{
  "id": 16092387,
  "title": "Evening recap: NEC backs 90-day cost plan, Makinde defends bid, other top stories",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/evening-recap-nec-backs-90-day-cost-plan-makinde-defends-bid-other",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-22T19:26:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/evening-recap-nec-backs-90-day-cost-plan-makinde-defends-bid-other-top-stories/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Economic Council has approved a 90-day plan to tackle rising living costs, improve food affordability and draw investment. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has defended his decision to run against a sitting president in the 2027 election. An awaiting-trial prisoner, Osita Thomas, managed to escape during a court appearance in Edo State. In Abuja, a man was arrested for using a forged \"PRESIDENCY\" number plate on a Lexus SUV. Shortlisted candidates for paramilitary personnel will undergo mandatory drug tests before receiving appointment letters. The Federal Government has suggested a new timeline for the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with results expected in August.",
  "summary": "Read the evening news recap: NEC has endorsed a 90-day plan to reduce the cost of living, as Governor Makinde defends his 2027 presidential bid. Read More: https://punchng.com/evening-recap-nec-backs-90-day-cost-plan-makinde-defends-bid-other-top-stories/",
  "key_points": [
    "NEC approves 90-day plan to address rising costs and improve affordability",
    "Governor Makinde defends running against sitting president in 2027 election",
    "Prisoner Osita Thomas escapes during court appearance in Edo State"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Premium Times",
        "title": "2027: Makinde defends running against Tinubu, says South-west can present two presidential candidates",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/2027-makinde-defends-running-against-tinubu-says-south-west-can",
        "published": "2026-10-22T16:52:24.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}