Today's Paper Roundup: Wed 21-10-2026
From early jostling over the 2027 elections to a new Ebola scare rattling businesses and a fresh warning over the perils of Otedola Bridge, Wednesday's papers capture a nation already deep in political maneuvering while confronting fresh public health and safety anxieties.
2027 Politics Heats Up
The road to 2027 is already generating friction, with Oyo State governor and APM presidential candidate Seyi Makinde accusing the ruling party of suppressing rivals during remarks in Uyo on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Niger Delta figure Tompolo has thrown his weight behind President Tinubu's re-election bid, rolling out dozens of campaign vehicles in two states, even as lawmakers spar over the legal underpinnings of the vote itself and a Kaduna defection case was thrown out in court.
“APC stifling opposition parties – Makinde”
“Tompolo donates 52 campaign vehicles in Ondo, Gombe”
“Rep challenges 2026 Electoral Act on accepting ballot papers without security features”
AI, Tech and the Vote
Technology is becoming inseparable from the 2027 contest, as Microsoft says it will feed INEC's final candidate list into its systems to block deepfake abuse, while commentators warn that Nigeria must reckon seriously with artificial intelligence's growing role in elections. Elsewhere in the sector, telecom stakeholders marked 25 years of Nigeria's GSM revolution at the eWorld Forum, and an education leader called for a rethink of learning in the AI era.
“Microsoft to use INEC candidate list against AI deepfakes”
“The 2027 Elections And Artificial Intelligence”
“IHS Nigeria, other stakeholders mark 25 years of GSM tech at 2026 eWorld Forum”
Health and Safety Alarms
Business owners are on edge after Nigeria confirmed a new Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory, with BusinessDay reporting that the development "has raised concerns among business owners over potential" fallout. On the roads, a grim pattern is emerging along the Lagos-Ibadan corridor, with BusinessDay noting that the Otedola Bridge, long a vital commercial artery, is "rapidly becoming Nigeria's deadliest accident spot."
“Businesses panic as Nigeria reports first Ebola case”
Economy and Finance
On the economic front, Daily Trust examines the paradox of a country rich in oil yet exposed to subsidy shocks, asking "how can a nation as richly endowed with oil as Nigeria remain so vulnerable to the price of the very resource from which it should derive prosperity?" In banking news, J.P. Morgan is edging closer to opening Africa's first merchant bank operation of its kind in Nigeria after depositing funds with the CBN.
“J.P. Morgan nears launch of first African merchant bank”
Society and Justice
Six years after the #EndSARS protests, the mother of slain journalist Pelumi Onifade is still fighting to recover her son's body, a reminder that questions around the movement remain unresolved. Daily Trust also highlights the deepening crisis of homelessness, noting that for over three decades the country has grappled with citizens living under bridges and in makeshift shelters, while a court separately voided an EFCC probe into London/Paris Club refunds, with the judge ruling the government should instead have sought to set aside the relevant judgments.
“London/Paris Club refunds: Court voids EFCC probe report”
Media, Culture and Lighter Fare
In media news, Daily Trust's publisher is set to unveil a major digital transformation, with Media Trust Group "to launch its Converged Digital Newsroom" on Thursday. On the cultural scene, a Nigerian lawyer and fashion creative is chasing Guinness World Records glory with a 15-kilometre wedding dress train, while in sports, Alt Bank's backing of the Kano International Polo Tournament underscored the role of such events in sustaining regional ties.
“Media Trust Group launches converged digital newsroom tomorrow”
“Nigerian lawyer, fashion creative plans 15km wedding dress train in Guinness World Record attempt”
“Alt Bank Backs Kano Polo Tradition”