Good morning, Nigeria. Here’s a comprehensive summary of today’s leading news stories from Naturenex for Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
1. President Tinubu Returns To Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially returned to the nation’s capital, Abuja, following a private visit to France and London.
This update was shared by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, through his post on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) late Monday.
He simply stated, “President Tinubu is back.”
This comes amid calls for the President’s return due to growing insecurity. Earlier on April 17, 2025, Onanuga had clarified that Tinubu’s absence was within a scheduled timeframe of two weeks and that the President remained in constant communication with top officials, including security chiefs, to manage pressing national issues.
2. APC Mulls Automatic Ticket For Tinubu Ahead Of 2027
Fresh reports suggest that the All Progressives Congress (APC) may offer President Tinubu an automatic ticket to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Sources linked to the APC headquarters in Abuja informed Punch about this potential move.
Anonymous insiders emphasized that as the sitting President, Tinubu would be granted the “first right of refusal” to recontest, a privilege associated with incumbency.
This comes as opposition parties intensify efforts to challenge Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid.
South-East APC National Vice Chairman, Ijeoma Arodiogbu, described the idea as not out of place but noted that it would need ratification by both the National Executive Committee and National Working Committee.
3. Pope Francis Passes Away At 88
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known globally as Pope Francis, has passed away at age 88 at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta.
Naturenex confirms that he was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
A statement from the Vatican’s 𝕏 account on Monday announced, “Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.”
Earlier that day, he reportedly held a private meeting with U.S. Vice President James David Vance.
4. Baba-Ahmed Criticizes Onanuga’s Response As “Lazy”
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Political Adviser to the Vice President, has expressed discontent with Bayo Onanuga’s response to his recent viral video.
In the clip circulated on social media, Baba-Ahmed warned that the North would soon declare its stance on Tinubu’s administration, decrying rising insecurity and hardship. He remarked that the North had learned from its past mistake under Buhari and won’t repeat it.
He stated, “no one can become president of the country without the support of Northerners.”
Reacting, Onanuga accused Baba-Ahmed of aligning with the opposition shortly after leaving office, describing it as a character flaw.
On his 𝕏 account, Baba-Ahmed responded, calling Onanuga’s reply “disappointing.”
5. Onoh Accuses Atiku Of Exploiting Tragedy For Political Gain
Josef Umunnakwe Onoh, former Southeast campaign spokesman for Tinubu, has accused ex-VP Atiku Abubakar of using national tragedies for political leverage.
This follows Atiku’s criticism of the government’s response to recent killings in Benue State and Tinubu’s absence from the country.
Reacting in a Monday statement, Onoh said Atiku was, “promoting his serial political career failure, using the memory of the blood of innocent Nigerian victims of terrorism.”
He added that Atiku’s lack of empathy is masked by “arrogance, selfishness, and ego,” and accused him of contributing nothing toward resolving national security issues despite his platform as a former leader.
6. Over ₦10 Million Raised For Quadri Alabi After Alleged False Arrest
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has announced that more than ₦10 million has been raised in support of 17-year-old Quadri Alabi, who was allegedly wrongfully detained by police in Lagos.
During a Monday appearance on Channels Television alongside Alabi, Effiong accused the Amukoko Police Division of falsifying the teen’s age and conspiring with local area boys to frame him.
Alabi had been arrested in connection with a street altercation but was eventually released on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Effiong described the entire ordeal as part of a “sinister, oppressive, and corrupt scheme.”
7. Governor Namadi Warns Against Self-Defense Amid Bandit Attacks
Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has countered a recent call by retired Gen. Theophilus Danjuma urging citizens to defend themselves from bandits.
Namadi cautioned that such advice could plunge the nation into chaos, stating, “has not reached that level yet.”
Danjuma had said depending on government protection was “no longer realistic.”
In his response, Namadi insisted that taking up arms could worsen insecurity and emphasized alternative means of conflict resolution.
8. Spyro: “Gospel Artists Are In It For The Money”
Nigerian musician Spyro (Oludipe Oluwasanmi David) has stated that many gospel artists are just as financially motivated as secular ones.
Appearing on Hip TV’s Trending show, he said, “The people that claim to be gospel artists or gospel ministers are just artists – they are in the business to make money just like us in the Afrobeats industry.”
He also praised singer Tems for maintaining decency despite pressures in the industry, saying, “Tems is holding it down decently… She is decent. She has it together.”
He added, “We should put Tems out there for our young ladies to be looking up to as a role model.”
9. Joke Silva Reveals Why Her Father Opposed Marriage To Olu Jacobs
Veteran actress Joke Silva has shared that her father initially disapproved of her relationship with Olu Jacobs due to their 19-year age gap.
Speaking on the Stephen Akintayo Leadership podcast, Silva recalled that her sister once said, “Joke, this is the man to take to daddy,” when she introduced Jacobs.
Despite their deep connection and Jacobs’ influence on her career, Silva said her father disapproved, although her mother supported the union.
She added that Jacobs encouraged her to study drama formally and advised her to keep her maiden name after marriage to protect her brand.
10. PSG Coach Luis Enrique Acknowledges Arsenal’s Set-Piece Strength
Paris Saint-Germain manager, Luis Enrique, has pointed out Arsenal’s dangerous set-piece play ahead of their Champions League clash.
Despite the threat, Enrique said his team would “prepare the same way” they normally would, without crafting a specific plan just for Arsenal’s strengths.
Arsenal’s set-piece prowess has been credited to coach Nicolas Jover. Enrique compared the North London side’s competitiveness to that of Liverpool, underscoring the difficulty of their UCL semi-final challenge.
11. Xabi Alonso Cleared To Join Real Madrid From Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen has cleared the way for head coach Xabi Alonso to take over at Real Madrid if approached, amid uncertainty over Carlo Ancelotti’s future.
Although Real Madrid has yet to make an official move, speculation suggests that Alonso is being lined up for a potential transition, particularly if Ancelotti fails to secure both the Liga and Copa del Rey titles.
Leverkusen’s CEO, Fernando Carro, confirmed that Alonso has a clause in his contract allowing him to return to any of the clubs he played for — including Real Madrid.
That concludes today’s top headlines from Naturenex. Stay updated with more verified stories and developments tomorrow.
