Lens News Morning Brief — October 23, 2025
Nigeria Newspapers: Top 10 Headlines
Good morning! Here are the top stories making headlines across Nigeria today:
1. Niger Governor Rules Out Ransom Payments
Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has vowed never to negotiate with bandits or pay ransom for kidnapped victims. He said residents must be ready to defend themselves from recurring bandit attacks in the state.
Bago made this known during a visit to Rijau and Magama LGAs, where bandits recently attacked several communities in Kontagora. He maintained that his administration will focus on security empowerment and not “ransom diplomacy.” (Source: Punch, Daily Post)
2. Nnamdi Kanu Meets Legal Team Ahead of Defense
Detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has held a private consultation with his legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi. The meeting focused on strategy as his legal defense prepares for the next phase of trial.
Kanu’s case, which resumes Thursday, has drawn renewed attention following the arrest of his counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, during the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja. Supporters insist his continued detention remains unconstitutional.
3. Akpabio Hails Electoral Reforms Under APC Rule
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said Nigeria’s electoral process witnessed major improvement since the APC took power from the PDP. He noted that recent elections have been more transparent, crediting reforms introduced by the current administration.
Akpabio made the statement during the second reading of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill at Wednesday’s plenary. He urged lawmakers to sustain democratic growth through legislation that guarantees credible polls.
4. ASUU Suspends Two-Week Warning Strike
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its two-week warning strike after talks with the Federal Government. ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, announced the suspension at a press briefing in Abuja.
He said the decision was made in the interest of students and academic stability but warned that the union may resume industrial action if agreements are not fulfilled.
5. Northern PDP Endorses Tanimu Turaki as Consensus Chair
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the North have endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, as the party’s consensus candidate for national chairman.
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri disclosed the endorsement on Wednesday night in Abuja, saying it reflects a unified effort to strengthen the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
6. Ondo, Kogi Dismiss ISWAP Threats
Ondo and Kogi State Governments have allayed fears following intelligence reports by the DSS about planned ISWAP attacks in parts of the states. Both governments assured residents that there is no cause for alarm.
They confirmed increased surveillance and collaboration with security agencies to forestall any potential attack, urging citizens to remain vigilant but calm.
7. Naira Gains Slightly in Parallel Market
The Naira appreciated to ₦1,492 per dollar at the parallel market on Wednesday, compared to ₦1,495 recorded the previous day. However, it weakened slightly to ₦1,462 per dollar at the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).
Traders attributed the marginal improvement in the parallel market to increased dollar inflows and reduced demand pressure.
8. 500 NNPP Members Defect to APC in Kano
No fewer than 500 members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) from Fagge and Ungogo LGAs of Kano State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
They were received by Rabiu Bichi, Managing Director of the Hadejia-Jam’are River Basin Development Authority, who said the move strengthens APC’s grassroots structure ahead of future elections.
9. ADC Expels Kaduna Deputy Chairman, 8 Officials
The Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expelled its Deputy Chairman, Ahmed Tijani Mustapha, and eight others over alleged gross misconduct.
The expulsion followed resolutions reached at the State Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday, as the party moves to restore internal discipline.
10. Davido Appointed Osun Sports Trust Fund Chair
The Osun State Government has appointed Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as chairman of the Osun Sports Trust Fund.
The government said the appointment aims to mobilize resources to revitalize sports infrastructure and talent development across the state.
That’s all for today’s news summary from Lens News. Stay tuned for verified updates across Nigeria’s political, economic, and social landscape, keeping you informed, always .
