Evening News Brief From The Matrix, MONDAY, 13 JULY, 2026

Good Evening Readers, Here Is Today’s News Brief From TheMatrix:

1.   FG Halts Planned WAEC, NECO Fee Increase Pending Consultations 

   The Federal Government has suspended its proposed increase in 2027 WAEC and NECO registration fees from ₦27,500 to ₦50,000, withdrawing the June 18 circular after widespread public concern.

   The Education Ministry said rising exam costs prompted the proposal, but Minister Maruf Tunji Alausa ordered broader stakeholder consultations. No new fee will take effect until the review is completed.

2. PFIPC Scandal: ‘I Fear for My Life,’ Adeyemi Petitions Tinubu In Explosive Open Letter

   Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi has urged President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent panel to investigate the alleged ₦1.3 billion PFIPC budget insertion, arguing that an ICPC-led probe alone would not inspire public confidence. He also claimed surrendering to security agencies would endanger his life.

   Adeyemi alleged threats to his safety and questioned the reported death of a key intermediary, saying he would present evidence once an independent panel is formed. The Federal Government and ICPC have not responded, and his claims remain unverified.

3. Adeleke Seeks Visa Ban, Sanctions Against Osun Opposition Leaders

   Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for visa bans and economic sanctions against politicians and security officials found sponsoring election violence ahead of the August 15 governorship poll. He urged security agencies to arrest anyone involved, regardless of political affiliation.

   Adeleke alleged opposition-linked attacks had killed five Accord Party members and injured 15 others. A British delegation visiting Osun pledged continued engagement to support peaceful, credible and transparent elections.

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4. Appeal Court Affirms Restraining Order Against Mark-Led ADC Congresses

   The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a ruling barring INEC from recognising ADC state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the David Mark-led caretaker leadership, affirming that only elected state executives can conduct such congresses.

   The court also declared the caretaker faction’s congresses and convention void for violating a subsisting court order, dismissed the ADC’s appeal, awarded ₦10 million in costs, and the party said it would appeal to the Supreme Court.

5. ADC Asks INEC To Investigate Fake Candidate Upload By Bala Gombe Faction

   The ADC has denied claims that a rival faction uploaded candidates to the INEC nomination portal, insisting only the leadership recognised by INEC has portal access. The party described the reports as false and urged INEC to investigate the alleged forgery of its documents.

   The party said it had already uploaded the nominations of Atiku Abubakar as presidential candidate and Rotimi Amaechi as vice-presidential candidate, urging the public to ignore misleading claims and rely on official ADC communications.

6. Atiku Hails Suspension Of WAEC, NECO Fee Hike, Faults Tinubu’s Policy Approach

   Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the suspension of the proposed WAEC and NECO fee increase, calling it a victory for students, parents and civil society. He said the hike would have worsened educational inequality and increased financial pressure on struggling families.

   He urged the Federal Government to prioritise stakeholder consultation and develop a sustainable funding model for WAEC and NECO. Atiku also criticised what he described as reactive policymaking and called for more thoughtful governance.

7.  No Child Will Pay WAEC, NECO Fees Under My Government, Says Sowore 

   Omoyele Sowore has pledged free education at all levels if elected president in 2027, promising to scrap WAEC, NECO and other public examination fees while providing quality education, student grants, modern facilities and better welfare for teachers.

   Sowore described education as a fundamental right, saying no child’s future should depend on poverty. His pledge comes after the Federal Government suspended its proposed WAEC and NECO fee increase pending wider consultations.

8. Benue, Plateau Killings Worrisome, Peter Obi Demands End To Bloodshed

   Peter Obi has condemned the recent killings in Benue and Plateau states, urging the Federal Government to adopt a proactive security strategy. He said protecting lives is the government’s primary responsibility and called for improved intelligence, rapid response and accountability.

   Obi described the killings as heartbreaking, warned against normalising violence, and urged authorities to arrest and prosecute those responsible. He also sympathised with affected families, stressing that national security must rise above politics.

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9. Police Launch Rescue Bid After Kidnappers Abduct Oyo Headmaster

   Armed kidnappers abducted Kolawale Mathew Owoade, the 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School in Igbojaye, Oyo State, on Saturday while returning from his farm. The attackers later demanded a ₦30 million ransom after abandoning his motorcycle in a nearby bush.

   Police confirmed the abduction and said efforts are underway to rescue him and arrest the suspects. The family has appealed to security agencies for help, while residents remain concerned over rising insecurity in the area.

10.   Football Is Temporary, Education Endures, Says Osimhen 

    Victor Osimhen says earning a university degree remains a personal goal despite his football success, stressing that education is vital because a playing career is temporary and academic qualifications provide lifelong opportunities.

    The Galatasaray striker hopes returning to school will inspire young people to resume their education. Osimhen rose from humble beginnings to become the 2023 African Footballer of the Year and a Serie A title winner.