Morning recap: FG counters opposition on Tinubu’s 2027 chances, 37 die from toxic fumes in Rivers, other top stories
September 4, 2026 7:10 am
The Federal Government has dismissed claims by Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso that President Bola Tinubu will be defeated in 2027.
This is as the Presidency clarified that a US case involving Tinubu is civil and not criminal.
In education, Minister Tunji Alausa revealed NECO question papers were previously sold for N3,000.
In Rivers State, a tragic oil incident left 37 dead from toxic fumes.
Below are the top stories for Friday morning, September 4, 2026.
FG counters Obi, Kwankwaso over Tinubu’s re-election chances
The Federal Government has rejected assertions by NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso that President Bola Tinubu would lose the 2027 election.
Defence Minister Christopher Musa insisted the APC would win the presidency, governorship and other contests in Kaduna and beyond, describing opposition claims as perception.
The APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru called the opposition statements cheap talk and wishful thinking.
Read the full story: https://punchng.com/fg-counters-obi-kwankwaso-over-tinubus-re-election-chances/
Nigeria rejects links to failed Niger coup
The Federal Government has denied any endorsement of a failed coup attempt in Niger Republic.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sola Enikanolaiye described circulating social media claims linking Nigeria or ECOWAS to the attempt as baseless and mischievous.
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional order, democracy and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
Read the full story: https://punchng.com/nigeria-rejects-links-to-failed-niger-coup/
NECO question papers were sold for N3,000 before exams — Minister
Education Minister Tunji Alausa revealed that NECO examination questions were previously sold for N3,000 before candidates sat for the papers, describing past levels of malpractice as “mind-boggling.”
He warned parents, teachers, proprietors and invigilators against undermining exam integrity and said the Tinubu administration is determined to restore standards through stronger controls, including serialised questions.
Read the full story: https://punchng.com/neco-question-papers-were-sold-for-n3000-before-exams-minister/
Tinubu US case not criminal, Presidency clarifies
The Presidency has clarified that a Freedom of Information Act case involving President Bola Tinubu in a US District Court is a civil records-disclosure dispute, not a criminal matter.
Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga stated the court has not found the President guilty of any criminal wrongdoing.
The case, initiated by FOIA requests, concerns access to government records, with remaining issues focused on redactions by the FBI and DEA.
Read the full story: https://punchng.com/tinubu-us-case-not-criminal-presidency-clarifies/
Rivers oil tragedy: 37 die from toxic fumes
About 37 people died after inhaling toxic fumes from a petroleum product at Okari Jetty in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Youths from the area and neighbouring communities had gathered to load the product from an alleged illegal tapping point linked to Indorama facilities when a strong smell caused many to collapse.
Police confirmed an investigation is ongoing; some accounts described the victims as seeking livelihood amid limited employment options.
Many others remain missing.
Read the full story: https://punchng.com/rivers-oil-tragedy-37-die-from-toxic-fumes/
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