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Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Tuesday, 25th August, 2026.
1. 2027: Why Opposition Coalition Has Been Unable To Produce A Single Candidate – Amaechi
The vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has blamed personal ambition for the difficulty opposition leaders face in producing a united candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
He said nobody is willing to give up amid calls for the opposition to present a united front to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naija News reports that the former Minister of Transportation made the disclosure on Monday during a panel session at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 2026 Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Amaechi, however, defended his record in public office, saying the projects his administration completed in Rivers State during his tenure as Governor are still visible.
Speaking ahead of the 2027 polls, he also charged Nigerians to shun ethnicity and assess candidates based on their track record.
2. It’s Political Undertone – Oyo Govt Knocks FG Over Makinde’s Absence At Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road Flag-off
The Oyo State government has protested the exclusion of Governor Seyi Makinde from the flag-off of the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.
Naija News reports that the federal government flagged off the project at Idi Ayunre on Monday.
While the flag-off was attended by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Sarafadeen Alli, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Governor Makinde was not invited to the occasion.
Reacting to the development, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the governor’s exclusion has a political undertone linked to the forthcoming 2027 elections.
He expressed displeasure over what he described as the deliberate exclusion of Makinde from an event concerning a major federal road project within the state.
Oyelade said excluding Makinde from the ceremony amounted to taking partisan politics beyond acceptable limits, given the importance of the road project to Oyo State and the wider South-West region.
The commissioner also faulted the explanation that Makinde was not invited because he was on leave, arguing that the presence of an Acting Governor meant the state had adequate representation available for the event.
Oyelade said Makinde’s absence from the state could therefore not reasonably have been used as justification for excluding the Oyo State Government from a major federal infrastructure event taking place within its territory.
3. We Are Not Going To Sell Nigeria – Aisha Yesufu Reveals Why She Rejected House Of Reps Ticket
Human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu, has opened up on the reason she decided to decline the House of Representatives ticket offered to her under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections.
She explained that she refused the ticket because she is not ready to compromise her integrity.
Naija News reports that Yesufu disclosed this in an interview on Symfoni TV.
According to her, accepting the offer was based on specific conditions which she refused to accept.
She said that people do not seek power by force, noting that she is not ready to compromise her integrity over anything.
Yesufu argued that she does not intend to sell Nigeria, adding that she would not make promises she would never fulfil.
4. Our Flyover Not Included In ‘White Elephant’ Projects Tinubu Complained About – Aiyedatiwa
The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not give a blanket instruction for governors to stop constructing flyovers in their respective states.
Speaking on Monday during the flag-off of the 2.38-kilometre flyover project at Oba Adesida Road in Akure, the state capital, Aiyedatiwa explained that the project is being undertaken for the good of the people.
He also warned people against misquoting the words of the President as touching projects being embarked upon by state governors.
Naija News reports that Aiyedatiwa spoke against the backdrop of a recent submission by President Bola Tinubu during a meeting with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, at the State House in Abuja, in which he warned governors against building flyovers that have no economic benefit to the people in areas with low traffic.
He charged them to instead use the increased government funding to improve living standards and give security agencies better access to remote areas.
Speaking against this background, Aiyedatiwa said the 2.38-kilometre flyover project at Oba Adesida Road in Akure, was necessary to ease traffic congestion in the heart of the city.
5. Narrative Around Tinubu’s Certificate Distracting – Ndume
Former Senate Leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ali Ndume, has described the controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic qualifications as a distraction.
Concerns have been raised over the president’s certificates following the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s publication of the academic qualifications of 19 presidential candidates and their running mates.
Naija News reports that Ndume shared his thoughts on the situation in a press statement on Monday.
Ndume stated that opposition figures should not focus on Tinubu’s credentials.
He argued that Tinubu has met the eligibility requirements for the office and dismissed the insinuation that his secondary school certificate should have been attached.
According to Ndume, opposition parties should focus on Tinubu’s policies and performance as a sitting President rather than his eligibility for the office, which he noted had been settled by litigation arising from the 2023 presidential election.
6. National Disgrace – Atiku Knocks Tinubu Over Fresh Killings In Niger State
Former Vice President of Nigeria and 2027 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has described the reported killing and abduction of several persons in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State as a national disgrace.
Speaking on Monday in a statement by his media office, Atiku said the reported killing of more than 40 Nigerians is another indictment on the country’s failed security architecture under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He accused the government of deploying reactionary tactics after terrorists attack, kill innocent citizens and disappear before security forces appear.
Atiku said the reported Borgu attack represents a familiar tragedy where terrorists attack, kill and disappear before security forces arrive.
Naija News reports that the former Vice President said enormous security spending means little if farmers cannot reach their farms, travellers fear the highways and terrorists can invade communities and abduct citizens almost at will.
7. Tears As Ogogo Is Buried In Ilaro
Tears and grief enveloped Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday as the remains of veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, were laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.
Naija News reports that family members, friends, colleagues and sympathisers gathered in the actor’s hometown to bid farewell to the 66-year-old film star, whose death has left the Yoruba movie industry mourning.
A video from the funeral proceedings showed mourners carrying Ogogo’s remains to the burial ground as the final rites got underway.
Among those present was his longtime friend and colleague, Yinka Quadri, who was visibly overwhelmed with grief and broke down in tears.
Quadri was seen crying uncontrollably as those around him tried to console him.
8. ‘Poco Lee Remanded In UK Prison, Court Fixes Date For Hearing’
Popular Nigerian dancer Iweh Odinaka, also known as Poco Lee, has been remanded in prison in the United Kingdom over an alleged assault offence.
Naija News understands that the singer and dancer is expected to appear before a London court in September over an alleged assault offence, according to Benjamin Kuti, popularly known as the Oluomo of Derby, founder of the community of Nigerians in the United Kingdom.
Speaking to The PUNCH on Monday, Kuti said Poco Lee is currently in a UK prison and is scheduled to appear before the Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15, 2026, at exactly 10 am.
According to him, he was informed of the case because he regularly attends court proceedings and supports Nigerians involved in legal matters in the UK.
Kuti said a plea hearing would ordinarily involve the accused entering either a guilty or not-guilty plea.
9. Terem Moffi Joins Hamburg In Permanent Move From OGC Nice
Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi has completed a permanent transfer to Bundesliga club Hamburg from Ligue 1 side OGC Nice.
The Nigeria international joins Die Rothosen as their seventh signing of the summer transfer window as the German club continues to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
Moffi, 27, has been handed the number nine shirt and will look to hit the ground running in the Bundesliga after embarking on a new chapter in his career.
Moffi, who has played club football in six different countries, arrives at Hamburg with vast experience and an impressive scoring record of 88 goals and 13 assists in 228 competitive appearances.
The striker said he looks forward to contributing more than goals to his new team.
10. Diego Simeone Apologises To Lookman Over Striker Role At Atletico Madrid
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has apologised to Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman for playing him as a makeshift central striker, admitting that the Nigerian has sacrificed his preferred position to help the team.
Simeone explained that a shortage of fit forwards forced his tactical decision. Alexander Sørloth remains sidelined by injury, while Julián Álvarez is pushing for an exit, leaving Lookman to lead the attack from a central position.
The Argentine coach revealed that he personally apologised to Lookman in the dressing room after recognising the sacrifice the winger had made for the team. Simeone praised the 28-year-old for his attitude and willingness to adapt despite playing in a position that does not suit his natural game.
“I apologised to Ademola Lookman, first, in the locker room, telling him: ‘I know it’s not your place, you were supposed to help us because right now Alexander Sørloth is injured, Julián Álvarez is recovering very well, and he’s the one helping us,’” Simeone said in comments reported by Futbol Fantasy.
The 56-year-old admitted that the central role has taken Lookman away from the areas where he poses the greatest threat. He described the Nigerian as a player who enjoys running at opponents, dribbling, scoring and taking defenders on in one-on-one situations.
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