Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Saturday 25th April, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the NaijaChoice News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Saturday 25th April, 2026.

1. Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval For Fresh $516m Loan

ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate’s authorization to secure a new external loan of $516,333,070 to bolster the nation’s infrastructure development.

The request was contained in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, which was read on the floor of the upper chamber during Thursday’s plenary session. According to the correspondence, the credit facility is expected to be sourced from Deutsche Bank.

The President explained that the funds are specifically earmarked to finance the Sokoto-Badagry 1,000-kilometer Super Highway. This project remains a focal point of the administration’s “Renewed Hope” infrastructure agenda, aimed at improving connectivity between the North-West and South-West corridors.

2. Court CTC Details Why El-rufai’s Bail Application Was Denied

KADUNA, NIGERIA — The Kaduna State High Court has rejected the bail application filed by the former governor of the state, Nasir el-Rufai, ordering his continued remand in the custody of the anti-graft agency.

Presiding Judge Darius Khobo ruled on Tuesday, April 21, that the interest of justice necessitates the former governor remaining in custody to ensure his availability for his upcoming trial. The decision follows el-Rufai’s arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on a nine-count charge involving alleged dishonest disposal of loan funds.

3. Atiku Faults Counting Of Unmarked Ballot Papers, Demands Electoral Act Amendment

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the National Assembly to immediately amend Section 63 of the Electoral Act, describing a specific clause regarding ballot validation as a “grave and dangerous ambiguity.”

In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Abubakar argued that the current law allows returning officers too much discretion. Specifically, he faulted the provision that permits ballot papers without official marks to be counted based on the subjective judgment of an official.

4. Elephant Attack Claims One Life and One Missing in Oyo State

IBADAN, NIGERIA — Tragedy struck the Innayin community in Oyo State on Thursday afternoon after a wild elephant reportedly attacked residents, leaving one man dead and another missing.

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident occurred at approximately 3:30 pm on April 23, 2026. Security forces, including police operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters, were deployed to the area following a distress call from the community.

During a search of the nearby bushes, authorities discovered the body of 45-year-old Ibrahim Tijani. According to a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the victim’s remains showed injuries consistent with a violent animal encounter.

5. Yusuf Buhari Declares Intention To Contest Reps Election

KATSINA, NIGERIA — The political landscape in Katsina State shifted significantly on Wednesday as Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari formally declared his bid for the House of Representatives.

The son of the former president announced his intention to contest the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency seat under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to statements from the state government, the declaration took place during a high-profile visit to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda at the Government House in Katsina.

6. Former Archbishop Of Canterbury, Justian Welby Visits Remi Tinubu In Abuja

Welby visited Mrs Tinubu ahead of a major interfaith dialogue convened by the Global Forum for Peace in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of Sheikh Abdallah Bin Baya, scheduled to be held next week in London, United Kingdom.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on the international community to stop misreading the security crisis in Nigeria.

7. Twitter Ban: We Acted To Safeguard Unity, Not Silence Critics – Lai Mohammed

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has defended the Federal Government’s 2021 suspension of Twitter (now X), insisting that the move was aimed at safeguarding national security rather than suppressing dissent.

Mohammed made the clarification on Thursday while speaking to students at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, where he addressed concerns over whether the action contradicted democratic principles.

8. Insecurity: Senate Seeks Campaign Suspension In Eight Northern States

The Senate on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to consider far-reaching emergency measures, including the possible suspension of political activities in eight frontline states, as insecurity continues to escalate across parts of the country.

The call, which underscores growing concern within the National Assembly over renewed insurgent offensives, followed a point of order raised by the lawmaker representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi, during plenary.

He said, “Mr President, we cannot continue to think that because we are in Abuja, therefore this thing (insecurity) does not affect us.

9. APC Reschedules Presidential, Governorship Primaries

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a significant shift in its internal electoral calendar, rescheduling its presidential primary election for May 23, 2026.

The decision emerged following the party’s 186th National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held in the Federal Capital Territory. Addressing the press after the session, the APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, confirmed that the previous dates of May 15 and 16 have been vacated to accommodate a broader adjustment of the 2027 general election timetable.

10. I regret ever selling my 40 BTC – Yhemolee

Popular Nigerian entertainer and media personality, Idowu Adeyemi, widely known as Yhemolee, has voiced deep regret over a past cryptocurrency transaction that cost him a massive fortune.

The singer revealed that he was once in possession of 40 units of Bitcoin (BTC). However, he sold off the digital assets long before the cryptocurrency experienced its historic surge in market value.

Reflecting on the move, Yhemolee described the sale as a significant financial oversight. “I regret ever selling my 40 BTC,” he stated, lamenting the missed opportunity to hold the assets until they reached their current high valuation.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on NaijaChoice News. See you again tomorrow.