Good morning Nigeria, and welcome to Naturenex’s roundup of the top stories making headlines across the country this Monday, 26th May, 2025.
1. Wike Withdraws From PDP Crisis Agreements, Holds Makinde Responsible
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially announced his decision to pull out from all agreements previously reached in an effort to resolve the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to Wike, he intends to “continue the fight until justice is achieved.”
The FCT Minister stated that he directly informed Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of his stance, accusing him of being responsible for the persistent issues troubling the party.
Wike explained that he told Governor Makinde, “the failure to adhere to the agreements made is the root cause of the party’s troubles, and that he is the primary offender in this regard.”
In a personally signed statement titled “PDP Crisis: My Position”, Wike stressed the importance of complying with the Supreme Court ruling that Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains PDP’s National Secretary. He also demanded that all legal issues related to Rivers State be handled through the National Legal Adviser, that the emergency case be withdrawn, and that every stakeholder should honour the established agreements.
2. Sowore Accuses Tinubu’s Administration Of Causing ‘Irreparable Damage’
Former presidential hopeful and African Action Congress (AAC) candidate in the 2023 elections, Omoyele Sowore, has levelled sharp criticism against President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, alleging it has caused “irreparable damage” to the nation.
Naturenex reports that in an interview with Vanguard, Sowore remarked that Nigerians made a grave error by electing Tinubu. He argued that the country’s situation has worsened beyond the widely criticised tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Sowore further asserted that Tinubu’s administration has deepened poverty, crippled institutions, and eroded democratic standards. He lamented that Nigeria teeters on the brink of collapse, with citizens losing confidence in both the democratic process and electoral system.
3. Coalition Talks Involving Atiku, Peter Obi, Amaechi Disrupted
Delegates from Jigawa State interrupted a coalition meeting on Sunday involving prominent figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and other political heavyweights.
Naturenex gathered that the gathering, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel under the banner of the National Political Consultative Group (North), turned chaotic when a dispute over Jigawa State’s representation erupted.
According to Punch, the disturbance began after former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, attempted to introduce a delegate on behalf of Jigawa. This move was resisted by Jigawa delegates, who stormed the stage in protest and blocked the proposed representative.
Security operatives from the Nigerian Police, DSS, and private security firms quickly intervened, forming a shield around Atiku, Amaechi, and other dignitaries. The situation was eventually calmed after Sule Lamido’s son, Mustapha, alongside another nominee, was selected to speak for Jigawa State.
4. JAMB Announces Results For Rescheduled 2025 UTME
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results for the rescheduled 2025 UTME for candidates whose initial exams were marred by technical problems.
The results revealed that out of the 336,845 candidates slated to retake the exam, 21,082 failed to show up. The examination body did not provide reasons for this significant absentee number.
Naturenex reports that the outcome was made public via a statement issued by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, on Sunday morning.
5. Peter Obi: ‘I’m Not Desperate To Be President — Nigeria Is Difficult To Govern Right’
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has acknowledged that Nigeria remains an extremely difficult country to govern, especially for those determined to lead with integrity.
Obi made this declaration during a church service at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Umuahia, commemorating Governor Alex Otti’s second year in office.
The LP leader attributed the country’s challenges to systemic issues and resistance to reform, stating, “It is difficult to govern Nigeria, especially when you want to do it right.”
He reiterated that while he harbours no desperation to become President, his commitment lies in seeing a Nigeria that works for all its citizens.
6. PDP Shifts Proposed NEC Meeting Date
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the postponement of its much-anticipated 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting.
Naturenex reports that PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, disclosed this development on Sunday, attributing the postponement to the need for the party’s Reconciliation Committee, led by Senator Bukola Saraki, to complete its peace-building efforts.
Anyanwu apologised to party members for the inconvenience and noted that a new date for the NEC meeting would be communicated in due course.
7. Pasuma Addresses Osun Thugs Attack: ‘There’s No Town Without Such Elements’
Popular Fuji musician Wasiu Alabi Pasuma has reacted to a recent attack on his convoy in Ikire, Osun State’s Irewole local government area.
Naturenex recalls that the incident, which happened on Sunday, 18th May 2025, involved hoodlums stoning and firing shots at vehicles in his convoy, including a Hummer Jeep and a Hilux truck.
A viral video from the scene captured voices screaming and one distressed voice lamenting in Pidgin English: “Kasala don burst for Ikire. They don attack us. They carry gun shoot us but God dey.”
Speaking during a live performance on Saturday, Pasuma attributed the chaos to the organisers’ inability to manage the crowd, which led to security stepping in before the situation escalated.
8. Mbappe Wins 2024-2025 European Golden Boot
French star Kylian Mbappe has claimed the 2024–2025 European Golden Boot, marking a personal milestone after scoring 31 La Liga goals, earning 62 points.
Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid last summer, made history as the first player since 2007 to clinch the award while playing for the Spanish giants.
He edged out Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, whose 39 goals in Portugal’s Primeira Liga garnered 58.5 points due to the league’s coefficient, while Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah finished third with 29 goals and 58 points.
Despite Real Madrid missing out on major trophies this season, Mbappe shone brightly, also winning the Pichichi Trophy as La Liga’s top scorer. He netted 43 goals across all competitions, although none came from headers.
With this latest accolade, Mbappe becomes the only footballer to hold the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot, UEFA Champions League Golden Boot, and the European Golden Boot.
9. Real Madrid Confirm Xabi Alonso As New Head Coach
Real Madrid has officially announced club icon Xabi Alonso as the team’s new manager, securing him on a contract valid until June 30, 2028.
The club made the announcement on Sunday via an official statement, ushering in a new era for both Alonso and the Spanish side.
“Real Madrid C.F. announces that Xabi Alonso will be the head coach of the first team for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028,” the statement declared.
Alonso, a revered figure at the club, made 236 appearances between 2009 and 2014.
10. Liverpool Crowned Premier League Champions As 2024–2025 Season Concludes
The 2024–2025 Premier League season concluded on Sunday after a thrilling Matchday 38, with Liverpool emerging champions.
Liverpool ended the campaign with 84 points after a final-day 1–1 draw against Crystal Palace. Coach Arne Slot’s team finished 10 points ahead of Arsenal, who claimed second place with a 2–1 victory over relegated Southampton.
Manchester City and Chelsea secured third and fourth positions respectively, earning spots in next season’s UEFA Champions League. Newcastle United, despite slipping to fifth following back-to-back defeats, still qualified via England’s fifth slot.
Tottenham Hotspur, finishing 17th with 38 points, also surprisingly booked a Champions League place after a 1–4 loss to Brighton.
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, by virtue of the latter’s FA Cup win over Manchester City, qualified for the UEFA Europa League, while Nottingham Forest earned a UEFA Conference League slot by finishing seventh.
That’s it for today’s top stories from Naturenex. Check back tomorrow for the latest Nigerian news updates.
