Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 28th August, 2025
1. We Have Endorsed Tinubu, But Other Aspirants Can Contest – APC
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that despite endorsing President Bola Tinubu as its preferred candidate for 2027, the presidential primary remains open to other aspirants.
The party’s national organising secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, disclosed this at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
The party dismissed speculations that it would print one presidential nomination form solely for Tinubu and exclude other party chieftains from the contest.
While confirming that both the National Working Committee (NWC) and various state chapters had adopted Tinubu as the preferred candidate, the Organising Secretary insisted the process remain open.
2. ‘Nothing Has Been Done’ – ASUU Accuses FG Of Failing To Honour Agreements
The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Chris Piwuna, has accused the Federal Government of refusing to implement agreements reached with the union despite several rounds of dialogue.
Piwuna, who spoke on Wednesday during an interview with Daily Trust, said ASUU has always prioritised dialogue but lamented that none of the negotiated items had been enforced.
The ASUU leader stressed that the union had consistently shown good faith by attending every meeting convened by government officials.
According to Piwuna, collective bargaining with the government’s negotiation team had produced mutually accepted documents, but the process remains stuck.
The ASUU president linked the mass exodus of academics and medical professionals to poor pay and harsh working conditions.
3. ADC Crisis Deepens As Bala Declares Self Chairman, Resumes Office
The leadership tussle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took a new turn on Wednesday after Nafiu Bala assumed office as the party’s National Chairman.
Naija News reports that Bala, who addressed journalists at the party headquarters, declared himself the authentic leader of the ADC, citing the provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
Bala explained that his emergence followed the resignation of Ralph Nwosu as National Chairman, insisting that the ADC constitution made him the rightful successor.
Following Nwosu’s resignation, former Senate President, David Mark, was announced as Interim National Chairman.
But Bala faulted the arrangement, accusing opposition coalition leaders, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, of attempting to hijack the party.
4. Tinubu’s Govt Reacts As Japan Denies Creating Special Visas For Skilled Nigerians
The President Bola Tinubu‘s government has retracted the claims that Japan is creating a special visa category for highly skilled and innovative Nigerians who wish to move to Kisarazu to live and work.
Naija News recalls that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced the launch of the ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ during the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, aiming to strengthen exchanges between African countries and Japanese local governments.
JICA designated four cities in four African countries.
A statement dated August 22 and signed by the Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, stated that the Japanese government would create special visas for skilled Nigerians and the development was widely reported both locally and internationally.
However, in a statement on Monday, the Japanese foreign ministry denied such plans.
Reacting to the latest development, Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, in a statement signed on Wednesday, clarified that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) designated Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigeria, with no mention of the purported introduction of a special visa category for Nigerians.
5. ‘This Is Not A Command Structure’ – Ologunagba Clarifies PDP’s Failure To Discipline Wike
The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Debo Ologunagba, has explained why the party has not disciplined the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Naija News recalls that Wike, alongside other PDP governors named ‘5G’, worked against the party in the 2023 election, but the opposition party failed to sanction them.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Ologunagba stated that the PDP was addressing internal issues through democratic processes rather than authoritarian measures.
According to Ologunagba, the PDP is not a one-party system owned by a single individual, stressing that everyone is allowed to hold different views, ideas, and comments.
Ologunagba added that the party was committed to due process in managing its affairs.
6. Nigerians Committing Suicide Over Hunger – Lawmakers Tell President Tinubu
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed concern over the worsening economic hardship in the country, warning that many Nigerians are groaning under hunger, and some are even resorting to suicide.
Naija News reports that the caucus leader, Fred Agbedi, stated this at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, calling on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the economic challenges confronting citizens.
Agbedi lamented that the government’s failure to tackle hardship had pushed ordinary citizens to the brink.
He urged the President to shift his focus towards domestic issues instead of travelling abroad while Nigerians struggle to survive.
7. You Can’t Defend Yourself Every Time – Eniola Ajao Speaks On Alleged Romantic Relationship With Odunlade Adekola
Nigerian actress Eniola Ajao has dismissed allegations of having a romantic affair with her senior colleague, Odunlade Adekola.
Naija News understands that the actress has come under criticism after a viral video showed her hiding from the camera during the burial of Odunlade’s father last week.
There have been speculations over the years that the duo are involved romantically.
However, speaking on Wednesday in a series of posts on her Instagram story, the actress stated that the allegations are aimed at tarnishing her image.
8. Keep Our Names Out Of Your Dirty Mouth – Davido Blasts Media Personality Over Allegation
Afrobeats singer Davido has responded to media personality Temi Darcey after she alleged that guests paid for tickets to attend his white wedding to Chioma in Miami.
Naija News reports that Temi in a now-deleted Tiktok video claimed that access to the lavish ceremony came at a cost.
Davido shut down the speculation, describing the wedding as an unforgettable celebration with his wife and dismissing the allegation as false and distasteful.
He wrote: “@temidarcey me and my wife will appreciate if you keep our names out your dirty mouth.. u have a mind of a gutter We had an amazing wedding.. UR BAD VIBES Thank you.”
The Miami event followed their traditional wedding in Lagos and was attended by celebrities, family, and close friends.
9. Stanley Nwabali Injury Puts Super Eagles’ World Cup Hopes Under More Pressure
Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been hit with a major setback after first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was stretchered off injured while playing for his South African club, Chippa United.
Stanley Nwabali, 29, went down clutching his leg during Tuesday’s league clash against Richards Bay and had to be taken off in the first half.
While Chippa’s medical team is still running assessments, the sight of Nwabali in visible pain has left both club and country concerned.
The timing could not be worse for the Super Eagles. Nwabali has become a dependable figure for Nigeria, making 21 appearances and providing much-needed stability between the posts. With crucial qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa scheduled for September, his absence could be a huge blow.
To compound the crisis, Nigeria is already short on options. Maduka Okoye, once seen as the long-term successor in goal, is serving a two-month suspension for illegal betting activities. That leaves coach Eric Chelle with only untested or inexperienced alternatives.
10. Osimhen Faces Criticism In Turkey Over Reaction To Galatasaray Teammate
Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen has found himself under scrutiny in Turkey following his reaction to Yunus Akgün during Galatasaray’s emphatic 4-0 win over Kayserispor.
Osimhen, who recently sealed a permanent switch from Napoli after a record-breaking loan spell, appeared visibly frustrated with Akgün during one attacking sequence. His response quickly became a talking point in the post-match analysis.
Former Turkish international Nihat Kahveci weighed in on the incident, suggesting Osimhen’s outburst reflected the growing challenge of managing a Galatasaray squad brimming with attacking stars.
Speaking on Kontraspor’s YouTube channel, Kahveci remarked: “When Icardi is physically ready, we will watch the two of them play together up front in the Super Lig. But would Osimhen shout at Icardi if he doesn’t pass the ball? He cannot. Icardi is the captain, the leader, the king. These are what I would call Galatasaray’s sweet problems.”
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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