marketers to warn of imminent pump price hikes. Iran, a key oil producer in OPEC, has vowed to retaliate, further heightening global concerns about oil supply.

4. Plateau Wedding Attack Death Toll Rises to 13

Authorities have confirmed that the number of victims from the recent wedding convoy attack in Mangu LGA, Plateau State, has increased to 13 following the recovery of four missing persons and the death of an injured survivor.

5. PDP Insists INEC Cannot Halt NEC Meeting

The Peoples Democratic Party has declared that INEC has no legal authority to interfere with its upcoming National Executive Committee meeting, assuring members that preparations are in full swing.

6. Sierra Leone’s Maada Bio Replaces Tinubu as ECOWAS Chair

President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has been elected the new Chairman of ECOWAS, succeeding Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who previously served two terms.

7. Bayelsa High Court Judge Kidnapped in Yenagoa

Gunmen abducted Justice E.G. Umukoro of Bayelsa State on Saturday night near a restaurant in Yenagoa. The police have launched a search and investigation into the incident.

8. Wamakko Denies Eyeing 2027 Vice Presidency

Senator Aliyu Wamakko has denied any interest in contesting for vice president in the 2027 elections, describing such reports as false and politically motivated. The Sokoto North senator and former state governor clarified a statement issued by his spokesperson, Abdallah el-Kurebe. The denial was in response to comments reportedly made by Kebbe LGA Chairman, Abdullahi Yerima, which Wamakko said were never authorised or accurate.

9. Court Slams EFCC for Defying Eviction Order

Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja criticised the EFCC for ignoring a court order to vacate a disputed property, accusing the agency of misleading the court through withheld facts.

10. Ortom Blames Alia for Insecurity, Falana Faults Lack of Prosecution

Former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom accused current Governor Hyacinth Alia of politicising the state’s security crisis. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana also criticised both federal and state governments for failing to prosecute suspects involved in ongoing violence.