News October 09, 2026 Wike declares FCT teachers’ strike political, orders ‘no work, no pay’

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the strike declared by the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as politically motivated, insisting that the grievances raised by the workers were already being addressed by the administration.

Wike also announced that the FCT Administration would enforce the no work, no pay policy across the Area Councils in response to the industrial action.

The minister spoke in Abuja on Friday, October 9, 2026, after a closed-door meeting with Area Council chairmen and security operatives.

He maintained that the administration had met its obligations to local government workers and teachers, arguing that there was no justification for the strike.

Wike further faulted the process leading to the declaration of the industrial action, alleging that relevant authorities responsible for overseeing labour matters had not been consulted before the decision was taken.

“We want to state categorically and let it be known to the public that this so-called strike declaration is political, and we will not accept it. We will not accept it because there’s no basis for anybody to call for a strike. We don’t have any issue with anybody, either be it area council local education primary authority, or be it secondary schools, we have no issues,” the minister said.

He also claimed that major education stakeholders, including senior secondary school teachers and the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), had distanced themselves from the strike, maintaining that existing agreements were already being implemented.

The minister subsequently accused the FCT NLC chairman, Stephen Knabayi, of allowing political interests to influence the union’s activities.

Wike alleged that Knabayi, who contested the last Area Council elections on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was using the strike to portray the FCT Administration negatively.

The minister suggested that the industrial action could be exploited to create public dissatisfaction with the government ahead of future elections.

“And you can see his interest trying to see that FCT is in crisis, and then wants to use it as a political tool that FCT teachers are at home, and nobody is teaching students; how can you now come and vote for a government when the pupils are at home? We cannot accept that blackmail. We won’t accept it,” he said.

Wike added that labour leaders interested in partisan politics should relinquish their union leadership positions to prevent political considerations from influencing their responsibilities.

“I’ve told everybody, and I’ve told Labour, look, if you want to involve yourself in politics, you are free to, but then excuse yourself from the leadership of the union, so you don’t politicize it,” he said.

The minister also directed security agencies and relevant authorities to dismantle unauthorised commercial establishments, particularly open-air beer parlours operating along the Guzape-Asokoro axis of Abuja.

He said such businesses must be removed before they develop into security threats, although the statement did not provide further details about the enforcement arrangements.

Wike also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take action against politicians who engage in inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks rather than issue-based campaigns.

He expressed displeasure over comments attributed to ADC chieftain Rotimi Amaechi concerning President Bola Tinubu and his supporters, questioning why the electoral commission had not publicly addressed the remarks.

The minister argued that political parties and candidates should be held accountable when their statements allegedly promote hostility or depart from the issues affecting Nigerians.

“Many Nigerians have called INEC to sanction political parties, and candidates, or some politicians who, in their campaigns, incite the public or raise matters that are not issue-based. We have been told to go on campaigns based on issues. What are you going to do about the people attacking personality or insulting individuals? Up till now, I have not heard that INEC has been able to call or draw attention of the Vice Presidential candidate of the ADC, Rotimi Amaechi, to this,” Wike said.

He also urged journalists to investigate allegations surrounding projects and expenditures undertaken during Amaechi’s tenure as governor of Rivers State.

Among the issues he raised were a reported $10 million fumigation contract awarded to a Cuban company, the state’s monorail project reportedly valued at ₦68 billion, and the sale of a gas turbine for $308 million.

Wike questioned the outcomes of the projects and called on the media to seek explanations from the former Rivers governor.

“I challenge him, and I challenge the media. Ask him the $10 million USD you paid to a Cuban company to fumigate Rivers State so there will be no mosquito bite. Up till now, mosquito has been biting Rivers people, including myself. Ask him, the ₦68 billion monorail, where is the monorail? Ask him, where is the $308 million USD with which you sold our gas turbine?” he said.

The minister’s remarks were allegations and questions directed at Amaechi; the statement did not include a response from the former governor on the issues raised.

Wike further warned that continued personal attacks against Tinubu and his supporters could provoke a strong political response, particularly in Rivers State.

He urged opposition politicians to concentrate on presenting their programmes and explaining how their proposed policies would differ from those of the current administration.

The minister said political campaigns should focus on governance, development and policy alternatives rather than insults directed at political opponents.

“If he continues along this line, it may be difficult for him to campaign in Rivers. And I want somebody to go and write it down. Because we will not take that. We will not,” he said.

He added that opposition figures should explain to voters what they intended to do differently instead of relying on personal attacks against the president and his supporters.

News October 09, 2026 Truck crushes VIO officer to death

An unidentified Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) has been killed by a truck along Hospital Road in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The fatal incident occurred opposite Mega Primary School, where the officer was reportedly attempting to stop the truck before it struck him.

A video shared by Akure-based radio station Crest FM on Friday showed residents gathering at the scene, with several people shouting in distress following the incident.

Eyewitnesses said the officer attempted to intercept the truck, which was reportedly in the fast lane, but was unable to stop it before the collision occurred.

The officer was said to have been trapped beneath the truck’s trailer after being hit, leaving bystanders and colleagues visibly distressed.

Footage from the scene also showed some of the officer’s colleagues reacting in panic as residents gathered around the vehicle.

However, the circumstances surrounding the incident, including what prompted the officer to attempt to stop the truck, remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

The identity of the deceased officer had yet to be established.

News Politics October 09, 2026 APC urges INEC to disqualify parties over membership register breach

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prevent political parties that fail to comply with statutory requirements for submitting membership registers from fielding candidates in the 2027 general elections.

The ruling party made the request in a letter dated October 9, 2026, signed by its National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and made available to journalists on Friday.

The APC called on INEC to enforce the Supreme Court’s judgment delivered on September 24, 2026, in the case of INEC v Zenith Labour Party, which addressed compliance with provisions of Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026 governing membership registers for party primaries, congresses and conventions.

In the letter, the party asked the electoral commission to establish whether political parties had submitted their digital membership registers at least 21 days before their scheduled primaries, congresses and conventions, insisting that appropriate legal consequences should follow any breach.

The letter stated, “The All Progressives Congress respectfully request the Independent National Electoral Commission (hereinafter referred to as the Commission) to take immediate steps to enforce by giving effect to the judgment of the Supreme Court (attached herewith for ease of reference) delivered on 24 September 2026 in INEC v Zenith Labour Party (Suit No. SC/CV/495/2026), regarding compliance with the statutory requirements governing the submission and use of political parties’ membership registers for party primaries, congresses and conventions.

“The judgment affirmed the validity of section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026 as enacted by the National Assembly, by setting aside the order of the Court of Appeal nullifying S.77(5) to (7) and S. 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 and Activity Serial Number Two of the INEC Revised Timetable and Schedule and Schedule of Activities for 2027 General Election as unconstitutional.

“While 77(4) provides that ‘Each political party shall make such register available to the Commission not later than 21 days before the date fixed for the party primaries, congresses or conventions, section 77(5) specifically provides that only members whose names are contained in the register shall be eligible to vote and be voted for in party primaries, congresses and conventions.

“Furthermore, section 77(6) prohibits a political party from using any register other than the one submitted to the Commission for those purposes. The Court at page 24 of the judgment further explained that the practical legal effect of section 77(7) of the Act is that a political party that fails to submit its digital membership register within the prescribed period may be precluded from fielding candidates in the general election.”

The APC maintained that the apex court had upheld the mandatory nature of Section 77, arguing that the provision was designed to strengthen internal democracy and ensure transparency in the selection of candidates by political parties.

It also emphasised that political parties must submit their membership registers within the stipulated period and restrict participation in primaries, congresses and conventions to members whose names appear on the registers filed with INEC.

The party further cited the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the law to support its demand for strict enforcement of the requirements.

The letter stated, “This interpretation by the Supreme Court demonstrates the mandatory character of the statutory requirements and the legal consequences of non-compliance by political parties. The Court was emphatic at pages 25 — 26 that the objective of section 77 is to ensure that political parties adhere to the principles of internal democracy, particularly through the fair, transparent and verifiable conduct of party primaries, congresses and conventions.

“The Supreme Court also emphasised that statutory requirements governing the timely submission of membership registers, the eligibility of members to vote and be voted for, and the exclusive use of the register submitted to INEC are integral to achieving that objective.

“In reaching this conclusion, the Supreme Court relied on section 228(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which empowers the National Assembly to make laws prescribing guidelines and rules to ensure internal democracy within political parties, including laws regulating the conduct of party primaries, congresses and conventions.

“It correctly referred to and relied on Ardo v Nyako(2014) 10 NWLR (Pt.1416) 591 at 620 in which it held that – The power donated to the National Assembly in section 228 of the Constitution is to make laws which provides guidelines and rules to ensure internal democracy within political parties and this includes making laws for the conduct of party primaries, party congresses and party conventions.”

The APC acknowledged that political parties possess the authority to nominate candidates for elections but argued that such powers must be exercised in accordance with established legal procedures.

According to the party, aspirants seeking elective positions must emerge through the direct or indirect primary processes recognised by law, with the applicable membership register serving as the basis for determining who can participate.

The ruling party also argued that INEC had provided political parties with sufficient time to comply with the digital register submission requirement under Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026. It therefore maintained that parties had no justification for failing to meet the deadline.

Furthermore, the APC insisted that the commission was obligated to give effect to the Supreme Court’s ruling because it was a party to the suit.

It cited Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires authorities and persons to comply with and enforce decisions of the Supreme Court.

The party’s demand comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with compliance with electoral laws and internal party procedures expected to remain significant issues in the selection of candidates.

 

News October 09, 2026 Troops defuse explosives planted by terrorists on Zamfara road

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have neutralised explosive devices planted along a major road in Zamfara State, preventing a potential tragedy for motorists and other road users.

The operation, carried out by troops of Sector 2, followed intelligence reports about explosives allegedly planted by suspected terrorists along the Magami–Hannutara–Dansadau road in Maru Local Government Area of the state.

Acting on the information, the troops moved to secure the affected locations and conduct a detailed search of the route.

During the operation, the security personnel discovered two locations where explosive devices had been planted. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was subsequently deployed to safely handle the explosives.

The EOD team successfully destroyed one of the devices and recovered the second, which was safely rendered harmless.

Following the operation, troops intensified patrols and surveillance along the road to protect commuters, secure surrounding communities and prevent further security threats.

Operation Fansan Yamma urged residents and road users to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious objects or activities to the nearest security agency.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property and maintain peace and security in the affected areas.

 

(ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA)

News October 09, 2026 AEDC gives reason for power outage in parts of Abuja, Suleja

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has attributed the power outage affecting several parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring areas to a technical fault on the 330kV Shiroro-Katampe transmission line.

The company disclosed this in a public announcement dated October 9, 2026, assuring affected customers that efforts were underway to restore electricity supply.

According to AEDC, the fault occurred on the transmission line belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), disrupting electricity supply across several locations.

The affected areas include Garki, parts of Apo, Asokoro, Wuse Zones 1–7, Wuse 2, Wuye, Jabi, Utako, Jahi, Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Kubwa, Dawaki, Dutse, Dei-Dei, Suleja and their environs.

“The technical team of TCN is working to rectify the fault and restore grid stability,” the company stated.

AEDC further assured customers that electricity supply would be restored to all affected areas once the fault had been cleared.

“Rest assured, full power supply will be restored to all affected customer areas as soon as the line is cleared,” the announcement added.

The electricity distribution company apologised for the inconvenience caused by the disruption and appealed to customers to remain patient while the technical team worked to resolve the problem.

“We deeply regret the inconvenience this interruption may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding,” AEDC said.

Events News October 09, 2026 High Expectations as Nappy Set to Thrill Abuja with ‘All By My Jokes’ Comedy Show

Comedy lovers in the Federal Capital Territory are set for an evening of laughter as popular comedian MC Nappy stages another edition of his comedy show, All By My Jokes (The Manifesto), on Friday, October 9, 2026.

The show, organised by Apollos Cooperate Entertainment, is scheduled to hold at 7:00p.m. at Abuja Continental Hotel, formerly known as Sheraton Abuja Hotel.

The event is expected to bring together comedy enthusiasts, entertainment personalities and other guests for a night of humour, live performances and social interaction, with MC Nappy leading a lineup of comedians and entertainers.

Among those billed to perform are Akpan Okon, Funny Razaq, MC Miti, MC Theo, Funny Bruno, Funny Mic, Retired Madman, Prayer Point, Parrot, Youngee, Senior Man, Dolcy Berry, MC Kure, MC Surface, MOB and Laugh Engine.

The diverse lineup is expected to provide audiences with different styles of comedy, ranging from everyday observations and relatable experiences to lively stage performances.

The event comes as Abuja continues to attract comedy concerts and live entertainment shows featuring both established performers and emerging talents. 

MC Nappy has previously featured alongside other comedians at major events in the capital, including the Evolution of Washington comedy show at Transcorp Hilton Abuja. 

In October 2025, he also headlined an edition of All By My Jokes in Abuja, with several comedians joining him on stage, according to Abuja Press. 

The forthcoming edition is expected to build on the show's established presence in the city's entertainment scene.

News October 09, 2026 New fuel price: NNPC has suspended petrol retail profit – Presidency

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited will suspend its petrol retail profit margin and sell the product at cost for 30 days as part of efforts to ease the burden of rising fuel prices on Nigerians, the Presidency has said.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, explaining that the arrangement was designed to cushion the effects of fluctuations in global crude oil prices on vulnerable households.

“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) agreed today to forgo its petrol retail profit margin and sell to Nigerians at cost to cushion the impact of global crude oil price shocks and volatility on vulnerable households,” he said.

“NNPC Retail, which already sells petrol at the lowest price in the market, will offer this new deal within the next 30 days. This means if NNPC’s landing cost is N1300, it will sell fuel to Nigerians, especially commercial vehicles, at the same price.”

According to Onanuga, the temporary arrangement forms part of a package unveiled by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, to mitigate the impact of high petrol prices.

He added that the initiative had the backing of President Bola Tinubu, amid growing concerns over the effect of rising energy costs on households and businesses.

The presidential spokesperson said Oyedele had expressed hope that other petroleum marketers would adopt a similar approach, noting that the recent increases in crude oil and petrol prices were not expected to persist for long.

“Oyedele said he hoped other marketers would take a cue from the NNPC, as the sharp rise in crude and petrol prices is not expected to last long,” the statement reads.

He also stressed that the decision by NNPC to sell petrol without its retail profit margin should not be interpreted as a reversal of the Federal Government’s decision to remove the subsidy regime in May 2023.

“Oyedele was emphatic that NNPC agreeing to sell at a discount must not be misinterpreted as the restoration of petrol subsidy, which ended on May 29, 2023.

In addition, Oyedele announced forward sales of crude to domestic refineries. As production rises and previously committed crude is freed up, this is expected to shield pump prices from global market volatility.

“Oyedele also said the Federal Government is negotiating a ceiling of N1,350 a litre on the ex-gantry or landing cost of petrol, to keep pump prices stable. Where costs rise above the ceiling, refiners and importers will carry the shortfall and recover it later, when crude prices or the exchange rate allow, without breaching the ceiling.”

Under the proposed arrangement, the government is seeking to limit petrol’s ex-gantry or landing cost to N1,350 per litre. The plan is intended to prevent sharp increases in pump prices by allowing refiners and importers to defer the recovery of costs exceeding the agreed threshold until market conditions improve.

The Presidency, however, acknowledged that Nigerians were facing significant economic pressure following the removal of the petrol subsidy but maintained that returning to the previous system was not an option.

Onanuga said the government remained committed to protecting the gains of its economic reforms while ensuring that their benefits reached more citizens.

“Removing the fuel subsidy came at a price. But the alternative has been tried. Nigeria has already lived through that cycle: scarcity, smuggling, a collapsing currency and a fiscal crisis,” Onanuga said.

“We cannot afford to live through it again, least of all in response to a temporary disruption, and at the very moment the results of reform are gathering pace.

“Government is not out to reverse a necessary reform designed to set our country on the path towards sustained prosperity. It is to ensure its gains reach more Nigerians, faster and in more tangible ways. That is our work, and we are committed to doing it.”

The presidential spokesperson further disclosed that the Federal Government was developing a broader package of fiscal interventions aimed at sustainably reducing inflation to single digits in the near term.

The 30-day petrol pricing arrangement comes amid rising fuel costs and renewed calls for measures to reduce the financial burden on households, transport operators and businesses.