Nigerian Newspapers
Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Sunday, 24th August, 2025
Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 24th August, 2025.
1. It Is Not A Must That I Become President – Atiku
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has stated that he is not desperate to be president and is more interested in a better Nigeria.
He said this while speaking at an affirmation ceremony for new defectors in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Saturday in Lagos.
Some PDP and LP party bigwigs proclaimed their membership in ADC at the ceremony.
Abubakar, the guest speaker at the programme, was represented by Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State.
The former PDP candidate, along with some like-minded opposition politicians, recently resigned his membership of the party to join ADC.
Abubakar said he was not desperate to lead the country, but rather eager for a better, more secure, and prosperous one.
Olateju said, “Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria. So, it’s not about him being the president. It’s about having a better government, a good government, that will be able to deliver for Nigerians.
“It’s not a personal thing for him, and that’s why some of us are with him. It’s not about Atiku having to be president at all costs.
“ADC, to us, is not a political party. It is a movement, a movement of Nigerians for a better Nigeria.”
He said that the movement in ADC was for repositioning the country and taking it to great heights.
2. Details Of PDP Governors’ Meeting In Zamfara Emerge
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is doomed to face rejection from Nigerians in 2027
Naija News reports that the forum made this known in a communiqué issued on Saturday after a meeting in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara state.
The meeting was attended by Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa State), Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Douye Diri (Bayelsa State), and Ademola Adeleke (Osun State).
The governors said they deliberated on several issues during the meeting, including the state of the nation, the security situation, erosion of democratic values, and the efforts to reposition the PDP and make adequate preparations for its forthcoming national convention.
According to the communiqué, the governors expressed commitment to rescuing Nigerians from the APC’s divisive governance style, whose policies have continued to cause hardship and misery.
The governors commended party supporters for their steadfastness and loyalty in the “face of serious intimidation and untold anti-democratic actions of the APC-led federal government in the last by-election”.
The forum alleged that the recent by-election in some states was over-militarised and characterised by widespread irregularities, vote buying and violence.
While reaffirming its support for the national convention slated for November, the governors urged members to resist all attempts to derail the convention by anti-party forces.
They added that despite the defections witnessed in the PDP, the party is still appealing to Nigerians.
3. ‘Your Assertions Do Not Reflect The Position Of Our Party’ – ADC Fires Back At Datti Baba-Ahmed
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has tackled the 2023 Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, over criticism of the opposition coalition.
Naija News reports that Baba-Ahmed dismissed the opposition coalition under the platform of the ADC, saying the alliance is ‘deceiving Nigerians’ with promises to rescue the country from underdevelopment.
However, the ADC in a statement signed by the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Jackie Wayas, said Baba-Ahmed’s assertions are his personal opinions and do not reflect the position of the ADC or its coalition partners.
The ADC emphasised that its coalition remains a collective effort to unite opposition forces and present a credible alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The party also extended an olive branch to Baba-Ahmed, describing him as a respected voice and urging him to join the coalition.
Reiterating its mission to unite the opposition around a transformative agenda, the ADC called on Nigerians to rally behind it in the task of rescuing the nation.
The statement stressed, “Nigerians deserve clarity and unity in the pursuit of a better future. Let us rally behind the ADC and rescue Nigeria.”
4. It’s Already Too Late For Peter Obi To Become Nigeria’s President – Deji Adeyanju
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has asserted that it is too late for the Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to become Nigeria’s president.
Naija News reports that Adeyanju made this known in a post via X, stating that former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has better chances at the presidency than Peter Obi.
According to Adeyanju, even if Peter Obi’s supporters, known as Obidients, change strategy, the former governor of Anambra State cannot be the Nigerian President.
He wrote, “Even if Obidients change strategy and become born again, stop political extremism and insulting people online, their candidate cannot be president of Nigeria. It’s too late already.
“Even Atiku has a better chance at the presidency than Obi. That’s how bad his chances are.”
5. Tinubu Did Not Remove Fuel Subsidy – ADC’s Kachikwu
Former Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, has vowed to revise some policies of the Tinubu government, including the removal of fuel subsidies, if elected president in 2027.
In an interview with Vanguard, he argued that removing subsidies is not a bad policy. However, poor Nigerians should not be forced to pay the “price of our inefficiencies or our inability to manage a subsidy system.”
He noted that the right thing to do is not to stop the scheme but to go after the corrupt individuals, “prosecute them to the full extent of the law and bring sanity into the system.
He said, “That’s what we ought to have done. But when I say this, I want to juxtapose this against the situation President Tinubu met on the ground.
“He didn’t remove the fuel subsidy. We must be careful about saying that the President removed fuel subsidies on the day of inauguration.”
6. Peter Obi Discloses Why He Missed Burial Of Ex-Super Eagles Star, Peter Rufai
Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has stated that he could not attend the burial of ex-Super Eagles Star, Peter Rufai, because he was not aware of the burial date.
Obi stated this during a condolence visit to the family on Saturday morning.
Naija News reports that the late Rufai was buried in Lagos on Friday.
Obi commiserated with them, encouraged them to be strong, and offered a prayer for the soul of the former Super Eagles goalkeeper. He was accompanied by ex-international Sylvanus Okpala.
Peter Rufai’s younger brother, Bruce, his sisters, Bosede and Dele, and other family members received Obi, who, after keeping them company for about one hour, signed the condolence book at their residence in Amuwo Odofin.
Bruce lives in Spain and returned to Nigeria for the burial.
“I’m here to say I’m very sorry about the passing of our great goal keeper. I didn’t know about the date of the burial in time. I only knew about it yesterday and I was in Abuja.
“I flew into Lagos this morning and I’m here straight from the airport. I would have attended the burial if I heard of the date in time. Please, be consoled. May his soul continue to rest in peace,” Obi said in his opening remarks.
The family said that they were moved and comforted by the visit.
7. ‘No One Is Above The Law’ – Presidency Defends EFCC Over Atiku Son-In-Law’s Case
The Presidency has backed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after the anti-graft agency declared Abdullahi Haske, businessman and son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, wanted for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Haske, founder of AA & R Investment Group, was placed on the EFCC’s wanted list after allegedly breaching the terms of his administrative bail and failing to honour the commission’s invitations.
According to an insider at the EFCC who spoke to Punch, the businessman has been under investigation for several months over alleged corruption and disappeared after securing bail.
Reacting to the development, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, alleged political persecution, claiming that the investigation could be an attempt by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to target opposition figures.
“Our concern is that we hope the young man is not being victimised on account of being an in-law to the former Vice President. Tinubu has shown the capacity to use the instrument of the state to harass and intimidate opposition,” he told the aforementioned publication.
However, the Presidency dismissed the allegations as unfounded.
Speaking through Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, the Presidency insisted that EFCC was acting within its mandate.
8. Alaafin And Ooni Could Be Under A Spell – Traditional Worshippers
The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association in Osun State has claimed that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, are under a spell.
The President of the group, Oluseyi Atanda, stated that the repeated clashes between the two monarchs suggest that a spell is involved.
The hostilities between the traditional rulers were reopened on Monday after the Alaafin faulted Ooni’s decision to confer the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on a businessman, Dotun Sanusi.
Speaking to Punch, Atanda said members of the association needed to perform rituals to settle the disputes between the two frontline Yoruba monarchs.
He expressed concern over the outbursts of the two monarchs, warning that their aides should be cautious.
The gynaecologist said it was unfortunate that the monarchs, who identified with the traditional religion, found themselves in such a needless quarrel.
Atanda said, “The two monarchs are traditionalists. We are from the same father. What could have caused the fight? May we not be under spell in Yorubaland. What is happening could be a spell from some people who don’t want the Yoruba race to unite.
“What is happening can turn into a serious crisis; before you know it, some Yoruba monarchs will be queuing behind Alaafin, and others will align with Ooni, and there will be a crisis.”
Asked if he meant that Alaafin and Ooni were under a spell, Atanda said, “It can be a spell. What is the reason for the quarrel? Both kings are wealthy, influential and exposed.”
9. ‘99% Of Nigerian Men Cheat’ – Nollywood Actress, Bimbo Akintola
Veteran Nollywood actress, Bimbo Akintola, has claimed that the majority of men cheat in Africa.
Naija News reports that the thespian, during a podcast interview with her colleague, Ayo Adesanyan, said infidelity is so deeply rooted in Nigerian culture that most men cannot escape it.
Bimbo further stated that women should be realistic about relationships and cheating, instead of living in denial.
She said, “The majority of our men cheat. Your father cheated, sir. Sorry, I’m sorry. Your grandfather did. Polygamy, polygamy. Yes, my father has two wives.
“I don’t know where this idea of fidelity came from in Africa. The reality is 90 to 99% of our men cheat, it’s ingrained in them. Some even grew up following their fathers to see girlfriends.
“You leave one man because he cheated, you go to another, the same problem. Jessie cheated on Beyoncé. Did she leave? No. So please, let’s talk about the reality we are facing.”
10. Cristiano Ronaldo Remains Trophyless As Al-Nassr Loses Saudi Super Cup Final
Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of a first major title with Al-Nassr will have to wait a little longer after the Saudi giants fell to Al-Ahli in a dramatic Saudi Super Cup final earlier today, August 23.
The clash, played in front of a charged crowd, ended 2-2 in regulation time before being settled on penalties. Ronaldo had given Al-Nassr the perfect start by coolly converting from the spot, his 100th goal for the club, sparking wild celebrations from the yellow half of the stadium.
But Al-Ahli were determined not to be overawed. Former Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessié drew them level before the break, punishing a lapse in Al-Nassr’s midfield.
In the second half, Marcelo Brozović thought he had secured the trophy when his late strike restored Al-Nassr’s lead. Yet, just when victory seemed within reach, Roger Ibañez rose highest to nod home a dramatic equaliser for Al-Ahli.
With neither side able to find a winner in extra time, the contest went to a tense penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Édouard Mendy proved the difference, producing a vital stop from Abdullah Al-Khaibari’s fourth kick.
Moments later, Wenderson Galeno stepped up and buried his effort to hand Al-Ahli their first Super Cup triumph since 2016.
The defeat prolongs Ronaldo’s wait for silverware in Saudi Arabia, despite his personal milestone of being the first player to score at least 100 goals for four different clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr, as well as the Portugal National team.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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