Evening Roundup: Sat 07-11-2026
From a bombshell Amaechi confession about a broken Buhari-era promise to Makinde's campaign flag-off in Bauchi, Tinubu's defence of the naira, and the Flamingos' historic date with Japan, Nigeria's newsrooms had plenty to chew on this Saturday.
Amaechi Opens Up on 2022 APC Primary Heartbreak
Rotimi Amaechi, now the ADC's vice-presidential candidate, has broken his silence on the loss that reshaped his political career, revealing that former President Muhammadu Buhari had personally assured him of the APC presidential ticket ahead of the 2022 primary. Amaechi says he regrets heeding that advice, recalling Buhari's words directly: "Don't campaign. Don't do anything. I will announce you as my candidate." Tinubu went on to rout the field at Eagle Square with 1,271 votes to Amaechi's 316, and Amaechi now says the promise was "put it in writing, but failed to honour it."
“put it in writing, but failed to honour it”
“Don't campaign. Don't do anything. I will announce you as my candidate.”
“I Regret Listening To Him”
Lagos Flagged in Global Crime Rankings
Lagos has landed on a global list of dangerous cities, though outlets differ slightly on the exact ranking. Vanguard reports the megacity placed 28th on a 2026 global crime index, while Punch puts it at 27th with a crime index of 69.1 points according to the Numbeo Crime Index, both framing it as a fresh concern for Nigeria's commercial capital.
FG Cracks Down on NTI Admissions
The Federal Government has cancelled all 2026 admissions into the National Teachers' Institute's National Certificate in Education and degree programmes, citing regulatory breaches at the Kaduna-based institute. The move halts the affected academic session entirely pending resolution of the alleged infractions.
“over alleged”
“over regulatory”
Tinubu Defends Naira Reforms
President Bola Tinubu has mounted a fresh defence of his economic policies, insisting the naira would have collapsed entirely without his administration's foreign exchange reforms. Invoking a biblical analogy, Tinubu told Nigerians the country must keep moving forward, declaring that "Nigeria will never go back to the subsidy." The remarks come even as APM's Seyi Makinde, campaigning in Bauchi, laid the nation's hardship squarely at Tinubu's feet, accusing him of "poor planning" that "plunged millions of Nigerians into hardship."
“Nigeria will never go back to the subsidy.”
APM Campaign Gathers Steam in Bauchi
Thousands of Allied Peoples Movement supporters thronged the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi for the formal flag-off of Seyi Makinde's presidential campaign, underscoring the party's effort to project momentum ahead of the race. The Oyo State governor used the platform to sharpen his attack on the Tinubu administration's economic record.
Kalu Calls for Igbo Unity in Politics
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has urged Igbo elders and leaders to close ranks and take a more active role in national politics, warning of the dangers of disunity. Vanguard notes Kalu cautioned that "disunity and political apathy have" cost the region influence in the past.
“disunity and political apathy have”
Lagos Police Officer Detained Over Child's Death
The Lagos State Police Command has disarmed and detained Assistant Superintendent of Police Omotayo Olajide following the fatal shooting of a young girl, identified as Omole Taiwo, and the wounding of another person in the Nosamu area of Ajegunle. The incident has triggered an internal review as authorities investigate the circumstances of the shooting.
“Police detain officer over fatal shooting of young girl in Lagos”
Defence and Maritime Security Gains
The Nigerian Navy says it has sustained the country's zero-piracy status for a full year between November 2025 and November 2026, while also securing nine convictions against crude oil thieves. Separately, Defence Minister General Christopher Musa has assured Germany that Nigeria remains committed to honouring existing military agreements as both countries deepen strategic defence ties.
“Sustains Zero Piracy Incidents in One Year, Secures Nine Convictions of Crude Oil Thieves”
“Nigeria Deepens Defence Ties with Germany”
Super Eagles and Flamingos in Focus
Coach Eric Chelle has named a 24-man Super Eagles squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifying double-header against Tanzania, notably omitting Victor Osimhen, Maduka Okoye and in-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho, while bringing in the likes of Ndidi, Simon, Iwobi and Bassey. The Eagles host Tanzania in Uyo on 13 November before travelling to Zanzibar for the return leg. On the women's side, Nigeria's Flamingos are set for a historic FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup final clash against Japan in Morocco, with Premium Times calling it a contest between "a nation chasing its maiden crown and a former champion seeking to add another trophy to its collection."
“Osimhen, Okoye missing as Eric Chelle names Super Eagles squad for AFCON 2027Q vs Tanzania”
“Chelle names Ndidi, Simon, Iwobi, Bassey, 21 others for Tanzania”
“a nation chasing its maiden crown and a former champion seeking to add another trophy to its collection”
World Watch: Trump's Midterm Drubbing, Tottenham Stunned
British Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said US President Donald Trump deserved his midterm defeat, calling the setback "entirely self-inflicted" amid criticism of his handling of the Iran war. In English football, Leeds stunned Tottenham 1-0 courtesy of an Okafor strike, with Vanguard noting the hosts "rode their luck" after a controversial VAR non-decision on a tackle that injured Mathys Tel.
“entirely self-inflicted”
“Leeds rode their luck to beat in-form Tottenham 1-0”
Migration Watch: Germany and UK Update Rules
Germany has announced four steps foreign skilled workers must follow to secure employment, alongside new language requirement guidelines for job seekers. Meanwhile, the UK has clarified new settlement rules, outlining which foreign nationals can qualify for permanent residence after five or ten years of residence.
“4 steps foreign skilled workers must take to get employed in Germany”
“UK reveals who can qualify for permanent residence after 5 years”