News November 14, 2026 ADC will defeat Tinubu in 13 Northern states – Amaechi

Former Minister of Transportation and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed confidence that the party will defeat President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election, predicting victories in 13 states across Northern Nigeria.

Amaechi said the ADC was strategically positioned to win across the North-East and North-West, while also making significant inroads into the North-Central and South-South geopolitical zones.

He made the prediction on Saturday during the party’s presidential campaign rally in Bauchi State, where he accused the ruling APC of relying on electoral practices he alleged characterised the 2023 general election.

The former Rivers State governor warned that the opposition party would resist any attempt to repeat what he claimed happened during the last presidential election.

“Because these people will do what they did in 2023. This time, we shall not agree. Do you understand? We will not do what?” he said.

Amaechi, who is the running mate to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, maintained that the ADC had a stronger electoral base in the North, pointing to its anticipated support across the 13 states in the North-East and North-West.

“We are the only party that comes with 13 states. The whole of North-East, the whole of North-West, that is 13, right? Let the President tell us how many states he comes with. He comes with only five in the South-West,” he said.

He also predicted that the APC would lose another state in the South-West to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), further weakening Tinubu’s electoral prospects in the region.

“That’s if he will. And the sixth state in the South-West will vote APM, whether he likes it or not,” he added.

The ADC vice-presidential candidate said his party was prepared to challenge the ruling party beyond the Northern region, particularly in the South-South and North-Central, where he expressed confidence that Atiku would secure victories in Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa states.

“We will fight with him in South-South. We will fight with him in North-Central. And be sure, be rest assured, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa will be in ours easily,” he said.

On the South-East, Amaechi dismissed the prospect of Tinubu making significant electoral gains in the region, insisting that the ADC would emerge victorious in the presidential contest.

“He will not go to South-East at all. Be rest assured, we will win. We will win. Things will get better,” he said.

The Bauchi rally comes against the backdrop of an ongoing leadership dispute within the ADC, following a November 5 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the party’s National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark.

The court also invalidated decisions taken under the leadership, including the process that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate, and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise resolutions reached at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025.

However, the ADC rejected the ruling, declaring its intention to challenge the judgment in court and maintaining that its political activities and preparations for the 2027 elections would continue.

Atiku, who served as Vice-President from 1999 to 2007, emerged as the ADC presidential candidate during the party’s May 2026 primary, with Amaechi selected as his running mate.

News November 14, 2026 Fire engulfs Lagos market

Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service on Saturday contained a fire outbreak at No. 9, Ola Market, Adedeji, Itire, in the Surulere area of Lagos State.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday morning, affected the upper floor of a one-storey residential building, but emergency responders prevented the flames from spreading to other parts of the structure.

The Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Abimbola Adeseye, disclosed this in a statement issued on November 14, 2026.

According to Adeseye, the agency received a distress call at 10:12am, following which firefighters from its Sari Iganmu and Isolo fire stations were immediately deployed to the scene.

She explained that the fire was restricted to the floor where it started, following the intervention of the emergency response teams.

The agency, however, said further information on the incident would be made available as firefighting operations continued.

The cause of the fire and the extent of damage were not disclosed as of the time of filing this report.

News November 14, 2026 ‘Stop disgracing your country’ – South African Presidency, Nigerian mission clash Over Fani-Kayode

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, has renewed his public disagreement with Nigeria’s High Commission in South Africa over claims that the President intervened in a controversy involving the omission of Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode’s speech from a live broadcast of a diplomatic ceremony.

Magwenya dismissed the Nigerian mission’s account of the incident as false, insisting that Ramaphosa neither intervened in the matter nor had the constitutional authority to interfere with the operational activities and editorial decisions of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

The latest development followed a response by the Nigerian High Commission to Magwenya’s earlier criticism of Fani-Kayode’s handling of the incident, which arose during a ceremony where the Nigerian envoy presented his letters of credence.

In a statement posted on X on Friday, Magwenya addressed Fani-Kayode directly, expressing regret that he had to respond to the ambassador through a public platform.

He said, “Your Excellency, I deeply regret that I have to address you through a public platform. However, now that you have falsely referenced the President on a matter he has no involvement in, I’m duty bound to clarify your misrepresentation of facts.

“In South Africa the President does not intervene on operational matters at the public broadcasters, neither did he intervene on your behalf. He simply pointed you to @Sophie_Mokoena who was the most appropriate person to raise your grievance with.

“Your Excellency, you refused to speak to @Sophie_Mokoena who would have cleared the misunderstanding with you. I would encourage you, that as you start your tenure in South Africa you meet with SABC to forge a mutually beneficial, respectful and professional relationship.

“The SABC is a public broadcaster. The President carries no legal or political mandate to interfere with its operations or intervene in it’s editorial processes. Frankly, your approach in this regard on a minor operational issue which you misunderstood was grossly inappropriate.

“I wish you well on your tenure and I hope you begin to engage the various aspects of South African society and it’s constitutional tenets constructively.”

However, the Nigerian High Commission rejected Magwenya’s position, maintaining that Ramaphosa had intervened following the ambassador’s complaint.

In its response on Saturday, the mission defended Fani-Kayode’s conduct and said the incident amounted to disrespect towards Nigeria.

The High Commission stated, “Our Ambassador, H.E. Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, @realFFK was treated with contempt and disdain and by extension so was Nigeria.

“H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who we have the utmost respect for, did the right thing by intervening. We got the result we wanted. End of story,” the mission said on X.

Magwenya subsequently fired back, describing the Nigerian mission’s claim as a fabrication and insisting that neither Ramaphosa nor the Presidency had intervened in the broadcaster’s operations.

He replied, “Even when it’s institutionalised, a lie remains a lie. There was no such intervention from the President or the Presidency and there will never be.

“Read our constitution and laws and familiarise yourself with the SABC editorial code. Stop disgracing yourself and your country,” he replied.

The disagreement originated on Friday after Fani-Kayode accused the South African Presidency of deliberately excluding Nigeria’s delegation from the livestream of a diplomatic ceremony at which Ramaphosa received letters of credence from 15 ambassadors.

The event, which took place at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, reportedly featured the live broadcast of the introductions and speeches of 14 ambassadors, while Nigeria’s presentation was excluded.

Fani-Kayode alleged that the livestream was deliberately suspended when it was Nigeria’s turn to address the gathering and restored only after he had completed his speech.

The Nigerian envoy subsequently said he confronted the matter with Ramaphosa during a photograph session after the ceremony, claiming that the South African leader summoned the officials responsible for the broadcast and instructed them to resolve the situation.

“Right there in my presence he questioned them and directed them to resolve the issue immediately. Sadly, by then it was too late and Nigeria had been left out,” the ambassador said.

Fani-Kayode also expressed appreciation to Ramaphosa for what he described as his intervention, although he said he was disappointed that Nigeria’s presentation had been excluded from the broadcast.

Magwenya, however, maintained that the President did not intervene in the SABC’s operations but merely directed the Nigerian ambassador to Sophie Mokoena, whom he identified as the appropriate official to receive and address his complaint.

He also advised Fani-Kayode to establish a professional working relationship with the public broadcaster and familiarise himself with South Africa’s constitutional framework.

Following the controversy, the South African Presidency released the complete recording of the diplomatic ceremony, including Fani-Kayode’s address, on its official YouTube channel.

During his speech, the Nigerian envoy pledged to work towards strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, describing his appointment as an opportunity to rebuild ties and address issues of mutual interest.

He also recalled Nigeria’s contributions to the struggle against apartheid in South Africa and called for stronger cooperation between the two countries.

The ceremony was particularly significant as it marked the first appointment of a substantive Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa in four years, according to Fani-Kayode.

News November 14, 2026 Emir suspended over alleged illegal levies, mining interference

The Bauchi State Government has suspended the Emir of Lame, Yakubu Aliyu, following allegations of unlawful levy collection, interference in land administration and involvement in the activities of mining companies within the emirate.

The suspension, which takes immediate effect, was announced on Saturday by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor.

According to Gidado, the government has constituted a 12-member administrative panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations against the traditional ruler. He said the suspension would remain in place until the panel concludes its assignment and submits its report.

He explained that the state government received several formal petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies concerning the emir’s alleged activities.

The complaints, he said, had reportedly heightened tensions within the emirate, prompting concerns over public safety, security and peaceful coexistence among residents.

“The allegations against the Emir include unlawful interference in land administration, unauthorised collection of levies, undue interference in the operations of mining companies, and other alleged acts of misconduct,” he said.

Gidado disclosed that the government had earlier invited the emir to explain his actions as part of efforts to ensure fair hearing. However, he said the explanation provided was considered unsatisfactory, leading to the decision to establish an independent investigative panel.

He stressed, however, that the allegations had not been established, assuring that the suspended traditional ruler would have the opportunity to defend himself.

He noted that “the allegations remain subject to investigation and that the Emir shall be afforded the opportunity to respond to all allegations against him in accordance with the principles of natural justice and due process”.

The panel will be chaired by Sani Mohammed, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, and will include Musa Yankari, a retired Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), alongside representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, DSS and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The committee has been given three weeks to complete its investigation and submit its findings and recommendations to the state government.

Explaining the rationale behind the suspension, Gidado said the measure was designed to ensure an unhindered investigation and prevent any possible compromise of the process.

“The suspension is a precautionary administrative measure intended to safeguard the integrity of the investigation, prevent possible interference with witnesses and official Emirate records, and reduce tensions within the community,” he said.

As part of the conditions attached to the suspension, the government directed Aliyu to remain within the emirate unless he obtains permission from the appropriate authorities.

He was also instructed to refrain from participating in or interfering with the administrative, traditional and other official activities of the emirate council while the investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, Bala Abubakar, a senior councillor of the Lame Emirate Council, has been appointed to oversee the day-to-day administration of the emirate in an acting capacity.

The state government said the temporary arrangement was necessary to maintain administrative stability and ensure the uninterrupted running of the emirate’s affairs pending the outcome of the investigation.

News November 14, 2026 Edo hands NNPC C-of-O for new refinery

The Edo State Government has presented the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) with a Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) for its proposed Oredo refinery and petrochemical project, in a move aimed at advancing the state’s drive to attract investments and boost industrial development.

The certificate was presented to the NNPC delegation during a courtesy visit to the Edo State Government House in Benin City, with the company’s Executive Vice-President, Downstream, Mumuni Dagazau, receiving the document on behalf of the national oil company.

Dagazau commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing the land and necessary documentation to facilitate the proposed investment.

He said the refinery project was consistent with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its objectives of strengthening domestic energy security, reducing reliance on imported petroleum products and promoting local value addition.

According to him, the project would expand Nigeria’s refining capacity while creating investment opportunities across the downstream petroleum sector.

He further identified employment generation, technology transfer, increased local participation and industrial growth among the expected benefits of the proposed facility.

The NNPC executive assured the Edo government that the company would collaborate with the state administration and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of the project.

He described the presentation of the C-of-O as evidence of Okpebholo’s commitment to attracting productive investments capable of stimulating economic activities in the state.

Dagazau expressed optimism that the refinery would contribute to Edo’s economic development and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security, while highlighting the importance of cooperation between government and investors.

In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo expressed satisfaction with the NNPC delegation’s visit and reiterated his administration’s readiness to provide an enabling environment for businesses and investors.

He explained that allocating land for the proposed refinery was part of his government’s broader strategy to attract investments, expand the state’s revenue base and generate employment for residents.

The governor said the project would broaden Edo’s commercial and industrial activities while delivering economic benefits to the people.

He also assured NNPC of the state government’s continued support, expressing confidence that the proposed refinery would make a significant contribution to the state’s development.

News November 14, 2026 Abuja mosque: Presidency disputes reports of attack on Tinubu’s convoy, releases video

The Presidency has challenged reports that President Bola Tinubu’s convoy came under attack from angry youths after he observed Friday prayers at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, Garki, Abuja, insisting that videos circulating on social media misrepresented what happened.

The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, O’tega Ogra, described the footage showing youths allegedly throwing stones at a convoy believed to belong to Tinubu as “misleading”.

Ogra maintained that footage released by the Presidency showed the President departing the mosque peacefully after observing the Juma’at prayer.

However, in an earlier footage, Tinubu was seen booed by some aggrieved worshippers and residents shortly after attending the Friday prayers at the mosque.

The incident reportedly occurred as the President’s convoy prepared to leave the premises, with some people in the crowd chanting slogans expressing dissatisfaction with his administration.

Videos reportedly obtained from the scene captured some members of the crowd chanting “Ba mayi, ba ma so”, a Hausa expression translated as “We don’t want you; we don’t support you”.

Others were also heard chanting “Tinubu Must Go”, a slogan associated with opposition to the President’s re-election ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

An eyewitness who attended the prayers reportedly attributed the protest to restrictions allegedly imposed on worshippers because of the President’s visit.

But Ogra disputed the account in a post on his X handle on Friday, sharing a separate video showing Tinubu leaving the mosque after the prayers.

“Contrary to the narrative being pushed by the opposition, with videos of their alleged paid thugs at the National Mosque today, here is footage of Mr President leaving the mosque after Friday prayers this afternoon,” he wrote.

In the video, Tinubu, dressed in a white outfit and a black cap bearing his traditional insignia, was seen acknowledging supporters who waved at him and took photographs as he approached his official vehicle.

Nevertheless, accounts published by other media organisations provided further details of the incident, including allegations that some worshippers were prevented from entering or leaving the mosque during the President’s visit.

The controversy emerged hours before Tinubu issued a warning against political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully.

In a statement personally signed on Friday, the President condemned reported acts of violence at political gatherings across the country and called on political stakeholders to shun violence.

He also disclosed that security agencies had been authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-democratic activities with full force.

Tinubu urged political parties and their candidates to concentrate on presenting policies, ideas and proposals that would improve the welfare of Nigerians and promote national development.

He further reiterated his commitment to ensuring a peaceful, free and fair electoral process, stressing that political disagreements should not turn Nigerians against one another.

The incident has sparked renewed discussions about the President’s reception during public engagements and the security arrangements surrounding his movements as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

(SAHARA REPORTERS)

News Politics November 14, 2026 2027: Lamido faults Atiku, Obi’s rivalry, says Atiku should’ve led ticket before Obi’s turn

Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has faulted the failure of opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to agree on a common presidential candidate for the 2027 election, arguing that Atiku should have been allowed to lead the opposition’s presidential ticket, with Obi taking over after four years.

Lamido, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said an arrangement that would have seen Atiku emerge as the presidential candidate and Obi as his running mate, with an understanding that the latter would succeed him after one term, could have prevented the division currently confronting the opposition.

He made the remarks on Friday while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he discussed the political implications of the failure by the two opposition leaders to unite ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to the former governor, the inability of Atiku and Obi to harmonise their political ambitions has weakened the opposition’s chances of mounting a united challenge against President Bola Tinubu.

“I think the way things are, the propaganda and support warfare is too much. It’s too intense for even Nigeria to be able to really understand what’s happening,” he said.

Lamido attributed the opposition’s predicament partly to the political strength of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly the number of serving and former governors in its fold, as well as the disagreement between Atiku and Obi.

“Because of the number of governors, both serving and former governors of the APC, and because Atiku and Obi divided their own force, it gives Tinubu the advantage,” he said.

He maintained that the opposition leaders were making it easier for Tinubu to pursue a second term by failing to reach an agreement on a common political platform and presidential arrangement.

“So both Peter Obi and Atiku are simply handing Tinubu, very easily. But if they come together, it would have been a high-level canvas, you know, Atiku for president and Obi running mate, and then after four years, one takes over,” he said.

Atiku and Obi, who contested against Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election on the platforms of the PDP and Labour Party respectively, later left their parties to pursue a common opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

In July 2025, opposition leaders adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a coalition platform to challenge the ruling APC.

However, disagreements over party leadership, structure and presidential ambitions reportedly weakened the alliance.

The crisis eventually led Obi and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to leave the ADC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in May 2026. Obi was subsequently adopted as the NDC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

Atiku, meanwhile, remained in the ADC and emerged as the party’s presidential candidate after its primary.

Obi has maintained that any political arrangement with Atiku must be based on a formal agreement between their respective parties rather than a personal understanding.

Speaking further, Lamido expressed concern that the personal ambitions of political leaders had overshadowed the broader national interest, warning that Nigerians would bear the consequences irrespective of who eventually wins the presidential election.

“I’ve been saying, look, whoever wins, Nigeria will lose. That’s my problem.

“Whoever, whether Peter Obi, Atiku, whoever wins, in terms of our unity, our economy, our love as a country of brothers and sisters, it’s all gone down. It’s more about their personalities. They are abusing each other. Those things become very, very personal,” he said.

The former governor stressed that his concern went beyond the outcome of the election, noting that the growing hostility among political actors could further undermine national unity and cohesion.

He also raised concerns about increasing political tension, particularly in northern Nigeria, citing what he described as propaganda, hate campaigns and incitement.

Lamido lamented that political campaigns had shifted away from substantive discussions about national development, unity, empathy and the programmes candidates intend to implement if elected.

“We’ve abandoned the traditional campaign on issues, about love, about empathy, about unity, about Nigeria, and then what can you offer? What can you offer? So it’s not there anymore,” he said.