Good morning, Nigeria, and welcome to the Naturenex summary of major news stories making headlines across the country this Tuesday, 27th May, 2025.
1. Tinubu Halts Revocation Of Properties, Sets New Deadline For Ground Rent Defaulters
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stepped in to pause the revocation of properties in the Federal Capital Territory over long-standing unpaid Ground Rent, with some spanning between 10 and 43 years.
The Naturenex reports that on Monday, May 26, 2025, the FCT Administration (FCTA) had begun enforcement action on 4,794 properties affected by this issue, which included notable premises such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) headquarters, and several others belonging to private individuals and government agencies.
However, late Monday night, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration at the FCT, confirmed that President Tinubu intervened and temporarily suspended the enforcement exercise.
2. PDP Reacts Fiercely To Sealing Of Its Headquarters
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have condemned the FCTA’s action of sealing off its Abuja national secretariat.
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, speaking to the press after a caucus meeting, criticized the act as the “highest form of irresponsibility from the government.”
He stated the party would not remain passive and was prepared for any outcome, including possible arrests. According to Damagum, the party views this as a calculated attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process and would respond accordingly after reconvening on Tuesday for further deliberation.
3. Labour Party Debunks Claims Of 2027 Ticket Reserved For Peter Obi
The Labour Party has refuted reports alleging that it had secured its 2027 presidential ticket exclusively for Peter Obi, who ran on the party’s platform in the 2023 elections.
Obiora Ifoh, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, clarified in a statement on Monday that such claims are both “malicious and misleading.”
Ifoh stated that all aspirants, including Obi, would need to undergo due internal processes if they wish to contest in 2027. He also noted that Obi’s current involvement with a coalition movement stands contrary to the party’s official stance, as “the party did not authorize any coalition move.”
4. House Of Reps Drops Compulsory Voting Bill
The controversial Compulsory Voting Bill has been withdrawn by Nigeria’s House of Representatives following widespread criticism from the public.
The decision was made known in a Monday statement by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. His spokesperson, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, explained that the move was aimed at facilitating broader consultations with stakeholders and embracing inclusive democratic engagement.
Abbas acknowledged that while countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil have successfully implemented similar policies, Nigeria might require a uniquely tailored approach.
5. Solomon Dalung Reveals Reason Behind Northern Discontent With Tinubu
Former Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has shed light on the reasons for Northern Nigeria’s growing displeasure with President Bola Tinubu.
Dalung noted it wasn’t about political appointments but the adverse economic conditions fueled by Tinubu’s policies, which he argued have worsened poverty nationwide.
According to Naturenex, Dalung accused the administration of “weaponizing poverty” while government officials lived extravagantly at the expense of citizens. In an interview with Vanguard, he remarked that although Northerners strongly backed Tinubu in the 2023 elections, the resulting economic hardship has caused significant resentment.
6. Sheikh Ahmad Gumi Deported From Saudi Arabia
Popular Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has confirmed his deportation from Saudi Arabia and exclusion from participating in the 2025 Hajj.
According to Naturenex, Gumi announced the incident via his official Facebook page on Monday. Although granted a visa, he was reportedly prevented by immigration authorities from proceeding to Medina after arriving on a flight operated by Umza Air on Saturday night.
Gumi, part of a delegation sponsored by Nigeria’s Hajj Commission (NAHCON), was denied entry at the airport, ending his religious plans.
7. Nollywood Actor Suffers Internal Bleeding After Scene With Zubby Michael
Nollywood actor Godwin Nnadiekwe has been hospitalized with internal bleeding following a violent, unscripted incident on a movie set involving fellow actor Zubby Michael.
As reported by Naturenex, Nnadiekwe narrated the event through his Instagram account, revealing that Michael kicked him hard in the chest during a scene not authorized by the director, leading to his injury.
He stated the incident caused severe pain and necessitated urgent, costly medical care. Nnadiekwe’s management later confirmed his condition worsened, prompting emergency hospitalization.
8. Korra Obidi In Mid-Flight Dispute Over Outfit
Popular Nigerian singer and dancer, Korra Obidi, got into an argument with a flight attendant over her dressing, which was deemed inappropriate for boarding.
Korra, known for her revealing outfits, shared a video of the confrontation on Facebook on Sunday, May 26, 2025. In the clip, the attendant insisted she couldn’t board as dressed, while Korra retorted that her attire was nobody’s business.
The airline’s staff stressed that a dress code policy existed. Korra eventually complied, covering up with a jacket.
9. Super Eagles And Super Falcons Gear Up For Friendlies
Excitement is mounting in the camps of Nigeria’s senior football teams ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
As of Monday evening, 18 out of 23 invited Super Falcons players had arrived at Am2pm Hotel in Ijebu-Ode ahead of back-to-back matches against Cameroon. The fixtures will hold on May 31 at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo and June 3 at MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
Players such as Rasheedat Ajibade, Michelle Alozie, Toni Payne, and Francisca Ordega had already reported to camp.
Meanwhile, in London, 22 of the 26 Super Eagles players have settled in at Doubletree Hilton Ealing, preparing for the Unity Cup Invitational Tournament. Nigeria will face Ghana on May 28 at the Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford, with their second match set for May 31, contingent on results from the Jamaica vs. Trinidad & Tobago tie on May 27.
10. Erik Ten Hag Becomes New Bayer Leverkusen Head Coach
Former Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag has been appointed as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, succeeding Xabi Alonso, who departed to join Real Madrid after leading Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title.
The 55-year-old Dutchman inked a deal running until June 2027.
Ten Hag, addressing the press after his unveiling, expressed excitement, stating: “Bayer is one of the best clubs in Germany and also belongs to the expanded European elite.”
That concludes today’s roundup of major Nigerian headlines. Stay informed with more updates on Naturenex. See you tomorrow.
