Nigeria’s Leading News Headlines For Sunday, April 5, 2026

Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to today’s roundup of top newspaper headlines for Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has clarified remarks made during a media interview, insisting that his statements were figurative and not intended as a threat. According to Ireporter Online, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said the minister’s comment during a Channels Television interview had been misunderstood. Olayinka noted that Wike was disappointed by the tone of the journalist’s questions and only used exaggeration to express his displeasure. The minister reportedly clarified his statement during the live broadcast, with the interview panel understanding the context of his remarks.

Meanwhile, Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has accused President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to intimidate opposition figures. Speaking at a press conference, Mohammed claimed that state institutions, including the courts and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), were allegedly being used against political opponents. He warned that the opposition is prepared to take firm action should such practices continue.

In related political news, the Obidient Movement has alleged that the APC is plotting to undermine Peter Obi’s presidential ambition for 2027. The group’s National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, stated in Kano that efforts have been made to create internal disputes within the Labour Party and weaken Obi’s political base, despite a Supreme Court ruling in 2025. Obi later joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), raising tensions further, according to the movement.

The ADC has also responded to criticisms from the presidency regarding its national convention, insisting the party is not acting illegally. The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that the ADC will continue to operate within the law and will not be deterred by political attacks.

Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, attributed the recent deadly Jos attacks to the attackers taking advantage of a period of relative peace. Speaking on Channels Television, he said the assailants mimicked law enforcement operations to catch both citizens and security personnel off guard, resulting in casualties and significant damage.

In a separate development, the ADC condemned Minister Wike for threatening Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye during a political discussion. The party described the remarks as irresponsible and an attack on press freedom.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has denied reports that the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has been postponed. According to Ireporter Online, the board confirmed that all arrangements remain on schedule, with exams set from April 16 to April 25, 2026.

A grieving mother in Jos, Plateau State, Mrs. Favour Ayuba, has drawn attention after a video of her farewell message to her son, killed in a recent terrorist attack, went viral. Mrs. Ayuba was seen holding a cutlass in a symbolic gesture, expressing anguish over the loss of her son and others in the attack.

An autopsy report has revealed that Afrofuji artist Destiny Boy died from aspiration pneumonitis caused by toxic substances, including tramadol and methamphetamine. Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed the findings following public calls for clarification.

Finally, controversial relationship expert Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has refuted reports claiming she has stage 4 cancer. Speaking on the show ‘Young and Healthy Bros,’ Blessing clarified that her diagnosis is still under medical review, and she has not begun chemotherapy, stressing that prior reports were based on miscommunication.