Major Nigerian Newspaper Headlines Making Waves Today, Thursday, May 7, 2026

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to participate in its forthcoming presidential primary without undergoing a fresh screening process. According to reports, the decision was reached during the 188th meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) held on Wednesday. The committee reportedly invoked constitutional provisions empowering it to organise primaries and grant waivers in exceptional situations. Party officials explained that Tinubu’s previous clearance ahead of the 2022 presidential election, coupled with the endorsements he has continued to receive from key stakeholders, made another appearance before a screening panel unnecessary. The APC leadership also referenced votes of confidence from the Progressive Governors Forum, members of the National Assembly, and other party organs as part of the justification for the move.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has directed recipients of honorary degrees to stop attaching the title “Dr” to their names. Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the policy following a Federal Executive Council meeting held on April 30. He explained that the decision was aimed at preserving the credibility and integrity of academic titles across the country.

In the education sector, the Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) has suspended its indefinite strike action. The unions reportedly reached the decision after engaging with the Federal Government’s Expanded Renegotiation Committee. According to union leaders, the suspension is intended to create room for President Tinubu’s approval on the proposed review of the government’s earlier offer. The strike suspension is expected to take effect from Monday, May 11.

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has threatened to seal any property allegedly used as a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters by the faction led by Taminu Turaki. During a media interaction in Abuja, Wike also warned financial institutions against opening accounts for the faction to conduct transactions relating to the 2027 elections. He argued that any attempt to sell nomination forms under the current circumstances would amount to misleading party supporters and the public.

Drama also unfolded in the Senate on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio clashed with Senator Adams Oshiomhole during plenary proceedings. Reports indicated that tensions rose after Oshiomhole repeatedly interrupted the session while Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings. Akpabio subsequently ruled the Edo North senator out of order and warned that continued disruption could lead to his removal from the chamber.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that the controversial removal of fuel subsidy announced during President Tinubu’s inauguration in 2023 was not originally included in the prepared speech. Speaking at the Nasarawa Economic Summit 2026, Shettima described the decision as a bold but necessary step aimed at stabilising the economy and restoring investor confidence. He maintained that the administration’s reforms are beginning to yield positive results despite the hardship experienced by many Nigerians.

Veteran Nollywood actor Dele Odule has opened up about a deeply challenging period in his life, disclosing that he once contemplated death and even priced his own coffin during a moment of despair. In a recent interview circulating online, the actor recounted how he struggled emotionally while living in Abeokuta and credited close associates, including fellow actor Olaiya Igwe, for standing by him during the difficult phase.

Popular TikTok personality Cindy of Oshodi has apologised after a private video allegedly involving her surfaced online. The content creator, reacting through a video shared on her social media page, explained that the footage dated back several years to a difficult chapter of her life. While expressing regret over the incident, she also thanked supporters who continued to stand by her despite the controversy.

Elsewhere in the sports world, Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has apologised to teammate Alvaro Carreras following a reported dressing room confrontation after the club’s draw with Real Betis. According to international media reports, tensions escalated between the players at the training ground before teammates intervened. Carreras has since dismissed suggestions of a lingering feud, insisting the matter has already been resolved internally.

In international football, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, has insisted that FIFA — not the United States government — is the official authority overseeing the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Taj reportedly made the remarks amid concerns over visa restrictions and political tensions surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.