Good morning, Nigeria, and welcome to the latest roundup of major headlines making waves across the country today, Sunday, May 25, 2025, as compiled by Naturenex.
1. Tinubu Will Lose 2027 – Aregbesola Drummers
On Friday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar paid a visit to the residence of former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, in Ilesa. Aregbesola, who was once closely allied with President Bola Tinubu, is reportedly linked to a political alliance spearheaded by Atiku.
Naturenex gathered that Atiku’s visit coincided with the coronation of Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as the Owa Obokun Adimula, Ajimoko III of Ijesha.
Atiku and former Vice President Namadi Sambo were received at Aregbesola’s home by drummers. In a video shared by Atiku, the group of drummers, believed to be loyal to Aregbesola, could be heard chanting “Tinubu maa lu’le (meaning in 2027, Tinubu will lose)” while performing.
Atiku wrote on his 𝕏 handle: “It was with profound joy that I joined multitudes of Ijesha sons and daughters and well-wishers to witness the coronation of HRH Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, as the new Owa Obokun Adimula, Ajimoko III in Ilesha, Osun State. I was there both as an in-law and a friend of the great people of Ijeshaland. I wish the new Owa Obokun a peaceful and long reign.”
Aregbesola also shared on his 𝕏 handle: “I had the pleasure of receiving former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, who visited Ilesa for the event.”
2. ‘Any Coalition With Atiku Is Dead On Arrival’
Prominent political commentator, Jide Ojo, has raised concerns over the credibility of any coalition involving Atiku Abubakar, labelling such efforts as “dead on arrival.”
Speaking in an interview, Ojo pointed to Atiku’s past electoral losses, internal party disputes, and unfulfilled alliances as reasons why many doubt his capacity to spearhead a strong political movement for upcoming elections.
Recent reports indicated plans for a coalition involving Atiku, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and others under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to challenge President Tinubu in 2027. However, Ojo argued that such efforts lack the vibrancy and new leadership Nigerians crave.
He stressed that younger voters, making up a sizable share of the electorate, have grown weary of recycled leaders and are now seeking fresh faces and innovative ideas.
3. NNPCL Announces Shutdown Of Port Harcourt Refinery
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has officially announced the shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) for maintenance.
In a statement issued Saturday by Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Femi Soneye, NNPCL stated that the suspension of operations would take effect from May 24, 2025.
According to Soneye, this decision forms part of scheduled facility assessments aimed at ensuring optimal operations, assuring Nigerians that updates would be disseminated via official platforms.
4. ASUU Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Unresolved 2009 Agreement
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has once again threatened to embark on a nationwide strike should the Federal Government fail to honour the long-standing 2009 agreement.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Friday, ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, voiced the union’s frustrations over the government’s inability to address nine persistent issues affecting the country’s public universities.
Naturenex reports that these include stalled renegotiations, withheld salaries from the 2022 strike, unpaid allowances tied to the IPPIS, and the failure to release revitalisation funds and earned academic entitlements. Piwuna reminded the government of its previous pledge to invest N150 billion into the university system and adjust irregular allowances by 2026.
5. FG To Sell 753 Housing Units Recovered From Emefiele To Nigerians
The Federal Government has concluded arrangements to sell an estate comprising 753 housing units linked to former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to low and middle-income citizens.
Documents from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that the estate, covering over 150,000 square metres, was confiscated in December 2024 following a forfeiture ruling by the FCT High Court.
Emefiele had earlier sought to reclaim the property in court, alleging that the EFCC concealed the forfeiture process from him amid ongoing interactions over other charges. His bid, however, was dismissed.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, officially handed over the estate to Housing Minister, Ahmed Dangiwa, on May 20, 2025. According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, the homes will be sold in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda to benefit everyday Nigerians.
6. Tribunal Fixes Date To Rule On Ondo Governorship Election
The Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal has scheduled June 4, 2025, to deliver its ruling on petitions challenging the outcome of the November 2024 governorship poll.
Naturenex recalls that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared winner by INEC. However, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi, alongside other parties like the SDP and ADC, contested the result, citing widespread electoral malpractices.
7. Ndume Praises Tinubu’s Inclusiveness In Key Appointments
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has lauded President Tinubu for addressing regional imbalance in government appointments.
Ndume, who had previously criticised the administration for favouring certain areas, commended the President on Saturday for incorporating northerners into vital positions. In a statement, he said: “The recent appointments reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians from all regions, particularly from the three geo-political zones in the North, are well-represented in key positions within the Federal Government.”
Reports revealed that about 12 northerners were appointed to strategic roles in various agencies.
8. EFCC Denies Allegations Of Secret Meeting Involving Chairman And South-South Governors
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations that its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, met with two South-South governors before their defection to the APC.
Naturenex reports that Paul Ibe, spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, made the claim during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, alleging that the meeting happened at a government lodge just ahead of the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
The EFCC, in a Friday statement, described the claims as “unfounded” and “patently fabricated,” warning against the spread of baseless narratives that could damage reputations.
9. We Tried, It’s Not Working – Mr P Speaks On Split In PSquare
Nigerian music star Peter Okoye (Mr P) has opened up about the enduring split between him and twin brother Paul Okoye (Rudeboy), revealing that attempts to reunite professionally have been unsuccessful.
Speaking in a recent interview on Cool FM Lagos, Mr P admitted that going solo has its own satisfaction. He said: “There’s a joy that comes with going solo. Please respect our decisions. We’ve tried it, it’s not working.”
P-Square first separated in 2016, reconciled in 2021, but parted ways again in 2023.
10. Arsenal Clinch Women’s Champions League
Arsenal’s women’s team have claimed the UEFA Women’s Champions League title for the second time in history, defeating Barcelona 1-0 in a gripping final in Lisbon.
A 75th-minute goal from substitute Stina Blackstenius, assisted by Beth Mead, secured the win for the Gunners. Despite Barcelona’s dominance in possession and attempts on goal, Arsenal’s resolute defending and efficient finishing saw them through.
The match wasn’t without drama, as a potential own goal by Irene Paredes in the 21st minute was disallowed for offside following a VAR review.
