1. INEC faces ultimatum over Pantami’s exclusion as fresh errors emerge in candidate lists
The Peoples Democratic Party and former Communications Minister Isa Pantami have given the Independent National Electoral Commission until Wednesday, October 14, to include his name on the final list of governorship candidates in Gombe State.
In a legal notice dated October 12, Pantami’s lawyers argued that INEC had no authority to exclude him after he won a court-ordered rerun of the PDP primary. The commission has not publicly resolved the dispute.
Meanwhile, a separate review of INEC’s final list for the Edo State House of Assembly elections has identified two candidates whose names appear under both the PDP and Allied Peoples Movement. INEC’s Edo office acknowledged the duplication and said it had referred the matter to its headquarters.
Why it matters: The developments raise questions about the accuracy of candidate lists and the handling of nominations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Watch: INEC’s response to Pantami’s ultimatum, corrections to the Edo list and possible legal proceedings.
2. Dangote Refinery extends ₦2.15 trillion share offer as subscriptions exceed target
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has extended its initial public offering by two weeks, moving the closing date from October 13 to October 27, 2026.
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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the extension, which the company says will allow more investors across Africa to participate.
Aliko Dangote said subscriptions had exceeded the original fundraising target by more than three or four times, although the company has not disclosed independently verifiable final subscription figures.
The offering comprises 4.1 billion shares priced at ₦525 each, with a potential fundraising value of approximately ₦2.15 trillion.
Why it matters: The transaction represents a major test of Nigeria’s capital-market capacity to finance large industrial projects. It also highlights regulatory barriers preventing investors in other African countries from participating easily.
Watch: Verified subscription figures, participation by investors outside Nigeria and the proposed listing on the Nigerian Exchange.
3. Lassa fever deaths reach 268 as Nigeria records higher fatality rate
Meanwhile, Nigeria has recorded 268 deaths from Lassa fever in 2026, according to the latest situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The agency reported 1,138 confirmed infections through epidemiological week 40, compared with 924 during the corresponding period last year.
The case fatality rate has risen to 23.6 per cent, against 18.6 per cent in the comparable period of 2025.
Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue states account for approximately 88 per cent of confirmed cases.
Although weekly infections have recently declined, the NCDC identified late hospital presentation, treatment costs and inadequate awareness among factors contributing to the high death rate.
Why it matters: The figures indicate a worsening mortality burden despite improvements in recent weekly case numbers.
Watch: Expanded access to early diagnosis, treatment availability in affected states and measures to protect healthcare workers.
4. Police investigate Enugu opposition campaign shooting as accounts of airport incident differ
The Enugu State Police Command has ordered an investigation into Saturday’s shooting outside the Nigeria Democratic Congress secretariat during activities surrounding the party’s governorship campaign launch.
Police confirmed that one person sustained a gunshot injury and five vehicles were damaged.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu, Bitrus Giwa, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The police also addressed a separate confrontation involving party supporters at Akanu Ibiam International Airport. While opposition supporters reported an attack, police said a disagreement involving party members escalated into a disturbance that required security intervention.
The circumstances remain disputed.
Why it matters: The incident raises concerns about security at political gatherings and the protection of lawful campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
Watch: Arrests, findings from the investigation and whether security agencies introduce additional safeguards for political events.
5. Tinubu orders changes to Lagos-Calabar highway route as project faces fresh scrutiny
The Federal Government is revising sections of the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a project estimated to cost approximately ₦15 trillion.
Works Minister Dave Umahi said President Bola Tinubu had directed that portions of the highway should follow the existing East-West Road between Ondo and Edo states rather than create an entirely new alignment.
Umahi attributed the decision to difficult terrain, challenging soil conditions and engineering considerations that could significantly increase construction costs.
However, representatives of affected coastal communities have raised concerns that the changes could exclude them from the highway’s anticipated economic benefits.
The decision has also renewed questions about the project’s original engineering assessments, environmental reviews and procurement arrangements.
Why it matters: Changes to a major infrastructure project can affect construction costs, delivery schedules, environmental impacts and the communities expected to benefit.
Watch: Publication of revised route maps, updated project costs, environmental assessments, and consultations with affected communities.