Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 10th August 2025.
1. 2027: ‘I Know His Weakness, I Will Defeat Tinubu’ – Amaechi
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed confidence that he can defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election if he emerges as the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking on Saturday during an 𝕏 Spaces conversation, Amaechi said he knows Tinubu “very well” and is aware of his strengths and weaknesses.
He stated, “I tell you, I’ve not had an election against Tinubu. I know Tinubu very well. I know his strengths. I know his weaknesses. And I know that if allowed to fly the flag of ADC, I will defeat Tinubu for sure.”
Amaechi insisted that he has never engaged in election rigging, adding that he has consistently rejected invitations to serve on the All Progressives Congress (APC) election planning committees.
2. ‘We Will Work Together’ – Ambode Reveals Preferred Presidential Candidate, Speaks On Dumping APC For ADC
Former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has declared his total backing for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
In a statement on Saturday, Ambode, who pledged full commitment to the President’s re-election campaign, distanced himself from speculations linking him to a governorship ambition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
While describing the reports as “false publications” aimed at causing distractions, the former governor expressed loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He described Tinubu as a proven achiever and result-oriented leader whose administration has delivered significant reforms in pensions, student loan accessibility, youth empowerment, and national economic growth.
Ambode also pointed to the elimination of fuel scarcity, improved security measures, and policies designed to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
3. Peter Obi Won 2023 Rivers Election – Rotimi Amaechi
A former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, won the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State.
He, however, stated that he has no idea how the results were changed to favour the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Amaechi stated this while speaking during an X Space discussion on Saturday.
“I can agree with you to some extent that Obi won Rivers State. But I don’t know how the results were changed,” Amaechi said.
Amaechi’s comments add another twist to the controversy over the outcome of the February 2023 election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner.
INEC declared that the APC garnered 231,591 votes in Rivers State, while LP polled 175,071 votes.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, finished third with 88,468 votes.
4. ‘I Challenge Any Politician To Come Forward That I Was Part Of Rigging’ – Amaechi
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that he has never taken part in election rigging at any point in his political career.
Speaking on Saturday during a conversation on 𝕏 Spaces, the former Rivers State governor threw an open challenge to his critics.
“I challenge any politician, living or dead, to come forward and say I was part of rigging,” he said.
Naija News reports that Amaechi alleged that electoral malpractice in Nigeria often involves state governors and the diversion of public funds through government agencies.
He vowed never to be part of such acts, insisting that if elected president in 2027, his administration would focus on ending election rigging.
“I will never participate in any rigging whatsoever, and I will not do it. What I promise to do now, going forward, is to stop rigging,” he said.
Amaechi maintained his readiness to apologise if anyone could provide evidence linking him to electoral fraud.
5. Former Minister, Audu Ogbeh Dies At 78
Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, has died at the age of 78.
Audu Ogbeh’s family announced his passing in a statement earlier on Saturday, confirming that the elder statesman died peacefully on August 9, 2025.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather; Chief Audu Ogbeh. He passed away on the 9th of August 2025 at the fulfilled age of 78,” the statement read.
The family described the late Ogbeh as a man who “departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to our nation and community.”
They added, “We are comforted by the many lives he touched and the example he set.”
The statement noted that details of his funeral arrangements would be made public in due course, while expressing gratitude to friends, colleagues, and well-wishers for their prayers and support. “We will appreciate some privacy at this time while we mourn the loss of our patriarch,” it concluded.
Audu Ogbeh, a seasoned politician and administrator, served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development between 2015 and 2019.
6. ‘We Did Not Torture Sowore’ – Police Reveal What Transpired In Detention
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has said it is compelled to address and correct the recent wave of disinformation being peddled in connection with the lawful arrest and detention of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
In a statement to journalists, Force Spokesperson, DCP Muyiwa Adejobi, described Sowore as a figure known for manipulating public narratives and weaponizing propaganda to malign state institutions and their leadership, particularly the office of the Inspector-General of Police.
He stated that contrary to the falsehoods being circulated, Sowore was arrested based on credible, corroborated allegations involving criminal offences such as forgery, cyberstalking, and other infractions currently under active investigation.
Adejobi said the arrest was effected in full compliance with extant legal provisions, and with strict adherence to constitutional safeguards, due process, and the rights of the suspect.
7. ‘No Cold War’ – Ganduje’s Aide Reveals Ex Governor Consulted Tinubu Before Resignation
Muhammed Garba, the chief of staff to former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed speculations of a rift between the immediate-past Kano State Governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Naija News reports that rumours of a rift between the duo emerged following the sudden resignation of Ganduje as the ruling party’s national chairman in June 2025, citing health issues.
But in an interview with Daily Trust, Garba stated that there is no cold war between his principal and President Tinubu.
He said: “You see people can say anything they want to say based on their understanding. But take it from me, there is nothing like a cold war between Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. People keep initiating issues that are not true and keep spreading fake news on issues they know nothing about.
“I don’t know why they want to force imaginary things into reality just for their own selfish political reasons.”
According to Garba, Ganduje’s resignation as APC’s national chairman has not affected his relationship with the president.
He also made it clear that Ganduje was not removed but voluntarily resigned after consulting with Tinubu to get his approval.
8. ASUU Warns Of Fresh Strike Over Unresolved Labour Disputes
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that Nigerian public universities may once again be plunged into industrial action if the Federal and state governments fail to address unresolved labour issues urgently.
In a statement issued from its Festus Iyayi National Secretariat Complex at the University of Abuja, ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, cautioned that recent assurances by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, that there would never again be strikes by university lecturers, would remain “wishful thinking” unless backed by concrete action.
Piwuna stated, “Our members are tired of endless memoranda and promises. No memorandum or discussion can take the place of a Collective Bargaining Agreement which fully addresses staff welfare and the environment for productive work. The time to act is now.”
ASUU lamented that lecturers across Nigerian public universities are overburdened and under-supported, teaching on empty stomachs, conducting research in poorly equipped facilities, and engaging in community service without adequate resources.
The union noted that academics struggle to meet basic needs such as children’s school fees, rent, and other responsibilities, yet are unfairly blamed for producing “unemployable graduates” and failing to drive innovation.
9. Cubana Chief Priest Denied US Visa To Attend Davido’s Wedding
Popular Nigerian socialite and businessman, Cubana Chief Priest, has revealed that he will be absent from the white wedding of his close friend and Afrobeats star, Davido, after being denied a United States visa.
Taking to his Instagram page, the celebrity barman said he woke up with “mixed feelings” knowing he would miss one of the most critical events in his best friend’s life.
“You can clearly see how disappointed and hurt the world is to see me absent at my best friend’s wedding,” he wrote.
Cubana Chief Priest also used the post to make a public appeal to the Nigerian government and the United States Mission in Nigeria (@usinnigeria) to assist him in securing a visa.
“I appreciate the bashing, because that has given me multiple reasons and proof to apply again @usinnigeria. Do it for me this time,” he pleaded.
He went on to extend his well-wishes to the couple, “I’m wishing my best friend @davido & his beautiful wife @thechefchi an amazing wedlock.”
10. UEFA Fines Barcelona Stars Yamal, Lewandowski Over Anti-Doping Protocol Breach
Barcelona forwards, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, have been hit with €5,000 fines each by UEFA for failing to comply with post-match anti-doping procedures after the club’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Inter Milan.
The European football governing body’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body confirmed the punishment on Friday, stating that both players “failed to report immediately to the doping control station” at the San Siro, as mandated by competition rules.
Spanish outlets Marca and AS reported that the violation was purely procedural and not related to a failed drug test. The incident occurred following Barcelona’s 4-3 loss in Milan, which sealed their exit from the tournament.
In addition to the players’ fines, UEFA imposed €20,000 penalties and one-match suspensions on head coach Hansi Flick and assistant Marcus Sorg for misconduct and breaching the organisation’s general principles of conduct.
The pair were deemed to have acted improperly during and after the match.
Barcelona, as a club, was also sanctioned, receiving a combined fine of €7,750 to €5,250 for objects thrown onto the pitch and €2,500 for fireworks ignited by supporters during the semi-final clash.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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