Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things you need to know Saturday morning

Good morning! Here are ten important updates from Nigerian Newspapers for this Saturday:

1. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that the Osun State governorship election slated for today will be conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. This was stated as ballot papers and result sheets were received in Osogbo, the state's capital on Friday.

2. On Friday, President Bola Tinubu urged INEC and security forces to ensure a peaceful, transparent, free and fair election in Osun State. He emphasized that the election outcome must reflect the genuine wishes of the electorate.

3. A terrifying incident occurred in Kebbe, Sokoto State on Friday, when suspected bandits attacked the town around 10am. The attackers, who reportedly arrived in large numbers, looted shops, took away mobile phones, food items and petrol. At least four soldiers are feared to have lost their lives.

4. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), visited the Registry of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday. He filed an affidavit in support of a legal challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.

5. In Adamawa State, a woman in her middle ages was allegedly beheaded by a man at a hotel room in Girei Local Government Area on Friday afternoon. The attacker allegedly checked in with the victim at the Novex Hotel.

6. The G100 coalition of opposition political parties has postponed its planned Summit to Monday, August 31, 2026. The rescheduling came after discussions with six participating parties and members of the minority caucus in the House of Representatives. The new date aligns with the National Peace Summit expected to gather party leaders and key stakeholders.

7. American Christian missionary Kevin Rideout was released to U.S. authorities after being held captive in Niger for over nine months. The Charlotte-based SIM International confirmed on Friday that Rideout is in good health and will soon be reunited with his loved ones.

8. In Delta State, two suspected drug dealers were arrested by police and 132 sachets of tramadol were seized from them. Bright Edafe, Public Relations Officer for the state command, announced the arrests in a recent statement.

9. The Imole Campaign Council, supporting Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu's directive to police and security agencies to remain professional and neutral during Saturday's governorship election. The council believes this is essential to protect voters and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

10. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) clarified that its Results Viewing Portal, IReV, is solely for public display of polling unit results. It is not intended for automatic collation or addition of election results. Prof. Kunle Ajayi, INEC National Commissioner, made this clear during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.