Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday 1st May, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the NaijaChoice News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday 1st May, 2026.

1. ADC Court Nullifies Factional Congresses, Backs State Chairmen

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the congresses and national convention conducted by the David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the judgement in Maitama, declaring the activities of the group as kangaroo congresses and convention.

Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, welcomed the ruling, describing it as a clear victory for party democracy.

2. CBN Announces 5 Free Banking Services From May 1

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced a new set of rules which remove charges on several everyday banking services, scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2026.

The changes are contained in its revised Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions, which outlines consumer-focused reforms designed to improve transparency and reduce the burden of banking fees nationwide.

The document was signed by Dr Rita Sike, the CBN’s director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department.

3. Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Thanks Massive Campaign Turnout

EKITI STATE, NIGERIA — Governor Biodun Oyebanji has expressed deep appreciation to the people of Ekiti State for their massive show of support during the official flag-off of his re-election campaign on Monday.

A large gathering of party faithful, national and state leaders, as well as ordinary residents, converged on the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, with hundreds more turning up at various locations across the state capital for the rally and related activities.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji said he was humbled by the overwhelming turnout and the strong vote of confidence reposed in him and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, for a second term.

4. If We Have To Borrow, We Will, We Just Have To Work Hard To Repay – Tinubu

ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended his government’s approach to borrowing, stating that taking loans should not be viewed as a dreaded disease.

“If we have to borrow money, we will, because borrowing is not leprosy; Nigerians just have to work hard to be able to repay it,” Tinubu said.

The President made the comment while addressing concerns over the country’s mounting public debt. His remarks come as many Nigerians continue to feel the strain of economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and floating of the naira.

According to reports, Tinubu spoke during an event linked to the new Nigeria Revenue Service headquarters. He framed borrowing as a normal governance tool that requires corresponding effort from citizens to service.

5. Bashir El-Rufai Praises Obi’s Unrivalled Mass Bond

Former Kaduna State Governor’s son, Bashir El-Rufai, has declared that Peter Obi maintains an unrivalled connection with ordinary Nigerians despite criticisms from his opponents.

El-Rufai made the assertion while acknowledging the intense public discourse surrounding the Labour Party leader. He urged critics to set aside their differences and recognise Obi’s unique standing among the masses.

According to El-Rufai, no other major political figure commands the same level of grassroots affection and loyalty as the former Anambra State governor.

6. Nigeria Advances Diplomatic Postings with 33 Envoys Cleared

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigeria’s diplomatic machinery received a significant boost as 33 out of the 65 ambassadors and high commissioners-designate nominated by President Bola Tinubu have now secured agrément from their host countries.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed the updated figure, noting that the number of cleared envoys has risen from over 25 recorded on April 17 to 33 currently.

“Thirty-three ambassadors have now secured agréments from host countries,” Ebienfa said.

7. I Was Not Legally Married To Rossy Meurer, We Only Did Introduction – Churchill

Businessman Olakunle Churchill has denied widespread reports alleging that his relationship with actress Rosy Meurer has ended in divorce, insisting that the claims are false.

Churchill, in a lengthy statement shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, said reports suggesting that he and Meurer were undergoing divorce proceedings should be treated as misinformation, maintaining that no legally recognised marriage existed between them.

“The reports circulating online about a supposed divorce between myself and Roseline Meurer are completely false. There is no truth to them, and they should be treated as such,” he stated.

8. 12 Chibok Survivors Set To Graduate From University

YOLA, Adamawa State — Twelve years after their abduction by Boko Haram insurgents from Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, 12 of the surviving Chibok schoolgirls are set to graduate from the American University of Nigeria in Yola.

AUN President Dewayne Frazier made the disclosure on Wednesday during an event at the university campus. He described the milestone as a powerful symbol of resilience and hope that resonates across the globe.

Frazier said the graduation of the young women, who were once held captive in the Sambisa Forest, goes beyond academic achievement. It represents a profound testament to the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of overcoming unimaginable adversity.

9. Governor Mbah Pledges Support For Air Force Officers’ Wives Association

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has commended the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) for its impactful humanitarian and empowerment initiatives, assuring of the state government’s support.

Governor Mbah gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the National President of NAFOWA, Mrs. Ngozi Aneke, and her delegation on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Enugu.

He said the association’s work in welfare, empowerment, and community development aligned with his administration’s social development agenda.

“We are a state that prioritises social services. In the last three budget cycles since we assumed office, I do not think there’s any state that has invested in human capital as much as we have done. We committed 30 per cent of our budget to education and over 15 per cent to health in the last three budget cycles.

10. Lagos Socialite ‘Ariket’ Jailed 15 Years for Cocaine Trafficking

LAGOS, NIGERIA — A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced prominent Lagos socialite, Mrs Funmilola Ogbuaya, better known as “Ariket,” to 15 years in prison for her involvement in a cocaine trafficking scheme.

Justice Deinde Dipeolu, who presided over the matter, delivered the judgment on Wednesday, ruling that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court found Ogbuaya guilty of conspiracy, aiding, and abetting the attempted export of 1.595 kilograms of cocaine to Saudi Arabia.

The sentence will run concurrently with a previous 25-year term imposed on her co-convict, Odeyemi Omolara, also known as Ariyo Olabisi, in the same case. Justice Dipeolu ordered that the jail term takes effect from May 19, 2017.

The case stems from events in February 2017 when both women were arraigned on a five-count charge before Justice Hadizat Rabiu-Shagari. While Omolara was charged with conspiracy, unlawful possession, and attempted exportation of the drug, Ogbuaya faced charges of conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and procuring Omolara to traffic the narcotic.

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