Nigeria’s Top Newspaper Headlines This Friday, May 22, 2026

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has overturned the Independent National Electoral Commission’s directive requiring political parties to submit their membership registers before May 10 in preparation for the 2027 elections. Justice M.G. Umar ruled that the electoral body lacked the authority to impose deadlines outside the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. The court held that political parties are legally entitled to submit such documents within the timeframe stipulated by law, effectively extending the deadline to September 2026.

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has also denied allegations linking him to President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election ambitions. Speaking during a television interview, Kwankwaso dismissed claims that he was secretly working for the President, insisting that his political loyalty remains with the Nigeria Democratic Congress. He described the accusations as baseless and accused certain political actors of spreading false narratives. Kwankwaso also suggested that the President may not be fully informed about the realities facing Nigerians because those around him are allegedly withholding the truth.

In another major development, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The appointment was confirmed in an official statement which noted that Aina would succeed Professor Is-haq Oloyede upon the expiration of his tenure in July 2026. Aina, a respected academic and technology expert, is expected to build on the reforms and achievements recorded under the outgoing registrar.

Political activities intensified in Rivers State after Kingsley Chinda emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress following the withdrawal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the party’s primary election. Chinda secured victory after results were collated from all local government areas in the state. Party officials described the exercise as peaceful and transparent, while Fubara explained that his decision to step aside came after consultations with allies and family members.

Elsewhere, former Obidient Movement mobilization director, Morris Monye, publicly apologised to Labour Party figure Peter Obi over previous criticisms directed at him. In a statement shared online, Monye admitted that his earlier actions were driven by frustration and immaturity, adding that he still admired Obi’s political vision and leadership qualities.

In the entertainment scene, hype man MC Fish finally opened up about the collapse of his marriage to actress Anita Joseph, admitting that both parties were unfaithful during the relationship. In a video shared on social media, he confessed that the marriage became emotionally exhausting and revealed that interference from people around the actress worsened the situation.

Celebrity couple Temi Otedola and singer Mr Eazi also stirred excitement online after announcing they are expecting their first child together. The announcement, accompanied by a heartfelt biblical message, quickly attracted congratulatory reactions from fans and celebrities across social media platforms.

On the international sports scene, Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers was named UEFA Europa League Player of the Season after playing a crucial role in the club’s historic triumph. Rogers delivered standout performances throughout the competition and capped the campaign with an impressive display in the final against SC Freiburg.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has also recalled veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from international retirement ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Neuer, who retired after Euro 2024, earned a return to the national team following an impressive campaign with Bayern Munich, with Nagelsmann confirming that the experienced goalkeeper would serve as Germany’s first-choice keeper at the tournament.