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

Good morning Nigeria. Here is a comprehensive roundup of major stories making headlines across the country for Friday, May 1, 2026. According to credible media reports, the Supreme Court has affirmed the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under former Senate President, David Mark, bringing a significant turn to the party’s internal crisis. The dispute had earlier been fueled by the stance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which declined to recognise certain party officials amid conflicting court rulings. However, the apex court nullified the directive that parties maintain the status quo, ruling that the Court of Appeal exceeded its jurisdiction in issuing such an order after dismissing the matter.

In another development, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly criticised the borrowing approach of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, warning that many of the loans lack economic justification. He stressed that borrowing should be tied to productive investments with clear repayment strategies, cautioning that poorly managed debt could have severe consequences for the nation’s economy.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has also invalidated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention held in Ibadan in November 2025, which produced a factional leadership under Tanimu Turaki. The court ruled that the exercise violated an existing court order, thereby upholding earlier judgments against the faction.

In the education sector, operations across federal universities are set to face disruptions as the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) commence a nationwide strike. The unions cited unresolved negotiations and the Federal Government’s failure to present a new offer on allowances as reasons for the industrial action.

Security concerns have also intensified following fresh threats from a faction of Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, which claimed its 72-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government had expired. The group warned of possible executions of captives in Borno State after negotiations reportedly broke down, while also cautioning against military intervention.

In a related legal matter, the Federal Government has approached the court seeking an order to compel INEC to deregister several political parties, including the ADC, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party, over alleged failure to meet constitutional performance benchmarks during elections.

In entertainment news, Nollywood actress Bimbo Ademoye has drawn attention online after confronting a group of area boys who allegedly attempted to extort money during a film shoot in Lagos. The actress firmly resisted the demands, insisting she would not succumb to intimidation despite the tense situation.

Similarly, music star Davido, born David Adeleke, has fired back at criticism from fellow artiste T-Dot amid an ongoing social media dispute involving DJ Tunez. The singer dismissed claims linking his success to his family background, escalating the online feud with a sharp response.

In sports, former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has revealed that his decision to represent Nigeria at the 2016 Olympic Games contributed to the end of his career at Chelsea, citing disagreements with then-manager Antonio Conte over the call-up.

Finally, young football star Kobbie Mainoo has secured his long-term future with Manchester United after signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2031, ending speculation about his future.