Here are the top news stories across Nigeria for this Sunday morning, March 29, 2026.
PDP Convention Holds Today Amid Legal Drama and Factional Wars
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to commence its 2026 National Convention today in Abuja, despite intense legal maneuvering. The faction backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed reported court threats from a rival group led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki. Spokesman Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed declared, “The convention will go ahead tomorrow, and all arrangements have been concluded. By the grace of God, on March 29, the convention will hold as scheduled.” Approximately 2,500 delegates have arrived in the capital for the exercise.
President Tinubu Celebrates 74th Birthday
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks his 74th birthday today. High-ranking officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, have issued congratulatory messages hailing his “visionary leadership” and “bold economic reforms.” Akpabio described the President as an “audacious and visionary leader whose quest to set the nation on a transformational pedestal is never in doubt.”
ASUU Strike Deadline: Universities on Edge
The four-day ultimatum issued by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to the Federal Government officially expires today. The union is demanding the immediate implementation of the 2026 salary structure. ASUU President Professor Christopher Piwuna previously warned, “Failure to comply will attract a strong response from the union,” leading to widespread fears of a nationwide campus shutdown starting this week.
Petrol Hits ₦1,500 as Power Outages Persist
Nigerians are grappling with a “double tragedy” as petrol prices have soared to ₦1,500 per litre in several regions, driven by global crude oil spikes linked to the US–Israel–Iran conflict. Simultaneously, the national grid remains unstable, with reports showing only eight power plants generating electricity during peak hours. Experts are urging the government to use the “additional $90 million per day” earned from high oil prices to provide immediate palliatives for citizens.
2027 Realignment: Kwankwaso and Atiku Hold Strategic Talks
Political activity for the 2027 elections has intensified as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar hosted Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in Abuja. This comes as the Kwankwasiyya Movement reportedly directed its members to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a new coalition. Atiku confirmed they had a “robust discussion on the state of the country,” fueling rumors of a potential alliance to challenge the APC.
CBN Recapitalization: 32 Banks Meet New Requirements
Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso has announced that 32 banks have successfully met the new capital requirements ahead of the March 31 deadline. Speaking via a representative, Cardoso noted that “approximately 28 percent of the capital raised so far has come from foreign investors,” which he described as a sign of renewed confidence in Nigeria’s financial stability.
