Nigeria News Today, 9 November 2026: ADC appeals Atiku ruling, Presidency disputes N120trn debt claim, Kaduna-Kano train date set
Last updated: 9 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
Morning roundup · Monday 9 November 2026 · By Ade Adeniyi, Founder and Editor
Good morning. The ADC has gone to the Court of Appeal to save its presidential ticket, the Presidency has hit back at a viral claim about Tinubu’s borrowing, and the government has set a date for the Kaduna–Kano train. Here are the stories that matter this Monday, explained in plain language.
Today at a glance
- ADC files appeal and asks for a stay of the judgment that voided Atiku’s nomination.
- Presidency says the “₦120 trillion in three years” borrowing claim is misleading.
- Tinubu approves financing for the Ibom Deep Seaport; NDC says it has heard the promise before.
- Kaduna–Kano railway to be inaugurated on 3 December, campaign council says.
- Kwankwaso says he regrets not teaming up with Obi in 2023.
- NLC says it did not negotiate the ₦40,000 pay adjustment for federal workers.
- Military reports 42 kidnap victims rescued in a week; 10 Ogun bus passengers freed.
1. ADC goes to the Court of Appeal over Atiku’s ticket
What happened
The ADC’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, has filed a notice of appeal against the 5 November Federal High Court judgment by Justice Peter Lifu. That ruling nullified the David Mark-led leadership and the primary that produced Atiku Abubakar as the party’s 2027 presidential candidate. A separate motion filed on 7 November asks the High Court to pause enforcement while the appeal is heard. ADC Lagos chairman George Ashiru insists the party’s candidates will be on the ballot. On the APC side, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said on X that the party will be on the ballot but the Mark faction’s candidates “may not”, depending on the final Supreme Court decision. INEC says it will not act until it studies the certified copy of the judgment at a meeting this week, and will obey any stay order.
Why it matters
With the presidential election set for 16 January 2027, every week counts. Whether the main opposition candidate’s name appears on the ballot could now depend on how fast the appeal courts move. Our 2027 election deadlines guide shows how little time is left.
Source: The Sun; Leadership.
2. Presidency disputes “₦120 trillion” borrowing claim
What happened
A graphic going round social media claimed that 16 past leaders borrowed ₦46 trillion over 63 years while President Tinubu borrowed ₦120 trillion in three. Dada Olusegun, the President’s Special Assistant on Social Media, called it opposition propaganda. He said the old ₦46 trillion figure left out ₦22.7 trillion of Central Bank “Ways and Means” overdrafts that were only added to the debt books in May 2023, and that unifying the exchange rate made existing dollar debt look ₦13.4 trillion bigger without new borrowing. In dollar terms, he said, public debt rose from $113.4 billion in June 2023 to $120.9 billion in June 2026. Debt Management Office figures put total public debt at ₦87.38 trillion in June 2023 and ₦166.79 trillion by June 2026.
Why it matters
Debt will be a big campaign issue. Both sides are using real numbers in different ways: the naira total has nearly doubled, but much of that comes from the weaker naira and old overdrafts being formally counted. The fair test is the dollar figure plus the cost of servicing the debt.
Source: QED; BizWatch Nigeria.
3. Ibom Deep Seaport: approval announced, opposition sceptical
What happened
Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno used a statewide broadcast on Sunday to thank President Tinubu for approving the financing arrangements for the Ibom Deep Sea Port, announced during the President’s visit to Uyo on Friday. The opposition NDC replied that the Buhari government approved the first phase of the $4.6 billion project in December 2020 and that Tinubu promised the port in his 2023 campaign. Its spokesman asked how many times the APC would “approve” the same port.
Why it matters
A working deep seaport in the South-South could cut pressure on Lagos ports and create jobs. The key question for voters is whether money and contractors now actually move to site, not how many approvals are announced.
Source: Channels TV; ThisDay.
4. Kaduna–Kano train set for 3 December
What happened
The APC Presidential Campaign Council, through its spokesman Dele Alake, said the 203km Kaduna–Zaria–Kano standard gauge line is about 90 per cent complete and will be inaugurated on 3 December 2026. The completed 190km Jaji–Kano section and a 250km stretch of the Kano–Katsina–Maradi line (70 per cent complete overall) are due to be opened the same day.
Why it matters
Once running, the line would link Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and Kano by rail, giving traders and travellers an alternative to a highway where kidnapping has been a constant fear. Note that the announcement came from a campaign body, not the Transport Ministry, so watch for an official operating timetable and fares.
Source: Punch; Voice of Nigeria.
5. Kwankwaso: “I did not truly understand Peter Obi”
What happened
Speaking in Dutse, Jigawa State, on Saturday, NDC vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso said he regretted not running with Peter Obi in 2023 and believes a joint ticket would have beaten the APC. In 2023, Kwankwaso came fourth on the NNPP platform, winning only Kano, while Obi came third for Labour.
Why it matters
The remark is aimed at voters who backed either man in 2023. Whether those votes truly combine is one of the big unknowns of this election. For the full field of candidates, see our 2027 election hub.
Source: Premium Times; The Sun.
6. NLC: we did not negotiate the ₦40,000 adjustment
What happened
In a statement signed by Acting General Secretary Benson Upah, the Nigeria Labour Congress denied negotiating the ₦40,000 across-the-board consequential adjustment given to federal workers after the ₦70,000 minimum wage came in. It said its job is to negotiate the national minimum wage itself, while the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, made up of government and about eight public sector unions, handles adjustments to salary scales.
Why it matters
Many workers felt the ₦40,000 top-up was too small. The statement signals tension inside the labour movement just before the next round of wage talks, and tells workers which body to hold to account for each part of their pay. Our explainer on what ₦70,000 actually buys puts the numbers in context.
Source: The Guardian; The Business Times.
7. Security: 42 rescued in a week; Ogun passengers freed
What happened
Defence Headquarters said troops killed about 60 terrorists, rescued 42 kidnap victims and arrested 56 suspected collaborators and suppliers between 30 October and 5 November. It said one officer and one soldier were killed. In Ogun State, police said 10 passengers abducted on the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan road last Tuesday were freed unharmed on Saturday night, and one suspect was killed in a follow-up raid. Reports that a serving corps member was among the victims were denied by the police.
Why it matters
Military figures are not independently verified, but the steady rescues show how widespread kidnapping remains across regions, including on major southern highways. Travellers should check road conditions before setting out and report suspicious activity on the toll-free military line 193.
Source: Blueprint; Daily Trust.
What to watch next
- INEC’s meeting this week on the ADC judgment, and any stay of execution from the courts.
- Whether the Ibom Deep Seaport gets a named contractor and start date.
- The start of new national minimum wage talks.
- Official confirmation and fares for the Kaduna–Kano rail service.
Frequently asked questions
Is Atiku still on the ballot?
For now, INEC says Atiku and Rotimi Amaechi are still listed on its portal. INEC will decide after reviewing the certified judgment, and it says it will obey any stay order the appeal courts grant.
Did Nigeria’s debt really jump to ₦166 trillion?
Yes, DMO figures show ₦166.79 trillion in June 2026. But a large part of the rise since 2023 comes from the weaker naira and old CBN overdrafts being added to the books, not only new loans. In dollars, the rise was about $7.5 billion.
When will the Kaduna–Kano train start running?
The inauguration is set for 3 December 2026. A date for regular passenger service and ticket prices has not yet been announced.
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.
