Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Monday, May 18, 2026

Nigeria’s political and security landscape dominated national discourse on Monday, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar raising alarm over the Federal Government’s continued borrowing under President Bola Tinubu. According to Ireporter Online, Atiku warned that the administration’s growing debt profile is placing an unbearable burden on Nigerians, particularly amid reports that the government is seeking an additional $1.25 billion loan from the World Bank. He argued that despite the scale of borrowing, there has been little improvement in the living conditions of ordinary citizens.

In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security operations during the inauguration of the police Violent Crime Response Unit in Ibadan. The governor expressed sympathy to families affected by the deadly abduction in Oriire Local Government Area and stressed the need for residents to remain vigilant as authorities work to prevent further attacks.

Meanwhile, Senator Abdulaziz Yari urged northern Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027. Speaking during a meeting with Islamic clerics in Zamfara State, Yari said the North should reciprocate the political support the Southwest gave to former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing such a move as essential for preserving the nation’s power-sharing arrangement.

The Labour Party also intensified its internal crisis by declaring that nomination forms distributed by former National Chairman Julius Abure are invalid. Party spokesman Ken Asogwa stated that only the leadership headed by Nenadi Usman has the authority to issue official nomination documents, dismissing Abure’s actions as misleading.

In the legal arena, convicted terrorist Kabiru Umar has asked the Court of Appeal in Abuja to overturn his 2013 conviction and life sentence. Court filings indicate that Umar argues the appeal was delayed due to repeated transfers between custodial centres and the deaths of two lawyers previously handling his case.

Political developments in Rivers State took another dramatic turn as the All Progressives Congress disqualified Senator Ipalibo Banigo and several other aspirants from participating in its senatorial primaries. Several allies of Nyesom Wike were, however, cleared to contest.

In the entertainment industry, reports emerged that late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo had secretly married and welcomed a child before his death. The revelation, reportedly confirmed through a family statement referring to him as a husband and father, surprised many colleagues and fans who were unaware of his private family life.

Actress Shine Rosman also shared her emotional journey following the death of her father at age 16. In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, she recounted how some people predicted she would become a prostitute, and revealed that the trauma once drove her to suicidal thoughts.

In football, Chelsea F.C. announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as manager on a four-year contract. Alonso, who assumes the role on July 1, said he is determined to build a trophy-winning team capable of competing at the highest level.

In boxing, promoter Eddie Hearn said Anthony Joshua is fully focused on reclaiming a world title and securing a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury in 2026. Joshua is expected to return to the ring in July against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh as he begins another push toward heavyweight glory.