Good morning Nigeria, and welcome to the Naturenex compilation of today’s leading newspaper headlines in the country for Monday, 28th April, 2025.
1. Opposition Parties Struggle Amid Wave Of Defections To APC – Presidency
The Presidency has described political cross-carpeting as a routine feature of Nigeria’s democracy, dismissing suggestions that President Bola Tinubu is plotting a one-party system.
A statement issued Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, noted that recent defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), including those of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Ifeanyi Okowa, a former vice presidential candidate, have unsettled opposition parties.
Contrary to claims by opposition voices that Nigeria’s democracy is under siege, the statement insisted Tinubu remains dedicated to nurturing democracy and advancing national development. It also criticized a proposed opposition coalition being championed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, branding it ineffective. The Presidency argued Tinubu cannot be blamed if other parties struggle to retain their members.
2. APC Chieftain Accuses Wike, Bode George, PDP Governors Of Backing Tinubu’s 2027 Bid
Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the now-defunct nPDP and a chieftain of the APC, expressed concern on Sunday that prominent members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could be discreetly supporting President Tinubu’s re-election project for 2027.
Eze cited recent remarks by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, Bode George, and certain PDP governors, claiming their positions hint at covert endorsement for Tinubu’s second-term ambition despite the economic challenges Nigerians face.
Reflecting on the events of the 2023 presidential election, Eze opined that had Atiku Abubakar chosen Wike as his running mate, the PDP might have clinched victory. He further advised the Tinubu government to prioritise effective governance over premature electioneering. “The focus should be on governance that delivers results, not just electioneering,” Eze stressed.
He urged Nigerians to carefully weigh Bode George’s remark that the PDP would be “finally buried” if Atiku secures its 2027 presidential ticket, questioning who else within the party could credibly challenge President Tinubu.
3. ‘It’s Not 6 am’ – JAMB Replies Peter Obi On UTME Timing
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has responded to concerns raised by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, regarding the timing of its examinations.
Obi had criticised the exam body for allegedly forcing candidates to travel at dangerous hours and assigning them to distant centres, which he argued has led to avoidable deaths. He blamed the situation on systemic national failure and called for urgent reforms to prevent further trauma for candidates.
However, JAMB clarified that its examinations do not begin at 6 am as alleged but rather at 8 am. The agency explained that early arrival is only for verification and clearance purposes to allow students settle ahead of the actual exam.
4. APC Issues VeryDarkMan A Seven-Day Ultimatum Over Remarks On Akpabio
The South-South Zonal leadership of the APC has given social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, a one-week ultimatum to apologise for what it described as a slanderous comment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement signed by South-South Zonal Organizing Secretary Blessing Agbomhere, the party warned the activist to differentiate between advocacy and defamation, urging him to steer clear of personal attacks.
This follows a viral video where VeryDarkMan criticised Akpabio’s attendance at Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome, labelling the trip “shameful” and arguing the Senate President should have visited Nigerian communities hit by violent attacks instead.
Agbomhere condemned the remarks, accusing the influencer of hiding behind activism to disparage the Senate President.
5. NDLEA Seizes ₦1.042 Billion Worth Of Canadian Loud, Millions Of Tramadol Pills
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) uncovered a major illicit drug operation in Lagos, recovering ₦1.042 billion worth of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, during a hotel raid.
In a statement released by its Media Director, Femi Babafemi, to Naturenex, the agency also intercepted over 2 million tramadol tablets in Kano and Jigawa states, along with cocaine concealed in body cream en route to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, three Ghanaian women involved in cross-border trafficking were arrested.
At an 80-room hotel in Victoria Island, officers confiscated 589 bags of Canadian Loud weighing 417.3 kilograms, with a street value of ₦1,042,500,000.
6. “I Would Rather Retire” – Dele Momodu Shuts Down APC Defection Rumours
Dele Momodu, former PDP presidential hopeful, has dismissed talks of joining the APC amid the PDP’s internal crises, describing recent defections as part of Nigeria’s typical political cycle.
Speaking to Sunday Sun, Momodu acknowledged the turmoil within his party but argued it was no different from previous political transitions in Nigeria. When asked if he might switch to the APC, Momodu replied emphatically, “Impossible! I would rather retire. Leave me out of the APC matter.”
He pointed out that even the APC itself evolved from earlier parties like the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Action Congress (AC), and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) before its current form.
7. Remo Stars Secure First-Ever NPFL Title With Late Goal
Remo Stars etched their name in Nigerian football history by winning their first Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, edging Niger Tornadoes 1-0 on Sunday.
The dramatic match saw Olamilekan Muhammed Adedayo score the lone goal in the 84th minute, handing the Ogun-based club the decisive three points. The win keeps them atop the standings with 68 points from 35 games, ahead of Rivers United on 58 and Abia Warriors on 56.
With three matchdays to go, Remo Stars’ lead makes them uncatchable champions.
8. Liverpool Crowned Premier League Champions With Tottenham Rout
Liverpool were confirmed 2024-2025 Premier League champions after dismantling Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at Anfield on Sunday.
Despite an early 12th-minute opener by Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke, Liverpool swiftly equalised through Luis Díaz and then took charge. Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and an own goal from Destiny Udogie completed a five-star performance.
The triumph marked Liverpool’s 20th league title, achieved under new manager Arne Slot.
9. 2Face’s Mother Meets Natasha Months After Rejecting Relationship
Nigerian music icon Innocent ‘2Face’ Idibia recently reunited with his mother, Rose Idibia, in a heartwarming video after months of family discord.
Back in February, the Idibia family had alerted the DSS after the singer disappeared for weeks. The fresh video shows 2Face’s mother meeting Natasha Osawaru, the singer’s new partner, suggesting that previous tensions may have eased.
Earlier, Rose Idibia had voiced strong disapproval of Natasha’s involvement with her son, objecting to the traditional beads Natasha gifted him, which she said implied he was not acting “of his own free will.”
Natasha had defended the beads, explaining they were cultural symbols connected to her royal heritage.
10. Kollington Replies Kwam1 Over Condolence Allegations
Veteran Fuji musician Ayinla Kollington has addressed accusations from colleague Wasiu Ayinde (Kwam1) that he failed to console him after the death of his mother.
Speaking to Agbaletu TV, Kollington denied the claims, revealing he made several phone calls to Kwam1 that went unanswered. Kollington also suggested that Kwam1’s new royal title, “Olori Omoba,” had led to arrogance.
He reaffirmed his stature in the Fuji music industry, declaring that Kwam1 would have to surpass his legacy to claim dominance.
That’s your updated roundup from Naturenex for today. Be sure to follow us for more top Nigerian stories tomorrow.
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