Good morning Nigeria — here’s a comprehensive Naturenex roundup of the leading stories making waves across the country this Monday, 12th May, 2025.
1. 2027: ‘I Will Campaign With Remi Tinubu, Not Going Back To Villa’ – Patience Jonathan
Former First Lady Patience Jonathan has publicly pledged her unwavering support for First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the 2027 elections approach. Speaking in Abuja on Saturday night, where she was honoured with the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award by Accolade Dynamics Limited, Jonathan firmly stated she has no plans of returning to Aso Rock.
Reinforcing her belief in rotational leadership, Jonathan described the system as essential for preserving unity in Nigeria. She also reflected on her close relationship with Tinubu’s wife, which, according to her, dates back to their years as wives of state governors and deputies, long before their Aso Rock days. Jonathan dismissed all political comeback rumours, reaffirming her commitment to supporting the First Lady.
2. Federal Government Defends State Of Emergency In Rivers
The Federal Government has defended its decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, presenting its case before the Supreme Court. In response to a lawsuit by 11 predominantly PDP-governed states, the government cited a breakdown in governance and escalating attacks on vital national infrastructure as its reasons for intervention.
An affidavit submitted by Taiye Hussain Oloyede, Special Assistant to the President, detailed the worsening political crisis, including the alleged demolition of the State House of Assembly by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The Federal Government insisted the emergency declaration on March 15, 2025, was inevitable.
3. Nigeria Will Shine As Africa’s Economic Powerhouse With Committed, Competent Leaders – Peter Obi
Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 polls, has reiterated his belief that Nigeria can emerge as Africa’s beacon of hope — provided it is steered by competent and compassionate leadership. Speaking at the Africa Together Conference at the University of Cambridge, Obi addressed youth leaders from across the continent on corruption, leadership, and sustainable development.
Via his 𝕏 handle on Sunday, Obi shared highlights from the event themed “The Making of Africa’s Future Presidents”, expressing optimism about Africa’s leadership future.
4. Tension In Sokoto As Bandit Bello Turji Issues Fresh Threats
Communities in Sokoto’s Isa Local Government Area are gripped by fear after notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, issued new threats. Reports indicate Turji forced residents of Bafarawa town to flee while warning nearby Kamara, Arume, and Kagara villages to evacuate or face violence.
A local source told Punch that widespread panic has spread, triggering mass displacement. Multiple community voices condemned what they perceived as the government’s inadequate response, calling for swift and united action to end the bloodshed.
5. Atiku Cannot Be Bullied Into Surrendering Presidential Ambition – Sowunmi
Peoples Democratic Party stalwart, Otunba Segun Sowunmi, has defended Atiku Abubakar’s right to contest for Nigeria’s presidency, regardless of previous election losses. Sowunmi argued that calls for the 78-year-old to step aside are misplaced.
In an interview with Vanguard, he emphasized that candidacy is Atiku’s constitutional right and subject to party zoning rules. “The right to contest is not only Atiku’s constitutional prerogative, but also a matter for the party structures,” Sowunmi stated.
6. NDLEA Nabs Woman Hiding Cocaine In Private Part, Stomach At Port Harcourt Airport
A woman identified as Ihensekhien Obehi was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for attempting to smuggle cocaine to Iran using highly discreet methods. Naturenex gathered from a Sunday statement by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi that Obehi concealed three wraps in her private part, two parcels in a modified handbag, and swallowed 67 pellets.
In a related operation, NDLEA intercepted a 22-year-old British national, Campell Kaizra Kofi Johannes Slifer, at Lagos’ MMIA with suitcases containing 35 parcels of Loud cannabis weighing 37.60kg.
7. ‘We Can’t Use Money To Buy Awards Like Some People’ – Portable Reacts As AMVCA Snubs Ibrahim Chatta
Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly called Portable, has alleged foul play in Nigeria’s entertainment industry after Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta lost out at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
In a video posted to his Instagram, Portable claimed that Chatta was a victim of industry gang-ups and suggested that some personalities buy awards. “We can’t use money to buy awards like some people,” he said, insisting Chatta was the rightful winner of Best Lead Actor.
8. ID Cabasa Rebukes Akon’s Afrobeats Claims
Renowned music executive ID Cabasa has weighed in on Akon’s assertion of pioneering the Afrobeats genre’s business and branding aspects. Speaking to Wazobia FM, Cabasa suggested Akon’s claims stem from feedback he received from associates but clarified that Afrobeats existed well before Akon’s involvement.
Citing artists like 2Face, 9ice, and Timaya as pioneers, Cabasa further debunked Akon’s claim of discovering Wizkid, stressing that it was Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment that signed and groomed Wizkid before any association with Akon.
9. Arsenal Fight Back To Draw Against Liverpool As Chelsea, Man U Lose
Arsenal staged a dramatic comeback from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw against Liverpool in an English Premier League thriller on Sunday. Goals from Cody Gakpo and Luiz Diaz initially put Liverpool ahead before Arsenal equalised through Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino.
Naturenex reports that in other fixtures, Chelsea’s Nicholas Jackson was sent off in a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle, while Manchester United lost 2-0 to West Ham. Tottenham also fell 2-0 to Crystal Palace.
10. Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle To Invite 12 NPFL Players For Unity Cup
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, is set to name 12 home-based players in his squad for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament. Naturenex gathered that Kano Pillars captain Ahmed Musa will headline the local contingent.
Notable names such as Nduka Junior, Sikiru Alimi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, and Adamu Abubakar are among those expected to feature. The London-hosted competition will see Nigeria face Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago — a vital preparation phase ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
That’s a wrap on today’s major Nigerian headlines. Stay connected to Naturenex for more updates tomorrow.
