Nigeria News Today, 7 November 2026 (Evening): Tinubu in Port Harcourt, INEC on ADC ticket, CBN stablecoin rules
Last updated: 7 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
Evening roundup · Saturday 7 November 2026 · By Ade Adeniyi, Founder and Editor
The presidential campaign moved to Port Harcourt today, while the opposition answered back on the economy and the electoral commission tried to calm confusion over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket. Here are the stories that shaped Saturday, explained in plain language.
Today at a glance
- Tinubu holds his Rivers rally; Governor Fubara pledges three million votes and backs Wike’s cross-party “Rainbow Coalition”.
- The NDC and the ADC answer the President on borrowing, erosion and petrol prices.
- INEC says it has not received the certified copy of the ADC judgment and has removed no candidate.
- Kebbi: ADC governorship candidate Abubakar Malami alleges attacks on supporters; the state government denies it.
- New CBN rules for stablecoins and crypto firms are now in force.
- Troops report 16 kidnap victims rescued in Niger State and a suspect arrested in Kaduna.
1. Tinubu takes his campaign to Rivers
What happened
President Bola Tinubu addressed an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, on Saturday, a day after a similar event in Uyo. He urged supporters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, calling the card their “weapon against poverty”, and told young people the election was about their future. He also blamed past governments, naming ADC candidate Atiku Abubakar, for today’s economic hardship.
Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara pledged at least three million votes for the President and said a joint APC-PDP slate under the Rainbow Coalition, led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, would be delivered in January. Wike said the state had “already decided” and cited federal projects and appointments.
Why it matters
Rivers is one of the largest vote banks in the South-South. The coalition, in which politicians from rival parties campaign for the same presidential candidate, is unusual and could shape governorship and legislative races too. The presidential poll is on 16 January 2027. Our 2027 election hub tracks the key dates.
Source: Channels TV; Punch; TheCable.
2. Opposition answers the President on the economy
What happened
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) responded to Tinubu’s Uyo remarks about erosion in Anambra under Peter Obi. In a Saturday statement, campaign spokesperson Dr Chiogo Ikokwu asked the government to explain what happened to the savings from fuel subsidy removal, given continued borrowing, and defended Obi’s record on the World Bank-backed erosion project in Anambra.
Separately, the ADC pointed to official figures showing average petrol prices rising from about ₦238 per litre in May 2023 to about ₦1,596 in May 2026, and urged voters to judge the APC on living costs. The APC has repeatedly said its reforms are stabilising the economy.
Why it matters
Cost of living, debt and fuel prices are shaping up as the core issues of this campaign. Voters will hear competing numbers from every side, so it helps to check figures against official data.
Source: Vanguard; The Sun; The Guardian.
3. INEC: no action yet on the ADC judgment
What happened
The Independent National Electoral Commission said it had not yet received the Certified True Copy of Thursday’s Federal High Court judgment that nullified the David Mark-led ADC leadership and the nominations it produced. INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna dismissed social media reports that Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi had been removed from the portal or replaced, saying the commission had not met on the matter. Reporters who checked the portal said the names were still listed.
Why it matters
The ADC has appealed and asked for a stay of execution, while the rival Gombe-led faction wants INEC to act at once. Until the courts and INEC decide, treat any claim about a changed ADC ticket with caution.
Source: New Telegraph; ThisDay.
4. Kebbi: claims and denials after ADC flag-off
What happened
Abubakar Malami, the ADC governorship candidate in Kebbi, alleged that thugs attacked the party’s convoy, damaged media equipment and that tear gas was used near the visiting delegation during Thursday’s flag-off in Birnin Kebbi. He also called for an independent probe into the demolition of his support group’s office. These are allegations. The governor’s spokesperson, Ahmed Idris, denied them, saying the ADC held its event without hindrance and that its supporters damaged APC billboards. The state government has said the demolition was a private ownership dispute.
Why it matters
Election monitors have warned about rising tension. How police and state authorities handle such complaints will be watched closely in the weeks ahead.
Source: Tribune; Chronicle NG; Daily Post.
5. CBN sets rules for stablecoins and crypto firms
What happened
The Central Bank of Nigeria’s new regulations for non-security virtual assets took effect on 5 November and were widely reported today. Issuers of naira-linked stablecoins need ₦10 billion in paid-up capital and issuers of dollar-linked tokens need ₦15 billion; other providers such as exchanges and wallets need ₦1 billion. Foreign issuers must operate through a licensed Nigerian company, and naira-to-dollar stablecoin trades between users need CBN approval. Firms already operating have 30 days to register.
Why it matters
Many Nigerians use dollar stablecoins to save or send money. Some apps may change services or fees while they seek licences. Our crypto explainer covers how to stay safe.
Source: ThisDay; Independent.
6. Naira steady, petrol depot prices up
What happened
Official CBN data show the naira closed the week at about ₦1,349 per dollar on Friday, down 0.22% from Monday, as trading volumes on the official market fell sharply from late October. At monitored depots, average petrol prices rose by about ₦41 per litre over the week to around ₦1,279, while diesel prices eased in Lagos, Warri and Port Harcourt.
Why it matters
Depot prices usually feed into pump prices and transport fares within days. See our dollar to naira rate page for daily updates.
Source: The Rio Times (CBN data); PetroleumPrice.ng.
7. Security: rescues in Niger, arrest in Kaduna
What happened
The Army’s 18 Brigade said troops ambushed an armed group moving towards Kontagora, Niger State, on 5 November, rescuing 16 abducted civilians and recovering rifles, explosives and 33 motorcycles. In Kaduna, the Operation Fansan Yamma task force said troops and the DSS arrested a suspected bandit at a hospital in Kagarko where he was being treated for a gunshot wound; he is in custody for investigation. Troops also reported clearing hideouts in Maradun, Zamfara.
Why it matters
Rural communities in the North-West and North-Central still face kidnapping. These figures come from the military and have not been independently verified.
Source: Voice of Nigeria; Daily Nigerian; Daily Post.
What to watch next
- Whether the Court of Appeal fixes a date to hear the ADC’s stay of execution request.
- INEC’s formal position once it receives the certified judgment.
- The next stops on the APC, ADC and NDC campaign schedules.
- Pump price changes after this week’s depot increases.
- Registration by crypto firms under the new CBN rules.
Frequently asked questions
Is Atiku Abubakar still on INEC’s list of candidates?
Yes, for now. INEC says it has not acted on the court judgment, and the ADC has appealed.
When is the 2027 presidential election?
Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for 16 January 2027, with governorship and state assembly polls on 6 February 2027.
Do the new CBN crypto rules ban stablecoins?
No. They require issuers and service providers to be licensed, hold capital and keep reserves. Certain types, such as algorithmic stablecoins, are prohibited.
This roundup summarises reporting by the outlets credited under each story, in our own words. Follow Naijatipsland Updates on WhatsApp for the next edition. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it under our editorial policy.
