Friday’s news cycle was dominated by developments in politics, diplomacy, security and sports, with fresh reactions to events shaping Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In South Africa, Nigeria’s Ambassador, Femi Fani-Kayode, secured the release of his speech after protesting its omission from the livestream of a diplomatic ceremony.
Meanwhile, a prophet was arraigned over allegations that he filmed the remains of late gospel singer Toluwanisings at a morgue without the family’s consent.
On the football scene, the Super Eagles boosted their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification hopes with a 3–1 victory over Tanzania in Uyo, with Tolu Arokodare scoring twice.
In another political development, a court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to restore Oladipupo Adebutu as the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Ogun State.
Also, President Bola Tinubu condemned political violence and directed security agencies to tackle thuggery as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Here are the top stories making headlines on PUNCH Online this evening:
1. South Africa releases Fani-Kayode’s speech after protest
The South African Presidency has released the full video of the presentation of letters of credence involving Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, hours after he protested the omission of his speech from the ceremony’s livestream.
Fani-Kayode had alleged that while the speeches of ambassadors from 14 other countries were broadcast, Nigeria’s address was excluded. The full recording was subsequently uploaded to the South African Presidency’s YouTube page following his intervention.
In his address, the ambassador pledged to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between both countries, recalling Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle.
2. Prophet arraigned for filming Toluwanisings’ corpse at morgue
A prophet has been arraigned over the unauthorised recording of the remains of late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, at a morgue.
The suspect, Prophet Moses Idowu, allegedly visited the morgue, claiming he possessed spiritual powers to resurrect the deceased, before recording and circulating a video of the corpse without the family’s consent.
He was arraigned on charges bordering on unlawful recording and publication, defamation, indignity to a deceased human body and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
3. AFCON qualifiers: Arokodare scores twice as Super Eagles beat Tanzania 3–1
The Super Eagles returned to winning ways in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a 3–1 victory over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.
Nigeria took an early lead through Alhassan Yusuf in the second minute, but Tanzania equalised through Msanga in the 32nd minute to send both sides into the break level.
Tolu Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute before completing his brace eight minutes later to seal the victory for Eric Chelle’s men.
The result gives Nigeria three points and strengthens their position in Group L. The Super Eagles now have six points from three matches, sitting second behind Guinea-Bissau, who have seven points. Madagascar have two points, while Tanzania have one.
Nigeria will face Tanzania again in the return fixture in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.
4. Court orders INEC to restore Adebutu as Ogun PDP candidate
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to restore Oladipupo Adebutu as the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State election.
Justice Peter Lifu ruled that INEC lacked the authority to unilaterally remove the name of a validly nominated candidate without a court order, describing the commission’s action as unconstitutional and unlawful.
The court also held that INEC violated Adebutu’s right to fair hearing and directed the commission to publish his name within 24 hours.
Reacting to the judgment, Adebutu expressed satisfaction with the outcome, declaring that justice had prevailed.
The ruling followed a suit filed by Adebutu and the PDP after INEC omitted his name from the final list of governorship candidates published on October 10.
5. 2027: Tinubu orders crackdown on thuggery, violence
President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to take decisive action against political thuggery and violence as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
The President condemned recent reports of violence accompanying political activities in different parts of the country, insisting that political campaigns should focus on issues and ideas capable of improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Tinubu said violence had no place in the democratic process, urging political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful campaigns and avoid actions capable of threatening national security.
He stressed that the 2027 campaigns should be centred on policies, programmes and constructive engagement rather than intimidation and physical attacks.
The directive comes amid growing concerns over attacks on political gatherings, including the recent disruption of Peter Obi’s NDC town hall meeting in Lagos and reported attacks on other political figures and supporters.
Those are the major stories from PUNCH Online this evening. Stay with us for more updates as events unfold.
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