Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Sunday, 21st September, 2025

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 21st September, 2025.

1. Leaders Who Fail Must Be Voted Out Through Proper Elections – Jonathan

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has said leaders who fail to deliver on their promises should be voted out of office if credible elections are conducted.

Naija News reports that he warned that electoral manipulation remains one of the biggest threats to democracy in Africa, stressing that unless stakeholders come together to rethink and reform governance, democracy on the continent risks collapse.

Jonathan spoke at the 2025 edition of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue held in Accra, Ghana.

In a statement on Saturday, Communications Officer at the Foundation, Wealth Dickson Ominabo, quoted Jonathan as saying that where democracy fails to meet expectations, desperation often paves the way for authoritarianism.

Jonathan said, “Democracy in Africa is going through a period of strain and risks collapse unless stakeholders come together to rethink and reform it. Electoral manipulation remains one of the biggest threats in Africa.

“If we had proper elections, a leader who fails to perform would be voted out. But in our case, people use the system to perpetuate themselves even when the people don’t want them.”

The former President noted that Africans want more than elections; they desire freedoms, equity, and dignity.

2. Tinubu Directs Shettima To Lead Nigeria’s Delegation To UNGA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which is being held in New York, United States of America.

Naija News reports that the 80th UNGA will hold between Monday, September 22 and Sunday, September 28, 2025.

This was made known in a statement on Saturday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.

Senator Shettima, who is scheduled to join other leaders at the global event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, slated for Monday, September 22, at the UN headquarters in New York, will also join other dignitaries at the high-level general debates from Tuesday, September 23, to Sunday, September 28.

On behalf of President Tinubu, Shettima will also deliver Nigeria’s national statement on Wednesday, September 24, between 3:00 pm and 9:00 pm, New York time.

Besides, the Vice President will attend a special event on Climate for Heads of State and Government to be hosted by the UN Secretary-General on Wednesday, September 24, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, where Nigeria is expected to announce its new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Senator Shettima is also slated to attend the high-level roundtable of the Global Champions on Adequate and Affordable Housing to be hosted by the President of Kenya on September 24 and attend to other bilateral meetings and events.

3. Tinubu Illegally Shortened Fubara’s Tenure By Six Months, The Governor Should Go To Court – Okonkwo

Nollywood actor cum politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has accused President Bola Tinubu of illegally depriving Governor Siminalayi Fubara of his full constitutional four-year tenure by the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.

Naija News reports that Okonkwo, in a statement released on Saturday via his 𝕏 account, insisted that Fubara’s administration should run until November 29, 2027, rather than the conventional May 29, 2027, to compensate for the period lost during the state of emergency.

The Labour Party chieftain urged Fubara to challenge the impact of the six-month state of emergency declared by President Tinubu on his tenure as the Governor of Rivers State.

Citing Supreme Court precedent, Okonkwo noted that the Apex Court had established that governors must complete four full years from their swearing-in date.

According to his calculation, ending Fubara’s tenure on May 29, 2027, would shortchange Rivers people of six months of democratic governance.

Okonkwo also warned that conducting gubernatorial elections in Rivers State before November 29, 2027, would be unconstitutional, warning that the precedent being set could affect future democratic processes across the country.

4. We Are Under Intense Pressure – CPC Speaks On Endorsing Atiku

The Forum for State Chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) has dismissed claims that it has endorsed the 2027 presidential candidacy of former vice president, Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement jointly signed by Kasim Mabo (National Chairman), Sulaiman Oyaremi (National Secretary), the Forum distanced itself from the recent visit of a few of its members to Atiku.

They described the move as misleading and unrepresentative of the group.

They clarified that out of its 37 members, 16 have pledged allegiance to the former Vice President, while 20 remained firmly committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The statement claimed that opposition leaders and associates of Atiku had exerted pressure on the Forum, offering promises of financial inducement to lure members away from the governing party.

5. PDP Tells Tinubu To Prepare Handover Note Ahead Of 2027

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked President Bola Tinubu to begin preparing his handover note, insisting that Nigerians will not renew his mandate in 2027.

Speaking at the PDP state secretariat in Yola on Friday, the Organising Secretary of the Adamawa State chapter of the party, Hamza Madagali, said Nigerians had lost patience with the current administration.

He accused the All Progressives Congress of lacking vision and direction, describing its policies as “human and economic unfriendly.”

“Nigerians are ready to end the leadership of the present government, come 2027,” Madagali said.

The PDP chieftain pointed to the party’s successful ward congresses in Adamawa as a sign of growing unity that could translate into electoral victory.

Reacting, an APC chieftain, Seye Oladejo, dismissed PDP’s chances of unseating President Tinubu, arguing that defections from the opposition party show it is losing relevance.

“I agreed that he should, but he should be handing over to himself again as the president after the 2027 elections. PDP is just a party that exists on paper,” Oladejo said.

He accused the PDP of inconsistency in its zoning arrangements and claimed the 2027 elections would finally bury the party.

6. Fubara Confessed That He Is The Crisis In Rivers State – APC Chieftain

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Taofiq Raimi, has stated that the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, acknowledged that there was an intense political crisis that led to the declaration of a state of emergency for six months.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television, he argued that Fubara’s submission has put to rest the question of whether there was a crisis in Rivers.

Raimi also claimed that Fubara admitted to being part of the crisis in the state.

According to him, “This has put to rest the controversy as to whether there was any crisis at all.

“The governor identified three principal actors in the crisis- his predecessor and current Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. He even described him as “our leader”, that’s quite good.

“He also mentioned that he is the crisis himself and the State Assembly. After acknowledging the role played by the actors, he also acknowledged that the president did well as a father to midwife and broker a peaceful resolution.

“The third element in his speech is the fact that he said that peace has returned and they will now focus on the continuation of the democratic rule and the fact that they will continue to seek ways to develop their state.”

7. Sack All Of Ibas Appointees – APC Chieftain Advises Fubara

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has advised the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to sack all appointees of the Sole Administrator over the past six months.

Naija News reports that during the six-month suspension the sole administrator, Ibok-Ette Ibas has made some appointments.

However, speaking via a statement, Eze urged Fubara to sack all of Ibas’ appointees and ensure that nobody imposes commissioners on him.

Eze also called on President Bola Tinubu to reassure Fubara that he will be protected.

The Governor must be assured that he is not set up for further embarrassment by the funny members of the State Assembly through any impeachment move.

He said failure to do this, the Governor should invoke his full powers as the Executive Governor of the State.

8. Tinubu To Grace Ladoja’s Coronation As 44th Olubadan Of Ibadanland

President Bola Tinubu will be in Ibadan on Friday, September 26, 2025, to attend the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Naija News reports that the ceremony will take place at the historic Mapo Hall grounds, attracting Yoruba monarchs, state governors, political leaders, business figures, and thousands of Ibadan indigenes at home and abroad.

The coronation is the peak of a weeklong celebration that begins on Monday, September 22.

According to the planning committee, the events will start with an interdenominational service at the Olubadan Palace, followed by a cultural fiesta on Tuesday at Olubadan Stadium.

A lecture will be held on Wednesday at the University of Ibadan, while Thursday will feature a praise and worship concert tied to Oba Ladoja’s 81st birthday.

The grand ceremony comes up on Friday, and a thanksgiving service on Sunday at Oke Padre Cathedral, with a Jumat service on October 3, will close the programme.

Security has been placed at the centre of the preparations, with more than 2,000 operatives from the Police, Civil Defence, DSS, Amotekun Corps, and OYRTMA expected to maintain order during the celebrations.

The Oyo State Government also confirmed that the event will be broadcast live on television, radio, and online platforms for Nigerians in the diaspora.

9. Why I Can Never Return To BBNaija House Even If Given A Chance – Seyi Awolowo

Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Seyi Awolowo, has made it clear that he will never return to the reality show under any circumstance.

Naija News reports he spoke about this during a recent podcast where he shared his thoughts on life after the show.

Seyi, who is the grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, explained that his journey on BBNaija is already in the past and he has no intention of revisiting it.

He said he has taken his lessons, accepted his setbacks, and moved forward with his life.

The actor and model added that even if the opportunity came, he would not step back into the house or change anything about the way he played the game.

According to him, his experience has already shaped his story and there is no need to relive it.

Seyi also touched on the criticism he faced during and after his time on the show.

He admitted that he once allowed negative voices to get to him, whether from uneducated individuals or from educated people who ignored the truth for their own reasons.

Although he dismissed any possibility of returning as a contestant, he joked that the only role that could interest him would be hosting the show, if he were ever asked to replace Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.

10. Nkechi Blessing Rains Curses On Person Behind Viral Gym Photo

Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing Sunday, has reacted to the viral gym photo that drew criticisms online.

Naija News reports that she directed her anger at the person who secretly captured and shared the image, asking how they felt after doing so.

She stated that she has handed the matter over to God, warning that the individual will one day cry for help but find none.

According to her, all the health challenges that took her to the gym will be transferred to the person responsible and their future generation.

Nkechi added that she has many questions for the individual but has chosen to let God take charge of the situation, insisting that nothing can stop her.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.

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