Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Monday, May 4, 2026

According to Ireporter Online, former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have formally defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where they were issued membership cards at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. The development was confirmed during a reception led by the party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, who welcomed the duo and emphasized a new direction for the party. Speaking shortly after his defection, Obi urged members to avoid internal disputes and litigation, stressing the need to focus on building a united political platform.

In a related political development, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is set for an official visit to the United States, where he is expected to engage policy and institutional stakeholders. His media office disclosed that the trip would focus on addressing what he described as Nigeria’s worsening security, governance, and economic challenges. Atiku warned that the country is facing a deepening internal crisis, citing persistent violence across various regions and a growing wave of criminal activities, which he said reflects a broader systemic failure in safeguarding lives and property.

Meanwhile, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has scheduled May 11, 2026, for its annual policy meeting to determine admission guidelines for tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session. The board noted that the meeting, to be held in Abuja, will bring together key stakeholders, including heads of institutions and education regulators. It is expected that the Minister of Education will unveil major policy directions, while minimum admission cut-off marks will also be finalized.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 general elections, stating that the president would only lose if elections were conducted on social media platforms. He maintained that Tinubu remains popular among grassroots voters and projected a strong electoral performance despite online criticisms.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has also announced its timetable for the 2026 primary elections ahead of the 2027 polls. According to party officials, the process began with the sale of application forms in April and will continue through mid-May, with screening and publication of results scheduled shortly after. The party also fixed its presidential nomination form at ₦100 million, underscoring its preparations for a competitive election cycle.

On the diplomatic front, the Federal Government has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner over recent attacks targeting Nigerians and their businesses. Officials disclosed that the meeting will address rising tensions and reported cases of xenophobic violence, with a view to preserving bilateral relations between both nations.

In the entertainment industry, music star Tiwa Savage reflected on her transition from R&B to Afrobeats, revealing that her former record label boss, Don Jazzy, played a significant role in reshaping her artistic direction. She credited him with expanding her creative outlook and expressed satisfaction with her decision to return to Nigeria and embrace the Afrobeats genre.

In a separate development, singer Portable announced the birth of a baby boy with his partner, Bewaji, describing the moment as deeply significant despite his recent loss in a celebrity boxing match. The child’s arrival coincided with the bout, adding a personal highlight to an otherwise challenging day for the artist.

In sports, Manchester United strengthened their push for a top finish in the English Premier League with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Liverpool, secured by a late goal from Kobbie Mainoo. The win further solidifies the club’s position among the league’s top contenders as the season approaches its conclusion.

Additionally, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United have all secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League, while the race for the remaining spots remains intense, with several clubs still in contention as the campaign nears its final stages.