Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 20th July, 2025.
1. Too Little, Too Late, You Cannot Buy The North – ADC Fires Tinubu
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the recent announcement of appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “desperate, cynical attempt to buy back the trust that he has spent over a year squandering, particularly in Northern Nigeria.”
In a statement to Naija News signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC dismissed the so-called appointments as “too little, too late.”
The party added that Tinubu cannot marginalise a region for over twenty-five months and expect applause because “you suddenly remembered on the twenty-sixth month that Nigeria is bigger than Lagos State.”
According to the ADC, these appointments are nothing more than “political panic management.”
It stated that the appointments are a frantic attempt to bandage the gaping wounds inflicted on Northern Nigeria by over a year of calculated neglect, presidential arrogance and unprecedented nepotism.
2. Akpoti-Uduaghan Insists On Senate Resumption Despite Akpabio’s Appeal
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has declared her intention to resume duties at the Senate on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in line with a court judgement, despite an appeal filed by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, challenging the decision.
Naija News reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who spoke during a community empowerment programme in her constituency, said her suspension may have slowed her down legislatively, but it did not deter her from serving her people.
Speaking with determination, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker stated, “I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God.
“I will be there, because the court did make the decision on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision.”
Her comments follow a recent clarification that the court did not explicitly issue an order compelling the Senate to reinstate her but ruled on the legality of her suspension.
While reflecting on the impact of her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan said it limited her ability to fulfil the legislative aspect of her duties, but did not stop her from representing her constituents.
3. ‘It’s A Big Lie’ – Fashola Speaks On Emergence Of Coalition
Former Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola has dismissed reports that the present administration is trying to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise on Saturday, Fashola said the emergence of a coalition led by opposition leaders in Nigeria dispels such claims.
According to the former Minister of Power, Works and Housing, with the emergence of a coalition, Nigeria may benefit from what he called the “reawakening of opposition from what has been a long slumber”.
He said: “Well, there are many things to take away from those developments. I think perhaps the first is that it puts a lie, a big lie, to the story making the rounds about eight weeks ago that Nigeria was going to become a one-party state because there is an opposition of some quality, whatever that quality may be.
“I respect the rights to associate, and Nigeria perhaps benefits from the reawakening of opposition from what has been a long slumber, if you ask me. The opposition essentially abdicated its responsibility over the last two years.”
Fashola stated that the coalition had a responsibility to provide a compelling alternative message, a manifesto to convince Nigerians.
4. ‘I Am Investigating 18 Sitting Governors’ – EFCC Chairman, Olukoyede
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that the anti-graft agency is currently investigating 18 sitting governors across the country.
Naija News reports that Olukoyede made the revelation on Friday during a sensitisation programme in Lagos aimed at educating stakeholders, including movie producers and Bureau de Change operators, on the dangers of naira abuse and mutilation.
According to the EFCC boss, although some governors are shielded by constitutional immunity, investigations into their financial activities have already commenced. He said the agency would take appropriate action once their tenures expire.
He stressed that the EFCC does not need to wait until a governor leaves office before initiating an investigation.
Narrating a dramatic encounter involving a former Nigerian governor, Olukoyede recounted how the ex-governor was arrested in the United Kingdom for spraying pound sterling notes during a birthday party.
Olukoyede stated that the former governor in question fled Nigeria to the UK the day after he handed over power.
5. What To Know About £3,500 Per Day Elite London Clinic Where Buhari Died
The London Clinic, following the death of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has come under public scrutiny over its reputation as one of the United Kingdom’s most exclusive private hospitals.
Naija News recalls that Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the Harley Street-based hospital after reportedly suffering a relapse just hours before his anticipated discharge.
According to Buhari’s nephew, Mamman Daura, the former President was in high spirits on the eve of his death and was being prepared for discharge when his health suddenly deteriorated.
Although the exact cause of death was not made public, Buhari had a history of recurring health issues. His former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, announced the death on Sunday.
Founded in 1932, The London Clinic has long been recognised as a haven for global elites seeking world-class medical care. It is situated in London’s medical district on Harley Street and has served members of the British royal family, world leaders, and affluent patients from around the globe.
The facility is best known for its expertise in cancer care, digestive health, orthopaedics, robotic surgery, and intensive care.
Its 2021 financial report revealed that the hospital sees over 120,000 patients annually and operates with more than 900 surgeons and physicians. The hospital houses 13 intensive care beds, 10 operating theatres, five Macmillan Cancer Support Centres, and offers advanced robotic surgical technology including the da Vinci Xi and ExcelsiusGPS systems.
The hospital’s reputation for excellence comes at a significant financial cost. UK-based Nigerian doctors familiar with the clinic told The Saturday Punch that consultations range from £100 to £750, CT scans cost around £500, and major surgeries start at £10,000 and can reach £13,000, depending on their complexity.
6. Stop Playing God – Eze Tells Wike Over Attacks On Amaechi
A former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has issued a stern warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, urging him to desist from “playing God” and attacking his former boss, Rotimi Amaechi.
Naija News reports that Eze made the remarks in a statement released on Friday, July 18, describing Wike’s recent comments as arrogant, reckless, and a reflection of a bloated ego.
Eze criticised Wike’s public commentary, claiming the FCT Minister conducts himself as though he controls the fate of his political adversaries.
He further accused Wike of boasting with finality on matters only God can determine, especially in his thinly veiled jab at Amaechi during a recent event attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Eze warned that Wike lacks the political capacity to determine the future of the former Minister of Transportation, whom he described as the architect of Wike’s political success.
7. Osun Senators’ Defection To APC Triggers Fresh Rumours Of Adeleke’s Exit From PDP
The recent defection of two Osun State senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has sparked a flurry of speculations regarding the political future of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Naija News had earlier reported that Senators Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central) resigned from the PDP in separate letters dated June 21, 2025, citing “irreconcilable differences” within the party.
Following their exit, tension has gripped both PDP and APC camps in the state, as many believe Adeleke may be the next to jump ship.
The development has thrown the political space into a frenzy, especially among governorship hopefuls in the APC, some of whom are openly opposing Adeleke’s potential entrance into the party.
The ripple effect of the ongoing political tension has also reportedly stalled governance in Osun, with government activities grinding to a near halt in recent weeks.
According to Vanguard, the former Deputy Governor of Osun State and ex-National Secretary of the APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore, while reacting to the growing rumour, warned Governor Adeleke against what he described as an attempt to “join the APC through the backdoor.”
8. Anambra PDP Governorship Candidate, Ezenwafor Escapes Assassination In Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the forthcoming Anambra State election, Jude Ezenwafor, narrowly escaped death on Friday night after he was attacked and shot by unidentified gunmen in Abuja.
Naija News reports that Ezenwafor, who is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in the nation’s capital, confirmed the incident to journalists on Saturday morning, disclosing that doctors were preparing to perform surgery to remove bullets lodged in his body.
Narrating the harrowing experience, the visibly distressed politician revealed that the attack occurred around the Wuse 2 area of Abuja while he was on his way home from a private appointment.
9. Veteran Nollywood Actor, Tom Njemanze Is Dead
The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor, Tom Njemanze, who passed away at the age of 75.
Naija News learnt that Njemanze died on Friday after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.
The actor had been battling health issues for some time. Earlier, in a heartfelt video posted on Instagram, filmmaker Stanley Ontop revealed that Njemanze was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had appealed for financial assistance for urgent surgery.
Njemanze rose to fame in the 1990s, starring in several classic Nollywood films that have stood the test of time.
His film credits include Tokunboh, Pounds and Dollars, Atosa, Issakaba, Osuofia in London, Brain Box, and Igbotic Love, among others.
Known for his powerful voice, expressive delivery, and magnetic stage presence, Njemanze carved a niche for himself in the hearts of movie lovers across the country and the diaspora.
Since news of his death broke, tributes have continued to pour in from across the entertainment industry. Colleagues, friends, fans, and family members have expressed shock and sadness, describing him as a humble, talented, and unforgettable actor.
10. Real Madrid, Man United, Barca, Others Are No Longer Club World Cup Winners
FIFA has announced that the winner of the 2025 Club World Cup will receive an impressive $125 million, marking the highest prize money for a club football tournament structured around a seven-game format.
The world football governing body, FIFA ,has officially reclassified the Club World Cup, stripping past champions of the title.
This means that top European clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Manchester City are no longer Club World Cup winners.
The global football governing body has now declared that only Chelsea, winners of the 2025 edition, can legitimately be called FIFA Club World Cup winners, and, by extension, world champions.
All other previous winners, regardless of their history or dominance in the competition, will now bear the title FIFA Intercontinental Champions.
The decision affects legendary clubs like Real Madrid, who won the tournament five times, as well as Manchester United, who were crowned in 2008, and Barcelona, who lifted it three times.
The shift in recognition stems from the newly expanded format of the tournament, which debuted in 2025. For the first time, 32 clubs from six football confederations competed in a single-event showdown, similar to the structure of the men’s FIFA World Cup.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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