Good morning! The political dust is still settling in Osun after Governor Ademola Adeleke secured a second term, while the opposition weighs its next move. Elsewhere, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai has taken the ICPC to court, heavy rainfall has thrown parts of Abuja into chaos, and security agencies have recorded fresh breakthroughs against kidnappers and drug traffickers.
Here are the major stories making headlines across Nigerian newspapers on Monday, August 17, 2026.
- Adeleke Declared Winner Of Osun Governorship Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party winner of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
Adeleke defeated his closest rival, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, to secure another term in office.
The declaration has triggered congratulatory messages from governors, political leaders and supporters across the country.
- Tinubu Says Osun Election Affirms Nigeria’s Democracy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the outcome of the Osun governorship election as evidence that democracy is thriving in Nigeria.
Tinubu had called Governor Adeleke to congratulate him before the final declaration of the result by INEC.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the President said the keenly contested election offered fresh assurance that democratic governance would continue to take root in the country.
- APC Reviews Osun Election Results, Mulls Tribunal Challenge
The Osun State chapter of the APC says it is reviewing the results of Saturday’s governorship election across the state’s 332 wards.
The party said it would consult its legal team before deciding whether to challenge the outcome at the election tribunal.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, the APC said it was examining the electoral process and would explore every legal avenue available to it.
- El-Rufai Files N10bn Suit Against ICPC
Detained former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a N10 billion lawsuit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In the suit, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, El-Rufai accused the anti-corruption agency of violating his fundamental rights.
He also alleged that ICPC had prevented his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and his son, Abba El-Rufai, from gaining access to him.
The suit is marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1852/2026.
- Accord, AAC, SDP Presidential Candidates Agree To Work Together
The presidential candidates of the Accord Party, African Action Congress (AAC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) have agreed to work together ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim of Accord, Omoyele Sowore of AAC and Adewole Adebayo of SDP reached the agreement after meeting in Port Harcourt at the weekend.
The three opposition figures are expected to work towards building a common political force ahead of the 2027 poll.
- Heavy Rainfall, Flooding Disrupt Abuja
Heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding across parts of Abuja on Saturday, leaving motorists stranded and disrupting activities in several areas.
Major roads and residential neighbourhoods were affected, with floodwater forcing some businesses to shut temporarily.
Among the affected areas were Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent in Wuse 2, the vicinity of Delight Event Centre in Gudu and parts of Efab Estate in Lokogoma.
- Kwankwaso Promises Competence-Based Appointments
The National Democratic Party (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, says competence and national needs will determine political appointments under an NDC government.
Kwankwaso said the party would not appoint individuals simply because of political loyalty, friendship or personal connections if it wins the 2027 presidential election.
He stressed that merit would remain a key consideration in the selection of people to occupy government positions.
- Woman Found Dead Inside Osogbo Church
An unidentified woman has been found dead inside a church premises in the Obelewo area of Osogbo, Osun State.
The woman was reportedly found with her left wrist cut off, raising concerns among residents.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, police detectives visited the scene after the discovery and commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
- Two Kidnappers Killed, Two Victims Rescued In Imo
Two suspected kidnappers were reportedly neutralised while two victims were rescued during a gun battle between security operatives and kidnappers in a forest in Imo State.
The operation followed intelligence on the location where the victims were being held.
Police operatives, alongside local vigilantes, mobilised to the forest and engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun duel.
The operation resulted in the rescue of the two victims and the death of two members of the suspected gang.
- NDLEA Arrests Businessman With 1.55kg Cocaine At Lagos Airport
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 48-year-old businessman, Nwankwo Onyebuchi, for allegedly trafficking 1.550kg of cocaine.
The drug was reportedly concealed inside the walls and railings of his luggage at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday.
The agency said the suspect was arrested during an operation at the airport as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent the trafficking of illicit drugs through Nigeria’s airports.
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