Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Saturday, 4th April, 2026.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that his support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 is motivated by personal benefits.
Naija News reports that Wike explained that his support is based on principles, not what he might gain.
Wike, who previously served as governor of Rivers State, said his political stance has been consistent since 2023, and if he were seeking personal advantage, he would have resigned to pursue the presidency himself.
He added that his role in politics is not about winning at all costs but contributing to national progress.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments warning the party against proceeding with its planned congresses and national convention.
The party described the position of the electoral body as a misinterpretation of a Court of Appeal directive, insisting that the commission was acting beyond its constitutional mandate.
In a statement issued on Friday, the ADC said INEC’s stance amounted to a distortion of the court’s order to maintain the status quo in the ongoing legal dispute within the party.
The party said the commission’s interpretation of the status quo ante bellum doctrine was legally flawed and could not be used to suspend the internal functioning of a political party.
According to the ADC, preservation orders issued by the court are intended to prevent actions that could irreversibly affect the subject of litigation, not to halt democratic activities within a party.
The party maintained that determining the scope of such orders lies strictly within the jurisdiction of the courts, not the electoral commission.
The ADC also rejected claims that conducting its congresses or conventions would undermine ongoing legal proceedings.
It argued that internal party activities carried out in line with the party constitution and the Electoral Act do not invalidate or prejudice pending court cases.
The party noted that no court order has explicitly barred it from holding congresses or its national convention.
According to the statement, the existence of internal disputes does not suspend the constitutional rights of a political party to organise and function.
The ADC further accused INEC of overstepping its supervisory role by attempting to halt lawful internal processes within the party.
The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of mocking the Yoruba traditional institution.
The party made the accusation while reacting to the elevation of three high chiefs to the position of Oba in Ibadanland.
Naija News reports that the State government had on Friday coronated three High Chiefs as Obas.
Those who were coronated are High Chief Akeem Adewoyh, Chief Kola Babalola, and High Chief Sharafadeen Alli.
Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District, is one of the gubernatorial aspirants on the platform of the APC.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, and three other individuals, as well as some notable indigenes of Ibadanland, were absent from the event.
Reacting to the development, the APC, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Sadare, said Makinde has written a bad page for himself in the history of the state.
Describing the governor as an accidental public servant, the party insisted that there was no justification for his actions.
Sadare said, “Gov. Makinde made a mockery of the Yoruba traditional institution today when he installed photographs and empty chairs as Obas.
“He can never have any justification for this shameful act, but we are not surprised because we have known him to be an accidental public servant.”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has insisted on going ahead with its planned congresses and convention in preparation for the 2027 general election in the country.
The party, in a timetable released on Friday, said the actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against the party remain illegal.
The ADC in the released timetable, signed by its National Organizing Secretary, Chinedu Idigo and National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed that screening of aspirants would commence on 7th April, the polling unit, ward and local government congresses would hold on 9th April, State congresses would hold on 11th April and the National Convention would hold on 14th April, 2026.
It added that INEC had been notified of the planned congresses and convention.
National-Coordinator-of-the-Obidient-Movement-Dr.-Yunusa-TankoNational-Coordinator-of-the-Obidient-Movement-Dr.-Yunusa-Tanko
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yusuf Tanko, has claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government is rattled by the defection of former presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, as well as other politicians, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 election.
Naija News reports that Tanko said this during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Friday.
Tanko questioned why the ruling party, with over 30 governors, is afraid of running for a free and fair election.
According to Tanko, there are moves to impose a one-party state and sideline other candidates from contesting the presidential elections, despite efforts to present the process as seamless and free.
He, however, advised the ruling party to focus its strength on delivering its promise to the people.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has berated President Bola Tinubu for engaging victims of Plateau State killings at the airport on Friday without visiting the actual scenes.
Speaking in a statement via his 𝕏 account, Obi described Tinubu’s action as a complete absence of leadership, stressing that it was inadequate for the President to have addressed the victims from the airport.
According to him, the action of President Tinubu conveys a sense of abandonment to the victims who have endured repeated cycles of violence without meaningful protection or justice.
The former Anambra State Governor said Tinubu should have demonstrated presence, empathy, compassion, and a willingness to meet people where their pain truly lies during such times.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has resigned from her position in the Federal Government.
Naija News reports that she made her decision public on Friday through a message shared on her official X account, where she described her exit from office as the close of one phase and the start of another in her journey in public service.
In her message, she appreciated Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving her the chance to serve in his administration.
She also extended thanks to the staff of the ministry, her supporters, and Nigerians for their support during her time in office, while stating that she remains committed to contributing to the country’s growth.
She wrote: “It is with a heart full of gratitude that I announce my resignation as Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment. This decision comes with profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the opportunity to serve Nigeria in his administration.
“This is not an end but a new beginning. I remain committed to service, to progress, and to building the Nigeria we all deserve. Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has stated that he will not step into the ongoing disagreement between actresses Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham.
Naija News recalls that Funke Akindele reportedly ignored Toyin Abraham during the premiere of Iyabo Ojo’s movie in Lagos.
This public snub came months after the two had reconciled from a previous feud that lasted several years.
Ogogo, in an interview with Feel Right TV, explained that he avoids getting involved in conflicts between women, describing them as complicated.
He said that both actresses are already successful and blessed in their careers, making it puzzling that they would choose to fight publicly.
He noted that while men often resolve disputes quickly, women can turn small disagreements into major confrontations.
Nigerian singer Tems has shared details about a past relationship that she describes as toxic, marked by her partner’s obsession and possessiveness.
The Essence crooner explained that the relationship did not match her idea of love, which she believes should be about equality and partnership rather than control or ownership.
In an interview with media host Angie Martinez, Tems revealed that toxic relationships can be exhausting, especially when the controlling partner does not even realise their behaviour is harmful.
The 30-year-old reflected on her own experience, saying that what she once thought was love was really about someone trying to dominate and possess her.
Tems pointed out that love is not about obsession or owning another person.
Instead, she said true love involves unity and mutual respect, where both people see themselves as equals rather than as possessions.
The songstress also noted that many people encounter toxic love without realizing it, because the other person may claim to love them while actually acting out of a desire to control.
Mikel Arteta has dismissed concerns over Arsenal’s growing list of international withdrawals, insisting the club kept “very good relationship and communication” with national teams throughout the latest break.
Across the Premier League, 228 players received call-ups for World Cup qualifiers and friendlies in March 2026. Twenty-three later pulled out, with Arsenal accounting for nearly half of that number, fuelling speculation about injuries or caution at the club.
Arteta rejected those suggestions and stressed every decision was medically justified and shared with the relevant federations, including England boss Thomas Tuchel.
“We have a very good relationship and communication with most of the national teams; certainly with Thomas too,” Arteta said.
“We have been extremely supportive all the time. When you have to communicate the state of every player, we are always honest and a medical decision had to be made. That was clear what the conclusion was.”
The withdrawals began after the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City. Defender William Saliba ruled himself out of France duty with an ankle injury, followed by centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhães due to a knee problem.
They were soon joined by Eberechi Eze, Martin Ødegaard, Jurriën Timber and Leandro Trossard, all of whom had missed the Wembley defeat through injury.
After joining their national camps, five more players withdrew. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka pulled out with knocks, Noni Madueke injured his knee against Uruguay, while Martín Zubimendi and Piero Hincapié also withdrew.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
Leave a Reply