January 3, 2026 – Nigeria Headlines

Story gist: Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji backed President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, stated they are yielding dividends, and sought prayers. Former Governor Kayode Fayemi mobilized support for Oyebanji’s 2026 re-election.

Bias summary: No left-leaning outlets covered the story, omitting critical views on Tinubu’s reforms or governor’s support. Center Punch highlights Oyebanji’s positive assessment of policy dividends with neutral tone. Right-leaning Nation emphasizes Fayemi’s mobilization as political strategy for Oyebanji’s re-election, focusing on APC consolidation ahead of 2026.

Story gist: Dele Momodu criticized Pat Utomi for ruling out Peter Obi as a vice presidential candidate, calling the stance undemocratic.

Bias summary: Left- and right-leaning outlets provided no coverage, omitting potential emphases on partisan implications or defenses of Utomi’s position. Center outlet Punch Newspapers headlined Momodu’s ‘undemocratic’ accusation directly, neutrally reporting the intra-opposition clash without added analysis, tone, or omissions favoring any side.

Story gist: Budgit Foundation released the 2025 Third Quarter States Fiscal Transparency League report. Osun State scored 100%. Governor Adeleke hailed the achievement.

Bias summary: Center outlets neutrally report Budgit Foundation’s Q3 2025 fiscal transparency rankings. Left- and right-leaning coverage absent, omitting potential critiques of methodology, state finances, or political praise from PDP Governor Adeleke; no contrasting tones or emphases on fiscal issues appear.

Story gist: The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) dissolved its executive committees in Kano. The party plans to appoint caretaker executives.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets absent, omitting coverage. Center (BBC) frames with speculative tone via Hausa headline questioning Kwankwaso-Abba rift and supporter futures, emphasizing drama. Right (Daily Trust) uses neutral, factual headline on dissolution and caretakers, focusing on procedural change without intrigue or leadership speculation.

Story gist: On Christmas Day, the U.S. conducted an airstrike in Sokoto, Nigeria, targeting Islamic State. The Nigerian military asked residents to return explosive materials taken from the strike site.

Bias summary: Left-leaning CNN emphasizes fear, confusion among villagers, and locals’ claims of no ISIS history, questioning strike validity. Center BBC neutrally reports U.S. strikes against Islamic State in Nigeria, focusing on counterterrorism action. Right-leaning outlets absent, missing potential emphasis on U.S. success against terrorists or military necessity.