Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, 28th May, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 28th May, 2026.

1. Some Families Can’t Celebrate Children’s Day – Tinubu Gives Update On Abducted Oyo Pupils

President Bola Tinubu has assured families of children kidnapped in parts of Nigeria that the government is still working to bring them home safely.

Naija News reports that in a statement released to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, the President said this year’s theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” serves as a reminder that children are at the centre of the nation’s future and must be protected at all times.

Tinubu said the day, which also falls during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, is painful for some families in Oyo and Borno states because some children and teachers are still being held by kidnappers.

According to him, while many families are celebrating, others are living in fear and sadness as they wait for the return of their loved ones.

The President told the affected children, parents and teachers that the government has not forgotten them.

He added that authorities would continue rescue efforts until those abducted are safely reunited with their families and those behind the crimes face punishment.

Tinubu revealed that he has instructed security agencies to continue and increase rescue operations across the country.

He said the operations must be carefully planned with proper intelligence gathering to ensure the safe return of abducted children and other vulnerable citizens.

He also announced fresh steps to improve safety in schools located in dangerous areas.

2. NDC Announces Date For Primaries, Issues Stern Warning

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that its primary elections will commence on May 28, 2026, and it will drop its planned electronic voting system for the exercise.

Naija News reports that the NDC, in a statement issued on Wednesday, May 27, by its National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, admitted that time constraints and the need to meet up with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable forced it to abandon electronic voting.

The party also said the decision followed extensive hours of deliberations involving the National Chairman, presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, members of the National Working Committee, and the Selection Committee.

The party praised the screening panel chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor, Sam Egwu, for handling an overwhelming number of aspirants and commended aspirants and supporters who donated to the party and adopted its platform for their political ambitions nationwide.

The party explained that only successful candidates would later report to the secretariat to complete documentation, pay for nomination forms, and meet other requirements.

While warning against violence during the primaries, the NDC insisted it would sanction any aspirant or supporter found engaging in intimidation or disorderly conduct.

3. Atiku Wins ADC Presidential Primary Election

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has been declared the winner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election.

According to the final results declared, Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes to defeat his other challengers and emerge as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

Naija News recalls that Atiku contested the ADC presidential primary against former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and businessman, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Amaechi, on his part, polled 504,117 votes while Hayatu-Deen got 177,120 votes.

The ADC highlighted that its registered membership stands at 3,113,599, while total votes cast in the primary election were 2,527,977.

4. ‘Jonathan Is Contesting 2027 Presidency’

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Fred Agbedi, has claimed that former President Goodluck Jonathan, is contesting the 2027 presidency.

Speaking on Wednesday during an interview with Channels Television, Agbedi, a member of the House of Representatives, said Jonathan will contest the 2027 presidency on the platform of the PDP.

He, however, failed to confirm which of the PDP factions Jonathan will be contesting on.

“I have told you even as at the interview after the court, President Jonathan is contesting under the Peoples Democratic Party,” the Bayelsa lawmaker said.

Asked which of the factions Jonathan will contest on, Agbedi replied, “Whichever one you want to describe.”

Agbedi added that the faction loyal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, is not recognised by the law and their decision to pick Senator Sandy Onor as their presidential candidate is null and void.

5. Presidency Wants VDM Prosecuted Over Alleged Fake Tinubu Audio

The Presidency on Wednesday said social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), should face the law over the circulation of an alleged fake audio purportedly involving President Bola Tinubu.

Naija News reports that the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the call in a post on 𝕏.

Onanuga accused VDM of spreading false content on social media. The presidential aide described the circulation of the audio as an abuse of social media.

“This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu. This is a clear case of an egregious abuse of the social media platform,” Onanuga wrote.

Onanuga was reacting to a post by an 𝕏 user identified as Aneex, who questioned why some people believed the voice in the audio belonged to Tinubu.

6. Senator Omo-Agege To Join NDC After Dumping APC

Former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and is expected to announce his membership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

A source close to the former Delta Central senator confirmed the development on Wednesday to The Whistler, saying Omo-Agege submitted his resignation on May 22 before making his exit public.

“He has left APC. He will announce NDC soon,” the source said.

“You can call it an earthquake because Omo-Agege was one of APC’s biggest political figures in Delta.”

According to the source, supporters and loyalists of the former senator are expected to move with him to the NDC.

In his resignation letter addressed to the APC chairman in Orogun Ward 2, Orogun, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Omo-Agege said his political objectives were no longer aligned with the party.

7. It Was Because Of Davido – Chief Priest Opens Up On Clash With Burna Boy

Nigerian entrepreneur and celebrity barman, Chief Priest, has opened up on his rift with Afrobeats star, Burna Boy.

Chief Priest claimed that Burna Boy attacked him because of his close relationship with Davido.

Naija News reports that the businessman made the claim during an appearance on The Beat 99.9 FM on Wednesday.

Speaking during his interview, Chief Priest disclosed that his journey to success began with an apprenticeship and years of hard work, adding that fame and financial growth often attract envy and criticism.

He further stated that Davido has consistently supported his businesses and personal projects.

8. I Have Developed Thick Skin – Pretty Mike Reacts To Backlash Over Controversial Appearances

Nigerian socialite and businessman Mike Nwogu, also known as Pretty Mike, has opened up about the reason behind his dramatic appearances at celebrity parties and public events.

Naija News reports that the nightlife figure is famous for showing up with dancers, unusual costumes and attention-grabbing displays.

In an interview with Echo Room, he said he sees his actions as part of entertainment and performance art rather than something negative.

Pretty Mike explained that he already knows people may react differently to his stunts before carrying them out. According to him, some moments receive praise online while others attract criticism, but he has trained himself not to be bothered by public reactions.

He said he has developed a strong mindset over the years and no longer allows online comments or backlash to affect him emotionally. He added that he usually reminds himself that public conversations around his actions only last for a short time before people move on to something else.

9. Mikel Arteta Backs Arsenal To Shock PSG In Champions League Final

Coach Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are heading to Budapest believing they can become champions of Europe for the first time after finally ending their long wait for a Premier League title.

The Gunners sealed their first league crown since 2004 and now turn their attention to Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The French side arrive as favourites after dismantling Inter Milan 5-0 in last season’s final, but Arteta insists Arsenal are travelling with confidence rather than fear.

The 44-year-old spoke after collecting the Premier League manager of the year award at the League Managers Association dinner in London on Tuesday night.

Arteta also paid tribute to David Moyes for helping him settle into English football after signing him at Everton in 2005.

He reserved special praise for his coaching staff, describing them as “instrumental” to Arsenal’s rise.

10. FG Approves VAR, Anti-Doping Lab For MKO Abiola Stadium

The Federal Government has approved the installation of Video Assistant Referee technology and an anti-doping laboratory at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja as part of a sweeping overhaul of sports infrastructure across Nigeria.

The development was announced on Wednesday by the National Sports Commission through its official 𝕏 account, which described the intervention as the first phase of a nationwide sports revival project aimed at restoring facilities to international standards.

According to the commission, the upgrade at the Abuja stadium will go beyond VAR and anti-doping facilities. Plans also include rehabilitation of tracks and floodlights, improvements to media and athlete areas, and the construction of a High Performance Centre alongside new training pitches.

The government also approved the redevelopment of the existing 200-room athletes’ hostel into a fully functional hotel. Medical facilities inside the complex are expected to receive new equipment as part of the modernisation drive.