Good morning, Nigeria — welcome to Naturenex’s roundup of today’s leading newspaper headlines making waves across the country this Saturday, May 24, 2025.
1. 2027: Tinubu Receives APC Endorsement As Opposition Considers Joint Ticket
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday secured the unanimous backing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee, the 22 APC governors, and National Assembly leaders, affirming his bid for a second term in 2027. Meanwhile, opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are weighing the possibility of a joint candidacy under a new alliance.
Naturenex reports this endorsement was delivered during the APC National Policy and Development Summit at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, where Tinubu projected confidence in attracting further defections from opposition ranks before the elections.
“I am expecting more to come; that is the game. We are in a constitutional democracy that guarantees freedom of movement and freedom of association,” Tinubu remarked, dismissing concerns over one-party dominance.
Recent defections of prominent politicians — including Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, Garba Maidoki, and Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori alongside his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa — have left the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP grappling for survival.
2. Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Declares His Plan To Leave PDP
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has publicly announced his decision to exit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing internal leadership problems and his preference to support President Tinubu without being accused of disloyalty.
In a widely circulated video, Eno explained the PDP’s internal discord influenced his departure, saying he could no longer stay in a system where openly commending Tinubu’s work was viewed as betrayal.
Naturenex reports the governor likened himself to Nyesom Wike, the outspoken FCT Minister known for confronting party leaders, though Eno admitted lacking Wike’s political boldness.
3. El-Rufai’s Alleged Appointment Sparks SDP Internal Crisis
Once considered a stable opposition force post-2023 elections, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has become embroiled in internal conflict after announcing new appointments within its National Working Committee (NWC).
Last week, National Publicity Secretary Araba Rufus Aiyenigba announced appointments for Senator Ugochukwu Uba, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, and Mr. Hussani Ado Bello into key positions. However, some party leaders viewed this as a strategic restructuring ahead of 2027.
But the party’s National Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam rejected the announcement through Deputy National Secretary Muhammad Biu, labelling it “unauthorized and false,” and clarifying that no constitutional session had been convened for such appointments.
4. Epelle Slams Tinubu Over Rivers State Budget Presentation
Jake Epelle, CEO of TAF Africa, has condemned President Tinubu’s decision to present Rivers State’s 2025 budget to the National Assembly, branding it unprecedented in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Naturenex reports Tinubu submitted the ₦1.481 trillion budget after the Rivers State House of Assembly was suspended. In a Channels Television interview, Epelle criticised the move as executive overreach.
He stated, “It is a pity that someone not elected is going to spend taxpayers’ money,” adding that initial plans to have a sole administrator present the budget were abandoned due to legal concerns.
5. Bukola Saraki Vows Commitment To PDP, Shares Outcome Of Enugu Strategy Session
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki remains optimistic about the PDP’s prospects despite ongoing leadership tussles, revealing details of a strategic meeting in Enugu State.
Naturenex reports that Saraki, along with Enugu Governor Peter Mbah and Senators Seriake Dickson and Ibrahim Dankwambo, discussed internal party issues and future plans.
Saraki shared on 𝕏: “We didn’t sidestep the issues. We confronted the fractures in our foundation, asked the hard questions, and began shaping a real, workable plan to move our party forward.
I believe in the PDP. I believe in what it has stood for and what it can still become, if we’re willing to do the hard, unglamorous work of rebuilding from the inside out… we have the people, the resolve, and the clarity to rise to the occasion—and to lead again.”
6. PDP Acting Chairman Damagum Dismisses Allegations Of APC Collusion
Acting PDP National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum has denied accusations of incompetence and collusion with the APC amid heightened internal criticism.
Speaking to BBC Hausa, Damagum refuted claims of being an APC puppet or having met President Tinubu abroad.
“May God be judge between me and whoever slandered me, and may God judge us, if I am working for the APC,” he declared, reaffirming his commitment to the PDP since 1999 without defection.
He also addressed allegations regarding his association with Nyesom Wike, affirming their relationship while denying any wrongdoing.
7. Coalition Plans Against Tinubu’s Government Progressing — Salihu Lukman
Former APC National Vice Chairman (Northwest) Salihu Lukman disclosed on Channels Television that plans are underway to build a coalition to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
According to Lukman, some governors were already acting in line with Tinubu’s agenda, but the coalition remains unperturbed.
“There is nothing stopping the coalition from coming to fruition… So, clearly, they are doing the bidding of the APC and the ‘Asiwaju’ government. So, we are not bothered about that,” he said, confirming that the PDP bloc remains actively involved.
8. FCTA To Take Over Revoked Properties, Including Former PDP Secretariat
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced it will commence the repossession of nearly 4,800 properties from Monday over long-standing unpaid ground rent spanning between 10 and 43 years.
Naturenex reports that the announcement came from Lere Olayinka, aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, alongside land officials at a Friday press briefing in Abuja.
Among the revoked properties is Wadata Plaza, former PDP national headquarters, seized in March for 28 years of unpaid rent amounting to ₦2.84 million. The property, privately owned by Samaila Mamman Kofi, was reportedly acquired through assignment.
9. Ruggedman, Others Arraigned Over $130,000 PMAN Theft Allegation
Popular rapper Ruggedman (Michael Ugochukwu Stephens) and three others faced charges on Friday at a Yaba Magistrate Court over the alleged theft of $130,000 from the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) headquarters in Lekki.
Following a petition from PMAN’s National President Pretty Okafor, Naturenex learned the defendants — Ruggedman, Fruitful Mekwunye, Boniface Itodo, and Faga Bem-Paul — allegedly broke into the office during Okafor’s absence, stealing cash and laptops.
Two others, Sunny Neji and Zakky Azzay, remain at large. The police indicated the charges, which include conspiracy, breaking and entry, and cybercrimes, will be amended at the next court date.
The accused reportedly convened a rogue National Delegates Conference to unlawfully install a parallel PMAN leadership, backed by a questionable court judgment.
10. Mohamed Salah: This Season My Best Shot At Ballon d’Or
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah believes this season offers his strongest chance yet at winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.
Salah’s standout performance, featuring 28 goals and 18 assists, helped Liverpool claim the Premier League title. The Egyptian forward spoke to Sky Sports about his prospects.
“I would say I never had a season like this, especially with winning big trophies. So I would say this is my best chance to get it right now while I’m at the club because it’s been a crazy year, a crazy season with a trophy,” Salah reflected.
The Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on September 22, with Salah vying for the honour alongside Ousmane Dembélé and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
That concludes today’s top Nigerian newspaper headlines from Naturenex. Stay with us for more breaking stories tomorrow.
