Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the latest roundup of prominent newspaper headlines in the country for today, Friday, 23rd May, 2025, courtesy of Naturenex.
1. I Know The Road, And Will Take Nigeria To The Promised Land – President Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has restated his optimism about Nigeria’s recovery trajectory, assuring that the country’s economy is set for better days ahead.
Addressing attendees on Thursday at the State House in Abuja during the national summit organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu declared that his administration is driving Nigeria toward industrialization.
Highlighting his government’s accomplishments in just two years, the President pointed out that even greater achievements lie ahead.
During his remarks, an attendee interjected with “Follow who know road,” to which Tinubu reiterated his belief that his policies and programmes have placed the nation on a positive path to economic revival and national greatness.
2. APC Governors Endorse Tinubu As Sole Candidate For 2027 Elections
Governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) have unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential polls.
At the APC National Summit at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, confirmed the decision.
Uzodimma moved the motion for Tinubu’s endorsement, which was seconded by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani. The motion was subsequently adopted following a resounding “yes” vote.
Although Tinubu is still within his first term, talks surrounding his potential reelection bid have been gaining momentum across political circles.
3. Vatican: Peter Obi Denies Private Meeting With Tinubu, Calls Out Blackmailers
The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has refuted claims suggesting he sought a private audience with President Bola Tinubu during a visit to Rome for Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration.
In a statement shared on his 𝕏 account on Thursday, Obi dismissed the allegation, attributing it to paid blackmailers intent on tarnishing his image.
Obi categorically denied any connection to a purported ₦225 billion debt crisis involving Fidelity Bank, stressing he only serves on the board and has no ownership stake.
He urged Nigerians to disregard the unfounded claims, describing them as baseless, malicious, and entirely fabricated, while asking those responsible to “chart a new course of life.”
4. FG Drags Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan To Court, Files Criminal Charges
The Federal Government has instituted criminal proceedings against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after she publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of conspiring to assassinate her.
Naturenex understands the charges were filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, following comments the lawmaker made during an appearance on Politics Today, a live programme aired on Channels Television on April 3, 2025.
According to documents obtained by SaharaReporters, the government accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of making defamatory imputations intended to harm reputations, in contravention of Section 391 of the Penal Code, punishable under Section 392.
The case lists the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the complainant and names Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant.
5. Tinubu Asks National Assembly To Approve ₦1.481 Trillion 2025 Rivers Budget
President Bola Tinubu has formally transmitted the ₦1.481 trillion 2025 budget proposal for Rivers State to the National Assembly.
Naturenex reports that Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, read Tinubu’s request during Thursday’s plenary session.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also presented the letter on the floor of the Senate.
The budget breakdown includes ₦324 billion for infrastructure, ₦166 billion for health, ₦75.6 billion for education, and ₦31.4 billion for agriculture.
President Tinubu urged lawmakers to give the appropriation bill prompt attention and approval.
6. ‘It Is False’ – Salihu Lukman Denies Coalition Appointment, Atiku’s Adoption Of ADC
Salihu Lukman, a former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), has dismissed reports claiming he was appointed to lead a newly-formed anti-Tinubu coalition’s secretariat.
Naturenex recalls that the coalition was reportedly established in March to challenge Tinubu’s expected reelection bid in 2027, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar allegedly adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the group’s platform.
However, Lukman in a statement on Thursday, refuted claims that the ADC had been formally chosen, insisting no such decision has been made.
He clarified that ongoing negotiations would culminate in an official announcement from the coalition’s leadership and urged the public to disregard the unverified reports.
7. Insecurity: APC Imported Bandits To Nigeria After We Tackled Boko Haram – PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling APC of importing bandits into Nigeria, worsening the nation’s security woes.
The opposition party claimed it successfully addressed insecurity during its 16 years in office, contrasting sharply with the APC’s alleged failure in curbing violence nationwide.
Naturenex reports that this accusation followed Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum’s admission that Boko Haram informants had infiltrated the military and political institutions.
Speaking to Vanguard in Abuja on Thursday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba criticised the APC-led government’s poor handling of security challenges.
Ologunagba recalled the Jonathan administration’s efforts in containing Boko Haram and collaborating with international security experts, stressing that insurgency was then limited to the North-East.
He expressed disappointment that under the APC, violence has spread to almost every region, affecting Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Niger States.
8. I Was Shocked When I Was Accused Of Owning Gistlover – Iyabo Ojo
Veteran Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has responded to speculations alleging she has ties with the controversial anonymous blog, Gistlover.
Naturenex reports that Ojo, during an interview with comedian AY Makun, denied the claims and stressed there was no truth to the rumour.
She explained that most of the information shared by the blog often originates from insiders or close associates of the affected celebrities.
9. Naira Abuse: ‘There Are Many Issues With Corruption’ – Deyemi Okanlawon Tackles EFCC Over Clampdown On Celebrities
Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for focusing on celebrities allegedly abusing the Naira while ignoring broader corruption issues.
Naturenex recalls that businessman E-Money was arrested in April for dollar abuse, while singer Terry Apala was remanded at Ikoyi Correctional Centre over similar allegations.
Iyabo Ojo and AY Makun also confirmed being invited for questioning after spraying cash at public events.
In a chat on the ‘Nollywood On Radio’ show, Deyemi called out the EFCC for what he perceived as selective justice. He said Nigerians would have greater confidence in the commission if it prioritised investigating corrupt officials and institutions.
10. Deco Insists Lamine Yamal Not For Sale
Barcelona’s director Deco has confirmed that French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) made an attempt to sign Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal last season.
The interest followed Yamal’s outstanding display in Spain’s victorious UEFA European Championship campaign.
Speaking to RAC1, Deco acknowledged the legitimacy of PSG’s approach, stating: “Yes, last season, not this one yet,” but clarified that no offers came from Real Madrid.
He further insisted, “What we want is for him to stay. We don’t want to listen to offers; PSG asked, but Real Madrid didn’t.”
Deco reaffirmed Barcelona’s commitment to retaining the 17-year-old, rejecting any potential sale.
That concludes today’s top Nigerian news headlines. For more news updates, visit Naturenex. See you again tomorrow.
