Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to today’s summary of major newspaper headlines as compiled by Naturenex for Thursday, 22nd May 2025.
1. Atiku, Peter Obi, El-Rufai Finalize 2027 Coalition Talks, Settle On Political Party
Leading opposition figures in Nigeria have reportedly concluded plans for a coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the goal of defeating President Bola Tinubu. According to Bloomberg, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) agreed on Tuesday to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their coalition platform.
Though insiders revealed the development, they noted details on the coalition’s presidential flagbearer and power-sharing arrangement are still under wraps. Both PDP and Labour Party spokespersons affirmed their candidates were free to explore unity talks, clarifying that no formal party merger was involved.
2. ‘I Think They Have Cotton Wool In Their Ears, Or Are Blind’ — Babachir Lawal Berates Tinubu Loyalists
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has sharply criticised President Tinubu’s supporters, accusing them of ignoring the country’s worsening insecurity and economic decline.
Appearing on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Lawal lamented that security issues have expanded under Tinubu’s watch and argued the economy has virtually collapsed. He stressed that even previously well-off Nigerians now feel the pinch of the economic crisis.
3. FG Offers ₦5 Million Bounty, Releases Details Of Escaped Ilesa Prison Inmates
The Nigerian government has announced a ₦5 million reward for credible information leading to the recapture of inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, after a jailbreak on Tuesday.
Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, DCC Abubakar Umar, made this known in a statement on Wednesday, urging citizens to report sightings or information to the nearest security post. He also assured that informants’ identities would be protected.
4. “Truck Pushers Cannot Direct Pilots” — Oloyede Fires Back At Critics Calling For His Resignation
Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has responded to calls for his resignation following controversies surrounding the 2025 UTME exams.
At a meeting with exam stakeholders in Abuja, Oloyede rejected the demand, declaring, “truck pushers cannot direct pilots.” He added that while he briefly considered stepping down, he chose instead to face the situation head-on and support the affected candidates.
5. El-Rufai: ‘We Held A Very Important Meeting At 8pm To Ensure President Tinubu Goes Back To Lagos’
Nasir El-Rufai confirmed on Wednesday that talks regarding a 2027 opposition coalition remain active. Speaking at the Arewa TechFest in Katsina, El-Rufai revealed that a key meeting took place Tuesday night as part of efforts to defeat President Tinubu and the APC at the next polls.
In a lighthearted aside, he remarked that Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, would likely stay on, praising his performance. This statement came hours after Bloomberg reported on concluded coalition talks involving Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai.
6. Peter Obi Slams Nigeria’s Endless Corruption, Condemns Budget Padding
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reiterated his call for an all-out war against corruption in Nigeria. Reacting to BudgIT’s allegations of ₦6.93 trillion worth of questionable projects smuggled into the 2025 budget, Obi took to 𝕏 on Wednesday, describing Nigeria as a “relentless scene of corruption.”
He warned that the scandal is probably just a fraction of the actual diversion, stating the ₦7 trillion figure dwarfs the budgets of several ministries, and renewing his call for intensified anti-corruption efforts.
7. Chris Brown Granted £5 Million Bail Over London Nightclub Incident
American R&B star Chris Brown has secured a £5 million bail in connection to an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in 2023. Prosecutors claim Brown assaulted music producer Abraham Diaw with a tequila bottle in what they called an “unprovoked attack.”
Brown wasn’t present in court when Judge Tony Baumgartner approved the bail. Conditions attached include restrictions on his movements, a £5 million security fee, and a ban on contacting the victim. Despite the case, Brown’s international tour will proceed, with UK stops in June and July.
8. ‘What I Saw On Sunday Was Heartbreaking’ — Small Doctor Decries Drug Abuse Crisis Among Youths
Afrobeats artist Adekunle Temitope, better known as Small Doctor, has voiced his alarm over the escalating drug abuse crisis among Nigerian youths. Posting on 𝕏, Small Doctor recounted a distressing visit to his old neighborhood, where he found some young men visibly impaired by substance abuse.
He recalled veteran singer Wasiu Ayinde’s advice years ago about opening a rehabilitation center, noting the current crisis sadly validated the warning. He called for increased awareness and advocacy to combat the scourge.
9. Tottenham Clinch First Trophy In 17 Years, Beat Manchester United In Europa League Final
Tottenham Hotspur ended a 17-year trophy drought with a narrow 1-0 win over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final. Brennan Johnson netted the decisive goal in the 42nd minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse.
Despite United’s strong start and several late chances, Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs held on for a famous European victory — their first major title since the 2008 League Cup and their first continental success since 1984.
10. Hansi Flick Extends Barcelona Contract Until 2027 After Dream First Season
FC Barcelona have confirmed a contract extension for head coach Hansi Flick, who will now remain in charge until 2027. Flick delivered a treble-winning debut season, lifting La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercup.
Flick’s tenure also saw Barcelona defeat rivals Real Madrid four times in one season. Though the team narrowly missed a UEFA Champions League final appearance, Flick’s 73% win rate ranks among the club’s finest debut seasons since Luis Enrique in 2014–15.
11. Arsenal To Miss Timber, Saliba For Season Finale
Arsenal have been dealt injury setbacks ahead of their final English Premier League game against Southampton. Defender Jurrien Timber will sit out after undergoing ankle surgery on Tuesday, while William Saliba is sidelined with a hamstring strain.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed both absences on Wednesday, marking a disappointing end to an impressive campaign for Timber, who made 48 appearances after a long injury layoff last season.
