Good morning, Nigeria — welcome to the Naturenex roundup of the major headlines making waves across the country this Saturday, 14th June, 2025.
1. Goodluck Jonathan Reacts To Social Media Post Suggesting 2027 Presidential Ambition
Former Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, has disowned a viral Instagram post hinting at his return to contest the 2027 presidential election. The post, which surfaced on an account using Jonathan’s name, criticized Nigeria’s current leadership while featuring an AI-generated image of the ex-president shaking hands with former U.S. leader, Donald Trump.
Jonathan’s media adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, dismissed the post as fake, stating plainly: “Former President Jonathan does not own an Instagram account.” This incident marks yet another occasion where Jonathan has had to distance himself from politically-charged online content attributed to him.
2. PDP Has Become ‘A Whimpering Collection’ – Prof. Okey Ikechukwu
Public policy analyst, Professor Okey Ikechukwu, has expressed concerns over the state of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring the party unprepared for the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Ikechukwu said the PDP, once a formidable political force, has deteriorated into “a whimpering collection of confounded men and women pretending to have a political party.”
He warned that unless the party resolves its internal crises soon, it risks facing an overwhelming defeat at the next polls.
3. Akpabio Cautions Opposition Against Constant Criticism
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigeria’s opposition parties to put their house in order if they intend to mount a serious challenge in 2027. At the commissioning of a new carriageway in Abuja, Akpabio advised the opposition to stop what he termed incessant falsehoods against the current administration and instead, focus on credible engagements.
4. Court Transfers Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial to DSS Headquarters
A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed that the trial of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, be moved to the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters. Justice James Omotosho gave the order on Friday, citing security concerns and the need to inspect a shipping container allegedly containing a radio transmitter used for separatist broadcasts on Radio Biafra.
Authorities allege that the transmitter was smuggled into the country to aid Kanu’s secessionist activities.
5. Tinubu’s One-Party State Denial Draws Skepticism
Former PDP spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, has described President Bola Tinubu’s denial of plans to turn Nigeria into a one-party state as “strange.” Tinubu had dismissed such fears during his Democracy Day address on Thursday. However, Ologbondiyan, speaking on Channels Television, argued: “We never expected Mr. President to come to the public arena and declare that he knows nothing about the plot to bring up a one-party state.”
He also raised concerns about the political party registration process overseen by INEC.
6. Israel Launches Heavy Airstrikes On Iran
In a major escalation, Israel on Friday launched a comprehensive military campaign against Iran, targeting nuclear sites, military factories, and top commanders. According to military officials, Operation Rising Lion involved 200 fighter jets striking over 100 targets, including the uranium enrichment plant in Natanz.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later confirmed the death of its commander, Hossein Salami, alongside at least two nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated with around 100 drones, some intercepted by Israeli defenses.
7. Saraki Responds to Tinubu’s Mockery of Opposition
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has acknowledged the crisis facing opposition parties while reacting to President Tinubu’s Democracy Day remarks mocking their disarray. Saraki, speaking to reporters after the event, called on opposition members to urgently reorganize ahead of the 2027 elections.
8. Presidency Denies Honour List Featuring Aisha Yesufu
The Presidency has refuted a report claiming President Tinubu recently conferred a national honour on Aisha Yesufu, a prominent supporter of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Temitope Ajaiyi, a presidential media aide, dismissed the viral list as false via a post on X (formerly Twitter), clarifying no fresh honours list has been released aside from those in Tinubu’s Democracy Day address.
9. 2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Eight New Rules Explained
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off in the United States on June 15 with 32 clubs competing. This edition features eight new rules designed to improve match flow and fairness. Developed alongside IFAB, these innovations aim to enhance the viewing experience for fans and ensure fairer outcomes on the pitch.
10. Kate Henshaw Speaks On Nigeria’s Deteriorating Living Conditions
Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening economic and social conditions. Speaking during a Democracy Day special on Channels Television, she remarked: “Everything around us is crumbling and Nigerians are barely holding on.” Henshaw criticized the nation’s political class and urged citizens to keep holding leaders accountable despite the dire situation.
That wraps up today’s Naturenex roundup of top Nigerian newspaper headlines. Stay tuned for more updates tomorrow.
