Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Wednesday, December 31, 2025

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that the newly introduced tax laws will take effect on January 1, 2026, dismissing calls from some quarters for a delay. The President clarified that the reforms are not intended to impose additional tax burdens but to harmonise existing frameworks for efficiency. He acknowledged public concerns but maintained that no compelling issues have been raised to justify suspending the rollout, assuring Nigerians that due process and stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with the National Assembly, would guide implementation.

In a related legal development, former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Emeka Nwite ordered his remand alongside his son and an associate pending the determination of their bail applications. The trio faces multiple money laundering charges brought by the EFCC, which they have denied. The court adjourned proceedings to January 2, 2026, for the bail hearing.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has strongly denied allegations that it has deployed security and anti-graft agencies to target opposition figures under a covert operation allegedly tagged “ADP4VIP.” In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described the claims as baseless, stressing that no such programme exists and reaffirming President Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, due process and institutional independence.

Political tension also heightened in Ekiti State as the Peoples Democratic Party announced plans to seek judicial intervention following the exclusion of its governorship candidate, Wole Oluyede, from the list of cleared candidates released by INEC for the 2026 election. The party accused the electoral body of bias and insisted there was no court order barring recognition of its candidate, urging INEC to act in defence of democratic principles.

In Rivers State, the APC’s National Vice Chairman for the South-South, Victor Giadom, declared that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, remains the dominant political figure in the state. He claimed that no politician, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, could secure electoral victory in parts of Rivers without Wike’s backing, particularly in Gokana Local Government Area.

On the security front, the Kebbi State Government and the Police Command dismissed speculation that a bomb or helicopter attack caused the recent explosion at Bagudo General Hospital. Authorities confirmed that preliminary investigations traced the incident to a gas-related fire outbreak within the hospital’s staff quarters, urging the public to disregard unverified reports capable of inciting panic.

In entertainment news, Sophia Momodu, the first baby mama of music star Davido, appealed to the public to stop referring to her as the singer’s wife. Speaking during a live social media session, she said she has moved on and deserves privacy, emphasising respect for personal boundaries and existing marriages.

Reacting to the tragic road accident involving British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua, comedian and actor Ayo Makun criticised Nigeria’s leadership and infrastructure failures. He described the incident as heartbreaking and called for governance that prioritises the sanctity of human life. The accident reportedly claimed two lives, while Joshua sustained injuries.

On a brighter note, Nigeria’s Super Eagles completed a perfect Group C campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3–1 victory over Uganda. Goals from Paul Onuachu and a brace by Raphael Onyedika underlined Nigeria’s dominance and reinforced their status as strong contenders in the tournament.

Rounding off the day’s major stories, British boxer Tyson Fury reacted to Anthony Joshua’s accident, expressing concern while also hinting at a potential return to professional boxing. His comments have reignited speculation within the global boxing community as attention remains fixed on Joshua’s recovery.

Those are the major Nigerian newspaper stories making headlines today. For more updates and in-depth reports, stay informed with trusted news platforms as the nation steps into the new year.