Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 29th June, 2025.
1. Nigerian Business Mogul, Aminu Dantata Buried In Madina, Absentia Prayer Held In Kano
Elder statesman and billionaire businessman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, has been laid to rest in Madina, Saudi Arabia, in accordance with his final wish to be buried beside his late wife, Rabi Dantata.
Naija News had earlier reported that the philanthropist, who is also an uncle to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, passed away at the age of 94 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in the early hours of Saturday and was subsequently flown to Saudi Arabia for burial.
Though he was laid to rest in the holy city of Madina, a funeral prayer in absentia, known as Salatul Ga’ib, was held in his honour on Saturday at the Umar Bin Khattab Mosque in the Kano metropolis.
The prayer was led by the Chairman of the Kano State Council of Ulamas, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, who explained that Salatul Ga’ib is offered for Muslims who pass away outside their homeland or in places where funeral rites cannot be performed.
He was joined by the Commandant General of the Kano Hisbah Board, Sheikh Ibrahim Daurawa, as well as thousands of sympathisers and dignitaries.
2. ‘It Is Better You Kill Me In The State House’ – Jonathan Speaks On Enduring Tension During Yar’Adua’s Ill Health
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has narrated what transpired between him and some northerners when his former boss, Umar Yar’Adua, was battling ill health.
Naija News reports that Jonathan, who spoke in an interview with the Rainbow Book Club about his memoir, ‘My Transition Hours,’ said he endured tension in the Presidential Villa while serving as Vice President.
He said there were conspiracies aimed at booting him out of the Presidential Villa in a bid to deny the South the opportunity to succeed Yar’Adua.
Jonathan revealed that at some point, when Yar’Adua was out of the country due to his deteriorating health condition, he was advised by some friends to vacate the Presidential Villa for his safety.
Jonathan said he turned down the advice to stay away from the State House regardless of what might happen to him.
3. ‘Yar’Adua’s Aide Stopped Me From Overseeing Nigeria’s Affairs Despite Letter To National Assembly’ – Jonathan
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has recalled how an aide to his late principal and ex-president, Umar Musa Yar’Adua, stopped him from overseeing Nigeria’s affairs.
Naija News reports that Jonathan, in an interview with the Rainbow Book Club about his memoir ‘My Transition Hours’, said Yar’Adua wanted to hand over the affairs of the country to him during his illness and absence, but a presidential aide refused to submit the letter to the National Assembly.
Without revealing the name of the presidential aide, Jonathan stated that the late Yar’Adua had sent the letter when he was away on a medical trip.
According to Goodluck Jonathan, despite the critical illness of Yar’Adua, the country was without a President, and there was no Acting President when the Vice President could take up such responsibility.
4. INEC Confirms Move To Register Coalition Party, ADA
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has communicated with the advocates of the proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA) to confirm receipt of their application for registration as a political party in Nigeria.
In a correspondence dated June 27, 2025, and signed by the Secretary of the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC acknowledged that the application submitted by ADA’s Protem National Chairman on June 19, 2025, is currently under review.
The Commission concluded its correspondence by expressing its highest regards to the applicants, a customary yet formal indication that the application will receive appropriate consideration.
“The Commission is processing your application in line with the provision of Part 1, clause 2(ii) of our Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022,” the letter stated.
Naija News reports that if registration is successful, ADA will become part of an expanding roster of political platforms presenting themselves as alternatives to Nigeria’s leading parties in anticipation of the upcoming 2027 electoral cycle.
INEC announced earlier this week that it has received 110 applications for registration as political parties.
5. ‘Going For Leisure When You Couldn’t Visit Niger State Where People Died’ – Peter Obi Blasts Tinubu
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s planned departure to Saint Lucia and Brazil for the BRICS summit.
Naija News reports that the former governor of Anambra State described the trip as a grave misstep at a time when Nigerians face deep economic deprivation and widespread insecurity.
In a post via 𝕏 on Saturday, Obi wrote that Tinubu’s travel arrangements reveal a misplaced agenda prioritising political optics over citizens’ urgent needs.
6. ‘Why Ganduje Resigned As APC Chairman’
In a stunning development, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has resigned with immediate effect, citing health reasons.
Naija News reports that Ganduje’s abrupt departure triggered shock among staff and visitors at the party secretariat, with his aides reportedly clearing his office belongings on Friday.
Ganduje attributed his decision to declining health, stating he needed to prioritise his well-being. However, party insiders suggest a deeper motive tied to internal power calculations.
A party source who spoke on the development with Vanguard said, “A lot of people are scheming to be picked as running mate to President Tinubu in 2027. Many of the names being touted are from the North West. If eventually the slot is taken to the North West, the party chairman will definitely have to come from another place.
“Do not also forget that the position of national chairman was actually officially zoned to the North Central. So, we are likely to see the emergence of a new chairman from the North Central.”
7. ‘Our Party Remains The Most Coherent Political Platform With Unmatched Records Of Reforms’ – APC Govs
Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu‘s Renewed Hope Agenda, after engaging in deep reflection on the nation’s socio-economic direction.
Naija News reports that the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), during a two-day strategic regional meeting in Benin City, Edo State capital, hosted by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo stated that the APC remains the most institutionally coherent political platform in Nigeria, with unmatched records of reforms, electoral success, and national unity.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, Fred Itua, on Saturday, June 28, 2025, the PGF encouraged all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to rally behind Tinubu and the APC as the nation moves toward a more secure, inclusive, and forward-looking future.
The Forum acknowledged the resignation of the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as being in tandem with the party’s continued evolution.
The PGF reaffirmed its strong commitment to a united, just, and prosperous Nigeria, pledging to work collaboratively to deliver bold reforms, strengthen institutional trust, and accelerate socio-economic development across all geopolitical zones.
Governors resolved to remain faithful to APC values, leveraging technology, innovation, and inter-governmental collaboration to drive Nigeria’s transformation from the bottom up.
8. Fubara Speaks Again After Meeting With Tinubu, Wike, Rivers Lawmaker
The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, on Saturday, assured supporters that his recent reconciliation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was driven by the overriding need for peace, stability, and progress in the state.
Naija News reports that Fubara, while speaking in Port Harcourt, admitted that although the decision may have caused disappointment among some loyalists, it was made after thorough consultations with political stakeholders and trusted allies.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor emphasised that the peace deal was not a personal decision, but one reached through collaboration.
He noted that every step of the reconciliation process involved discussions with political allies, adding that while it may be painful for some supporters, the broader goal of preserving the state’s unity must take precedence.
The suspended Governor of Rivers State also expressed concern about how the protracted political crisis had affected governance in the state.
He acknowledged that numerous development projects across Rivers had experienced delays due to the unrest, but expressed optimism that with the reconciliation in place, progress would resume swiftly.
9. Popular Film Producer Reportedly Dies In Canada
Renowned Nigerian film and stage producer, Kayode Peters, has reportedly died in Canada.
His passing was confirmed on Friday by popular comedian Steve Onu, also known as Yaw, in a statement to Peoples Gazette.
While details surrounding Peters’ death remain unclear, Yaw acknowledged the loss, noting efforts to contact the late producer’s brother for more information.
“Yes, he is,” Yaw said when asked if Peters had passed.
“I am still trying to speak with his brother but he is not picking.”
Kayode Peters was celebrated for his pioneering work in Nigeria’s television and theatre industry.
He gained recognition for directing and producing several hit stage plays and sitcoms, most notably Extended Family and the classic early 2000s comedy series Flatmates.
Widely regarded as a trailblazer in contemporary Nigerian entertainment, Peters’ influence shaped the careers of many actors and comedians.
10. Palmeiras Ends Botafogo’s 2025 Club World Cup Journey
Palmeiras defeated Botafogo 1-0 on Saturday to advance to the Club World Cup quarterfinals, all thanks to substitute Paulinho, who scored the game-winning goal in extra time.
Naija News understands that the winger entered the game at the same moment as Palmeiras coach, Abel Ferreira, substituted teenage sensation Estevao Willian, a decision that seemed puzzling at the time but turned out to be wise.
When Paulinho received a pass from Richard Rios on the right flank in the 100th minute of the match, he had the time and space to enter the box and slam a low shot into the far corner.
The Palmeiras supporters who made up the great majority of the 33657 spectators inside Lincoln Financial Field celebrated wildly after that. The Sao Paulo team managed to win the match in the round of 16 even though captain Gustavo Gomez was sent off late in the game.
Palmeiras, the 2020 and 2021 Copa Libertadores winners, will now remain in Philadelphia for a quarterfinal matchup with Chelsea or Benfica, who play later Saturday in Charlotte.
With nearly every opportunity going to the men in green, they had been the more dangerous team throughout this matchup between the top two teams from the Brazilian league the previous year.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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