Major Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 8th May, 2026

According to Ireporter Online, political activities intensified on Thursday as Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), party leaders, and lawmakers, officially submitted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination and expression of interest forms to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). The delegation included Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Hon. James Faleke among others. The APC leadership confirmed its adoption of direct primaries for the presidential ticket, with the National Chairman noting that Tinubu’s developmental strides informed the party’s decision to back his re-election bid, while Shettima assured Nigerians of improved governance outcomes ahead.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that he will consult widely before making a decision on whether to contest the 2027 presidential election. According to Ireporter Online, Jonathan made this known in Abuja after a group of supporters visited his office to urge him to return to the political arena, citing his past leadership experience. The former president described the presidential race as a serious undertaking, emphasizing that broad consultation was necessary before any declaration, while reiterating his commitment to national unity and credible elections.

In a landmark ruling, a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on multiple counts of fraud and money laundering. According to Ireporter Online, the court found that Mamman was culpable beyond reasonable doubt in the diversion of approximately ₦33.8 billion in public funds. The judgment also established that he made unlawful cash payments and was involved in the mismanagement of funds allocated to major hydroelectric projects, with the court describing the prosecution’s evidence as overwhelming.

The Nigerian Senate has reversed its earlier amendment to the Standing Orders governing its operations, a move that reopens the political space for leadership contests in the upper chamber. According to Ireporter Online, the reversal follows concerns that the previous amendment restricting eligibility for key positions could trigger constitutional disputes and internal tensions. The decision restores broader participation in the race for Senate leadership roles ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) chances in the 2027 presidential election, calling for a complete restructuring of the party. According to Ireporter Online, Wike made the remarks in Abuja while inspecting projects, insisting that the PDP lacks the cohesion required to mount a credible challenge. He also criticized internal party actors, arguing that their performance records weaken their moral standing to question his political stance.

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has alleged that informants within government circles and security agencies are undermining the fight against insecurity by leaking sensitive information to criminals. According to Ireporter Online, the governor disclosed that these breaches have enabled bandits and kidnappers to evade security operations. He further noted that some communities have opted for negotiated peace agreements with armed groups, which, in some cases, have temporarily reduced attacks.

Popular Nigerian TikToker Jarvis has publicly refuted claims linking her to pregnancy rumours involving fellow content creator Peller. According to Ireporter Online, she dismissed the speculation during a livestream, stating that the claims were false and inappropriate, while also reacting strongly to statements made by Peller suggesting otherwise.

Award-winning singer Davido has announced that he is currently taking a break from releasing new music. According to Ireporter Online, the artist made the revelation during a livestream, stating that his existing catalogue continues to dominate entertainment spaces and club rotations. He added that he does not feel pressured to release new projects at the moment, while also commenting on the growth of celebrity boxing in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed the appointment of Abdu Maikaba and Eboboritse Uwejamomere as head coaches of the U20 and U17 national teams respectively. According to Ireporter Online, Maikaba returns to the youth football setup with extensive domestic league experience, while Uwejamomere brings technical and analytical expertise from his work with national teams and international clubs, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s football development structure.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has expressed strong confidence in his team’s chances of winning the UEFA Champions League following their latest clash with Bayern Munich. According to Ireporter Online, Enrique maintained that PSG possess the quality and mentality to compete with Europe’s best, insisting that his side has consistently proven their strength over recent seasons and remains fully prepared for the final stage of the competition.