Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Monday 13th April, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the NaijaChoice News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday 13th April, 2026.

1. Katsina: Bandits Demand 700 Cattle, 1,000 Sheep From Residents, Issue 6-Day Ultimatum

The state government appealed for calm, adding that the authorities were carefully investigating the development.

Residents of communities in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State have been thrown into panic after suspected bandits issued a six-day ultimatum, demanding 700 cattle and 1,000 sheep to avoid an attack.

2. Lamido Fires Back At Malami, Defends PDP Loyalty Amid Corruption Allegations

“When Abubakar Malami SAN was the Minister of Justice, he took me to court and accused me of being a thief. But today, it is clear that what he owns, I do not own. Do I have a hotel in Birnin Kudu or houses in Abuja?”

Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has reignited his long-standing feud with former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, while also addressing criticism of his continued stay in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and ongoing corruption charges.

3. APC Moots ₦100 Million Presidential, ₦50 Million Governorship Forms

The All Progressives Congress has said members aspiring to contest its 2027 presidential primary will pay N30m and N70m for the expression of interest and nomination forms, respectively.

Also, governorship aspirants are to pay N10m for the expression of interest form and N40m for the nomination form as the country prepares for the general election next year.

4. Atiku Counters Tinubu, Says Nigeria Costlier Than Kenya Despite Lower Fuel Price

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pushed back against claims by President Bola Tinubu that Nigeria’s economy compares favourably with that of Kenya.

Earlier, Tinubu had pointed to Nigeria’s relatively cheaper fuel prices compared to Kenya and other African nations as evidence of economic advantage.

5. The Coming Of American Troops Has Worsened Security Situation – Solomon Dalong

Dalung made the remarks during an interview with RT, where he expressed scepticism about the role of the United States in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, particularly in the fight against insurgent groups such as Boko Haram.

A former Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has raised concerns over the presence of American troops in Nigeria, questioning their effectiveness in addressing the country’s worsening security challenges.

6. Falcons Captain Ajibade Blasts NFF Over Poor Planning, Lack Of Friendlies

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has openly criticised the Nigeria Football Federation over poor preparation for the team’s title defence at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder took to her Instagram stories to vent frustration as the current FIFA international window ends without a single friendly match. Proposed games against Togo and Cape Verde were quietly cancelled, leaving the African champions without vital match practice.

7. Senator Kalu Sends Abia North Constituents To China For Belt And Road Training

Two Abia North constituents have jetted off to China for specialised training under the Belt and Road Initiative, courtesy of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

NaijaChoice News reports that Offor Basil Chiadikaobi from Umunneochi Local Government Area and Igwe Samuel Isaiah from Bende Local Government Area are now in China attending the Training Programme on Opening-Up and Economic Cooperation for Belt and Road Countries.

8. 2027: The Election Where Tinubu Might Run Against Himself by The Villagetowncrier

By The Villagetowncrier

I recently wrote an article emphasizing the failure of democracy, especially in Africa. Democracy is still the best form of government. The problem is that political actors worldwide have learned to manipulate it. It will only get worse. As the next presidential election in Nigeria draws nearer, there is a likelihood that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu might be literally contesting against himself. This sounds ridiculous, but it is already unfolding.

Nigeria operates a multi-party system on paper. Most elections are dominated by two major political parties, namely the All Progressives Congress and the People’s Democratic Party. Oftentimes, what we call the opposition party is formed by aggrieved members of the ruling party. Apparently, they are still one family. They only become opposition when it is perceived that the spoils of power were not evenly shared. At least 18 out of the 21 political parties are not real contenders but pretenders. They function as fractional political platforms, often used as special purpose vehicles by the dominant parties.

9. Imo Monarch, Five Other Killed by Gunmen

Gunmen have killed the traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, popularly known as Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom.

The monarch, a trained lawyer, and five others in his entourage were ambushed and shot dead on Friday night, April 10, along the Asa Awara Road at the boundary between Assa and Ochia communities. Their bodies were later set ablaze by the attackers before police could reach the scene.

10. Mohbad’s Son Liam Turns 3, Omowunmi Celebrates

Omowunmi Aloba, widow of late singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, better known as Mohbad, has taken to social media to mark a special milestone for their son, Liam.

The young boy turned three today, April 12, 2026. Omowunmi shared adorable new photos of Liam alongside a heartfelt message expressing her unwavering love and commitment to his well-being.

In the touching post, Omowunmi described the pride she feels as Liam’s mother. She wrote that his smile lights up her world and vowed to do everything in her power to protect him.

“Being your parent fills me with pride. Your smile lights up my world, and I’ll always do everything in my power to protect you,” she stated.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on NaijaChoice News. See you again tomorrow.