Nigeria — lead stories

1. Nigeria demands 2 permanent UN seats for Africa

Vice-President Kashim Shettima delivered President Tinubu's address at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, demanding at least two permanent seats with veto powers for Africa for as long as veto exists, plus five non-permanent seats. He said "The world of 2026 cannot remain captive to the distribution of power in 1945" and anchored the demand in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. 

2. Politics — 2027 race heats up

The APC accused ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar of involvement in bribery schemes including Mambilla and Siemens cases, calling him unfit for presidency. 

Atiku appointed detained former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai as Deputy Chairman of his campaign council for high-level coordination. El-Rufai is currently in ICPC custody. 

Former CBN Deputy Governor Kingsley Moghalu rejected his inclusion in the council, saying he quit partisan politics in 2022. 

3. Security & Economy

FG says one of the most wanted terrorists, Mamuda, and his chief of staff were captured without gunfire through intelligence coordination. 

Labour Ministry says work has started toward a new minimum wage review, consultations underway.

Analysts expect disinflation to extend into September as harvest season boosts food supply. 

Reports overnight: at least 37 suspected illegal miners reportedly died in custody in separate incident flagged today. 

World

4. US — Press freedom ruling

A US federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore White House press access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico, calling the ban "unconstitutional". 

5. Taiwan — China

Taiwan's government denounced President Xi Jinping's comments to President Trump on Taiwan's future as a "distortion of facts", saying only Taiwanese people can decide their future. Xi told Trump that China's position on safeguarding "reunification" is clear. 

6. UNGA & Conflicts

At UNGA, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Russia is using citizens from 47 countries including India, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa in its war. 

Iranian President Pezeshkian said Iran will not surrender to the US but doors remain open for diplomacy.

7. Sports — Asian Games 2026

China crossed the 100-medal mark on Day 6 with 101 medals including 67 gold. Japan is second with 74, India has 15 so far.