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Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Saturday, 2nd August, 2025.
1. ‘President Tinubu Rewarding State Governors For Doing The Wrong Things’
A former National Vice Chairman (Northwest) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Luman, has alleged that most Governors are not using the monthly allocations they get to develop their states.
He acknowledged that funds available to the states have improved since the coming of President Bola Tinubu, but most of the governors divert the funds for personal use.
Lukman, who has since defected to the coalition-led African Democratic Congress (ADC), also blamed President Tinubu for “rewarding” governors who mismanage and divert public resources.
Naija News reports that he made the submissions while speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Friday.
Lukman added that the state governors have become increasingly arrogant to the people because there is no accountability from them.
2. ‘There Is No Alliance’ – Gov Adeleke Speaks On Dumping PDP For ADC
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has dismissed reports that he is planning to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the new opposition coalition in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Naija News reports that rumours had emerged claiming that the Osun State Governor is plotting to form an alliance with the ADC ahead of the 2026 State Gubernatorial election.
But reacting in a statement on Friday, Adeleke’s Spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, affirmed that the Governor remains in the PDP and is going to win, with wide margins, the 2026 governorship elections.
Governor Adeleke urges PDP members to forge ahead with the ongoing strengthening of the party structures across all levels to prepare for a fresh victory next year.
3. APC Planting Moles In ADC, Plans To Weaken Opposition Ahead Of 2027 – Party Chieftain Alleges
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Abdullahi Umar, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of infiltrating opposition parties in a bid to crush dissent ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Umar made the allegation while reacting to the recent action of Alhaji Nafiu Bala, who declared himself as the national chairman of the ADC.
According to Umar, the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are “scared of any form of opposition” and are resorting to desperate measures to dismantle other political parties.
He alleged that this is not the first time the ruling party has infiltrated opposition camps.
Umar, however, maintained that despite the infiltration attempts, the ADC remains a strong alternative platform for Nigerians.
4. “It Is No Longer A Secret” – Yunusa Speaks On Peter Obi Returning To PDP
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, has confirmed that Peter Obi is in discussions with several political stakeholders.
He confirmed that Obi is in talks with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other stakeholders with the focus on building a better Nigeria.
He, however, added that while the discussions are not a secret affair, no concrete decisions have been made regarding the platform Peter Obi would likely run on for the 2027 presidential election.
Yunusa also affirmed the Labour Party chieftain’s commitment to a better Nigeria, adding that the ongoing discussions are not about Obi’s personal ambition, but about rescuing Nigeria.
“It is no longer a secret. The PDP has made and is still making overtures. They are beckoning on Mr. Peter Obi — several of their leaders have spoken publicly about this.
“However, like our principal has said time and again, he remains open to discussions that will lead to the rescue of Nigeria from our present precarious socio-economic predicaments.
“It has never been about Peter Obi as a person. It has always been about Nigeria and the Nigerian people,” he said on Thursday, according to Vanguard.
5. Tinubu: ‘Any Attempt To Replace Shettima Will Backfire’ – APC Youths Warn Ahead Of 2027 Polls
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth in the North-East Zone has cautioned party leaders against moves to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima on the party’s ticket for the 2027 general election.
The group warned that such a decision could damage the party’s unity and President Bola Tinubu’s re-election chances.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Bauchi, the group’s chairman, Kabiru Kobi, described the speculation over Shettima’s possible substitution as “a dangerous rumour capable of destabilising the APC.”
Kobi stressed that the APC Youth Parliament remains firmly behind the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, describing the duo as tested and trusted leaders who have demonstrated the capacity to steer the country through challenging times.
6. ADC Rejects Bala’s Claim To Party’s Leadership, Releases Resignation Letter
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed the claim of its former Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Nafiu Bala, to the party’s national chairmanship.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Bala, who previously served as the ADC’s national deputy chairman, accused the David Mark-led interim leadership of unlawfully taking over the party in breach of its constitution.
He said the constitution of the ADC contains explicit provisions outlining succession procedures and processes for filling vacant positions.
The chieftain said in line with the party’s constitutional guidelines, he has assumed the role of interim national chairman of the party.
Bala asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to “urgently” acknowledge and recognise him as the party chairman.
But reacting swiftly, the ADC national publicity secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed Bala’s claim.
He substantiated the dismissal of the claim with the release of Bala’s resignation letter as deputy national chairman on May 17, 2025, where he said he resigned his position for a smooth and effective coalition and restructuring.
According to the resignation letter, addressed to the party’s national chairman in Abuja at No.4 Oyo Street, Area II, Garki, Abuja, his departure took effect on May 26, 2025.
Bala’s resignation letter, as released by the ADC spokesman, was titled, “Letter of resignation as deputy national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)”
7. ‘APC Is Damaged, Worse Than The PDP’ – Lukman
A former National Vice Chairman (Northwest) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, says the party is damaged.
According to Lukman, the APC is currently worse than the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He placed the blame for the damage to the APC at the feet of its past leaders, accusing them of betraying the trust the people had placed in them.
Naija News reports Lukman made the allegation during a Channels Television interview on Friday.
Lukman, who recently defected to the coalition-led African Democratic Congress (ADC), however, said the coalition would handle things differently.
He submitted that the ADC has learnt from the mistakes of the APC and if the party produces Nigeria’s next president in 2027, the leaders would ensure elected officials remain accountable.
He vowed that those elected on the ADC platform would be guided to deliver on their campaign promises to the people.
8. ‘Evil Blanket Covering Nigeria, Leaders Doing Nothing To End Hardship’ – Paul Enenche
Leader of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Pastor Paul Enenche, has raised alarm over the worsening hardship in Nigeria.
Naija News reports that the clergyman described the country as being spiritually trapped while citizens continue to suffer in silence.
He stated that the level of poverty and economic pain across the nation has gone beyond what people should accept as normal.
According to him, Nigeria is under a dark cloud that is making citizens endure harsh conditions that should ordinarily spark public anger.
Enenche shared that church members now line up after services not to seek spiritual guidance or prayer, but to request help for basic needs like rent, school fees, food, and hospital bills.
He noted that pastors are increasingly overwhelmed because of the burden of these requests.
He blamed the Nigerian leaders for ignoring the widespread hardship and acting as though everything was fine.
He described their attitude as careless and disconnected from the reality faced by ordinary Nigerians.
9. ‘This Is Exactly What Was Done To Mohbad, I Will Not Allow You To Kill Me’ – Jigan Babaoja Cries Out Over Threats
Yoruba Nollywood actor, Jigan Babaoja, has raised alarm over a series of threats to his life after his personal phone number was leaked online.
Naija News reports that the thespian voiced his concern following the controversy involving a WhatsApp group chat linked to the late singer Mohbad’s death and Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo.
In a post via Instagram on Thursday, Jigan said he has been receiving threatening messages and accused some social media users of harassment and cyberbullying, noting it is a similar situation to that of the late Mohbad.
The movie star called on the Nigerian Police Force to intervene in the situation, warning that he would not be intimidated and was prepared to take legal action against those responsible for the threats.
10. Alexander Isak: Liverpool May Pull Out After £110 Million Bid Rejected By Newcastle
Liverpool are prepared to end their pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak after seeing their £110 million bid turned down.
The Premier League champions had hoped to lure Alexander Isak to Anfield this summer but were met with firm resistance from the Magpies, who are reportedly holding out for a staggering £150 million valuation.
While initial talks between the clubs began in July, Newcastle’s stance has remained that Isak is not for sale. Despite that, Liverpool formally submitted a £110 million offer on August 1, which was promptly rejected.
BBC Sports’ report indicates Liverpool may now walk away from the deal, with insiders suggesting the club sees little chance of successfully negotiating a transfer under the current circumstances.
Naija News reports that Isak, 25, was left out of Newcastle’s pre-season squad for their tour of Asia, with the club attributing his absence to a “minor thigh injury.”
However, reports in England assert that the player is eager to consider a move away, despite Newcastle’s qualification for this season’s UEFA Champions League.
He has reportedly been training alone at his former club Real Sociedad, where he remains a fan favourite following his successful spell in La Liga before joining Newcastle in 2022 for £60 million.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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