Good morning, Nigeria. You’re welcome to another edition of the Naturenex newspaper headlines for today, Tuesday, 20th May, 2025. Here’s a summary of some of the most talked-about stories making the rounds across the country:
1. 2027: Peter Obi Comments on Alleged One-Term Deal with Atiku
Labour Party’s presidential candidate from the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has clarified his position regarding his involvement in a new coalition targeting the 2027 polls. The former Anambra governor explained that his participation in the alliance is aimed at tackling issues like poor governance, hunger, and widespread poverty.
When asked about the rumoured agreement to serve as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate under a one-term arrangement, Obi neither confirmed nor denied the story. The alleged deal, which insiders told Punch was discussed earlier this year in the United Kingdom, would see Atiku commit to a single four-year term, with Obi as his vice-presidential candidate.
Speaking during a charity event in Kubwa on Monday, Obi stated, “You can make of the report what you want, but I’m in a coalition against bad governance, hunger, and poverty.”
2. Falana Criticises Proposed Compulsory Voting Law
Prominent human rights advocate and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has rejected a proposed bill that aims to make voting mandatory in Nigeria, calling it unconstitutional.
The bill, which was introduced by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, suggests punishing non-participating eligible voters with either a six-month jail term or a ₦100,000 fine to reduce voter apathy and boost civic engagement.
However, Falana argued in a statement on Monday that such legislation would violate sections of the 1999 Constitution that safeguard Nigerians’ rights to privacy, freedom of conscience, and voluntary political participation. He referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling in Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal v Okonkwo (2001) 7 NWLR (Pt 711) 206, which upheld an individual’s right to refuse medical care based on personal beliefs.
3. South-East Caucus Demands JAMB Registrar’s Resignation
The South-East Caucus in the House of Representatives has called for the immediate resignation of the JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, following what it described as a “catastrophic institutional failure” in the recent 2025 UTME.
Caucus leader Igariwey Enwo, in a statement on Monday, condemned the widespread technical challenges that affected nearly 380,000 candidates and criticised the board’s decision to have students resit their exams with little notice.
The caucus also lamented scheduling conflicts with WAEC exams and the inadequate communication from JAMB. While they acknowledged Oloyede’s admission of the board’s lapses, they insisted the corrective actions taken so far remain unsatisfactory.
4. Obidient Movement Refutes Reports of Obi-Atiku Pact
The Obidient Movement has dismissed claims that Peter Obi had agreed to be Atiku Abubakar’s running mate for the 2027 presidential race.
In a statement issued on Monday by the group’s Director of Strategic Communications, Nana Kazaure, the movement described the reports as unfounded. The statement was in response to media claims that Obi was part of a fresh opposition coalition under Atiku.
5. Kenneth Okonkwo Slams APC Defectors
Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign, has harshly criticised politicians defecting to the ruling APC, branding them “professional criminals.”
Speaking on ARISE News on Monday about a recent defection rally in Delta State, the Nollywood actor-turned-politician compared the political conduct of defectors to the unpredictability of unpreserved palm wine.
Okonkwo also accused certain figures on the rally platform of being corruption suspects, claiming their “surname now classified as dollar.” He concluded by calling the APC gathering “a subset of professional criminals made up of suspects, accused, and convicts.”
6. Saraki Reveals Reason for Harassment During Buhari Era
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has said that his opposition to the Buhari administration’s aggressive borrowing was the main reason behind the intimidation and harassment he endured while in office.
Speaking at the 2025 King’s College Old Boys Reunion in Houston, Saraki said his fight for legislative independence subjected him to political persecution.
“The legislature under my leadership was silenced, harassed, assaulted, bullied, and blackmailed,” Saraki said. He added that Nigeria’s elite class and public figures remained indifferent, allowing executive dominance to prevail.
Saraki argued that this legacy has weakened the legislature, leaving his successors too afraid to challenge presidential authority for fear of similar reprisals.
7. Actress Jumoke George’s Daughter Returns From Mali
The daughter of veteran Nollywood actress Jumoke George, Adeola, who had gone missing for four years, has returned to Nigeria, thanks to efforts by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
The actress had previously shared her ordeal in an interview on Biola Adebayo’s YouTube podcast, revealing that Adeola vanished after leaving Ibadan for Lagos.
On Monday, NIDCOM Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa announced via X that Adeola had been found in Mali, where she was trafficked. Dabiri-Erewa, alongside Adebayo and actor Adeniyi Johnson, officially welcomed her back.
8. Arteta Hints at Major Arsenal Squad Overhaul
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that a number of players will be leaving the club during the summer transfer window as part of plans to restructure the team.
Following a narrow 1-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday, Arteta disclosed that “four or five players” are expected to depart. The exits include Jorginho (set for Flamengo), Kieran Tierney (returning to Celtic), and loanees Neto and Raheem Sterling, who are going back to Bournemouth and Chelsea respectively.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has seen limited action this season, is also among those tipped to leave.
9. Guardiola Stays Focused Despite Season Setbacks
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has pointed out that his team remains one of only three English sides still in contention for a Champions League spot, despite a challenging season.
Though City secured the Community Shield last August, the club missed out on major trophies this season — losing the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace and failing to retain the Premier League title.
Guardiola reminded rivals that Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham are also chasing European qualification, with the Champions League ticket being the ultimate prize.
10. Viktor Gyokeres Leads European Golden Shoe Race
Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres currently sits at the top of the race for the European Golden Shoe, with 39 goals and 58.5 points following the conclusion of the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe remains in hot pursuit, boasting 29 goals and 58 points after scoring against Sevilla last Sunday. With one La Liga game left, Mbappe could yet overtake Gyokeres when Real Madrid face Real Sociedad next weekend.
Here’s how the top 10 contenders stand:
- Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting Lisbon): 39 goals, 58.5 points
- Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid): 29 goals, 58 points
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): 28 goals, 56 points
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): 26 goals, 52 points
- Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona): 25 goals, 50 points
- Mateo Retegui (Atalanta): 25 goals, 50 points
- Alexander Isak (Newcastle): 23 goals, 46 points
- Mika Biereth (Sturm Graz/Monaco): 24 goals, 42.5 points
- Ousmane Dembele (PSG): 21 goals, 42 points
- Erling Haaland (Man City): 21 goals, 42 points
That wraps up today’s roundup of the top newspaper stories in Nigeria. Stay updated with Naturenex for more breaking news and developments. See you tomorrow.
