Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Tuesday, 1st July, 2025
1. 2027: Peter Obi Speaks On Serving One Term, Handing Over To North
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has declared that he will once again contest for Nigeria’s highest office in 2027, stressing that he is prepared to serve only one term if a coalition agreement requires it.
Naija News reports that Obi made the disclosure on Sunday night while engaging supporters during a live interactive session on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) Space.
The former Anambra State Governor clarified that he is not in any alliance talks with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any politician involving a joint presidential ticket.
While confirming that he is involved in coalition discussions, Obi insisted that his participation is strictly driven by the urgent need to reposition Nigeria.
Obi urged Nigerians to join him in his mission to rescue the country, assuring that he would stabilise the nation within two years if elected.
2. PDP NEC Affirms Samuel Anyanwu As National Secretary
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially affirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary, putting an end to weeks of internal wrangling over the position.
Naija News reports that this was made known by the Acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, on Monday after the conclusion of the NEC meeting held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
He said the resolution was one of the key decisions reached during the closed-door session, which brought together major stakeholders across the party’s national structure.
The affirmation of Anyanwu comes amid a period of growing tension within the PDP, with rival factions laying claim to the secretary position, fuelling confusion and uncertainty.
3. Court Grants Kogi Senator Natasha Bail On Fresh Charge
Embattled Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has been granted bail on self-recognition in a case involving her and the federal government.
Naija News reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan made herself available on Monday morning before the Federal High Court in Abuja for her second arraignment over alleged defamation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
The suspended lawmaker, who represented Kogi Central, was accompanied to the court today by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan; Human Rights activist Aisha Yesufu; and several supporters.
It could be recalled that on June 19 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared before the Federal Capital Territory High Court for the first time on similar charges.
The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, denied the Federal Government’s request to issue a bench warrant against her for her failure to appear in court during the prior hearing.
However, the Federal Government has filed a new six-count charge against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal High Court.
4. 2027: Gov Sule Cautions Aspirants, Says He’ll Publicly Endorse Successor
The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, has appealed to political stakeholders, particularly governorship aspirants within the All Progressives Congress (APC), to avoid actions that could heat up the polity as the 2027 race draws closer.
Speaking during an APC stakeholders’ meeting for Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone held on Sunday in Keffi, the governor called for maturity, unity, and adherence to due process, assuring that the party’s primaries will be free and fair.
Governor Sule, while urging aspirants to put party interest above personal ambition, disclosed that he would name his preferred successor at the right time.
He, however, reminded party faithful that true power comes from God, saying leadership is ultimately determined by divine will.
5. Troops Kill Terror Kingpin In Zamfara, Foil Logistics Supply In Borno – DHQ
The Defence Headquarters on Sunday announced that troops of Operation Fasin Yamma have neutralised a notorious terrorist kingpin, Mai Dada, in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Naija News reports that Mai Dada, described as a wanted and deadly terrorist commander, had been terrorising several communities across the North-West region before meeting his end during a counteroffensive operation.
This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, during updates on nationwide military operations from June 25 to 26, 2025.
In a related development, troops of Sector 3 in Monguno, Borno State, intercepted a vehicle conveying logistics suspected to be meant for terrorists.
6. ‘We Will Ensure That The Best Among Us Emerges As Candidate’ – Peter Obi Speaks On Who Will Contest Against Tinubu
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has stated that it is too early to disclose his next move should the coalition fail to nominate him as its flagbearer.
Naija News reports that Obi stated this amid growing anticipation over the shape and leadership of the proposed opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi made the remark during a virtual engagement hosted by ParallelFact on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, where he fielded questions from supporters and political observers.
Responding to a question about what he would do if the coalition of opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, does not adopt him as its presidential candidate, Obi said the coalition has yet to adopt a party.
He stressed that discussions were still ongoing and assured his followers that he remained committed to inclusive politics.
7. I Am Not Coming – Speed Darlington Dares NAPTIP, Demands ₦2.5 Million To Appear
Controversial singer, Darlington Okoye, also known as Speed Darlington, has vowed not to honour the invitation of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) except he is paid ₦2.5 million.
Naija News reports that the Agency had invited the singer for questioning after he claimed to have had s3x with a 15-year-old girl in a live Instagram video.
He, however, failed to honour the agency’s invitation. NAPTIP subsequently declared him wanted.
Speaking via a video shared on his Instagram account on Monday, Darlington stated that NAPTIP was using his name to chase clout.
He vowed not to honour the invitation, insisting that he had committed no crimes and his reckless speech in the video was the only wrong thing he had done.
He added that the agency is only just reacting to some social media users who drew their attention to his video and asked that the agency go after him.
8. ‘Sola Sobowale Is Not Even Older Than Me, What She Did Pained Me’ – Nollywood Actor, Lalude
Veteran Nollywood actor, Lalude, has expressed anger over an incident that transpired between him and his colleague, Sola Sobowale.
Naija News reports that Lalude, in an interview with ‘Behind the Fame: African A-List’, said Sola failed to exchange pleasantries with him at a show.
The thespian said Sola Sobowale’s action was surprising and also pained him because the actress was aware that he was also at the show.
According to Lalude, he knew when Sobowale joined the movie industry, adding that regardless of living abroad, the thespian is not truly wealthy.
9. Pep Guardiola Agrees With Klopp Over “Worst Idea Ever” Tag On Club World Cup
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has backed Jurgen Klopp’s comment that the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup tournament is the “worst idea ever implemented.”
Note that the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup features 32 teams for the first time in the history of the competition, and the tournament runs for nearly a month.
While commenting on the revamped competition, Klopp stressed that the ongoing tournament has prevented players and officials from having a break ahead of next season.
Guardiola, who is currently preparing his players to face Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16, said he wasn’t surprised by Klopp’s comments.
Guardiola recalled that while Klopp was the manager of Liverpool, he and the German tactician had always spoken against the overloaded schedule.
10. Kwara United Use Trailer For President Federation Cup Trophy Parade
Earlier on Monday, June 30, Kwara United stormed the city of Ilorin to celebrate their triumph in the 2025 President Federation Cup using a trailer.
Naija News reports that Kwara United defeated Abakaliki FC 4-3 on penalties after recording a 0-0 draw in regulation time of the President Federation Cup final played at Onikan Stadium on Saturday, June 29.
The governor of Kwara state, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Nigeria Football Federation president, Ibrahim Gusau, and other dignitaries, attended the final.
To celebrate the victory which is Kwara’s first major title in the history of the state, the club held a trophy parade which started from the Eiyekorin axis of the state.
Pictures which emerged online from the trophy parade showed Kwara United players and officials on a trailer dancing and singing in tune with a set of drummers accompanying them.
The club’s decision to use a trailer for the Harmony Boys’ trophy parade instead of an open bus like in the case of Remo Stars has generated criticism on social media.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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