Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the TheTimes Nigeria roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Tuesday, 28th April, 2026.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has disclosed that his visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan, is directly linked to preparations for the 2027 general election.
As earlier reported by TheTimes Nigeria, Obi and some Southeast leaders visited Jonathan at his residence on Monday.
Speaking after the visit, the former Governor of Anambra State revealed that he visited Jonathan to consult him about the 2027 general elections in the interest of Nigeria.
He added that their discussions focused on how to reposition Nigeria and explore how all leaders can come together in the efforts to make the country better.
Obi submitted that the 2027 elections must not just be seen as another political exercise, but as a critical opportunity to reset the country.
President Bola Tinubu has said the mandate of the newly appointed ambassadors is to drive results, invest in partnerships, and reposition Nigeria globally.
TheTimes Nigeria reports that Tinubu made this known through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who addressed the ambassadors on Monday.
Tinubu further charged the envoys to be proactive and strategic in telling Nigeria’s story credibly, to attract investment, to strengthen trade, and to protect Nigerians abroad.
Akume, in the post shared via his 𝕏, wrote, “Earlier today, I addressed Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors on behalf of @officialABAT. Mr President made it clear that their mandate is results-driven investment, deepen partnerships, and reposition Nigeria globally. The world is shifting fast Nigeria must lead.
Mr President also announced a reordering of Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities from Democracy, Development, Demography, Diaspora to Demography, Development, Diaspora, Democracy placing Nigerians at the centre of our engagements and outcomes. He further charged our envoys to be proactive and strategic in telling Nigeria’s story credibly, attracting investment, strengthening trade, and protecting Nigerians abroad. They must reflect professionalism and patriotism. The world is watching—and we must deliver.”
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday formally endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement came after a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat declared his intention to contest before members of the State Executive Council and key party leaders.
Addressing journalists, Sanwo-Olu said the decision was reached unanimously by stakeholders present.
The governor described Hamzat as capable and experienced, expressing confidence in his leadership abilities.
Reaffirming his position, Sanwo-Olu said Hamzat was ready to take over leadership of the state.
Residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have raised fresh alarm after suspected terrorists issued a one-week ultimatum to the Nigerian government over the fate of abducted victims.
The insurgents reportedly threatened to kill or forcibly marry some of the 176 women and children in their custody if their demands are not met.
Community members said the warning was communicated through one of the abductees, who was allowed to speak with her family after a Jumu’ah prayer session with the captors.
According to sources, the victims confirmed they were still alive but disclosed that the terrorists expressed frustration over what they described as the government’s lack of response.
According to Sahara Reporters, the insurgents allegedly warned that if no agreement is reached within one week, they would begin to execute some of the captives and force others into marriage.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled a new power-sharing framework aimed at keeping Nigeria’s opposition united ahead of the 2027 presidential election, amid rising concerns over internal rivalry.
The proposal, described as a “collegiate system,” is designed to move away from winner-takes-all politics and promote collective leadership even after the emergence of a presidential candidate.
TheTimes Nigeria reports that a key figure in the party’s reform drive, Lukman Salihu, disclosed the plan on Monday while speaking on The Morning Show on Arise TV.
He said the initiative would ensure that governance, if the party wins power, is anchored on teamwork rather than individual dominance.
The family of a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, who lost his life during an operation by soldiers of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Force in Dei-Dei, Shagari Estate, Abuja, has rejected the military’s account of the incident.
The family, in a statement on Sunday, narrated that military personnel shot at close range through Jamiu’s room, and the shot caught him in the head, killing him instantly.
According to the statement, the sad incident was witnessed by Jamiu’s sister, who was in the house at the time, while their parents were away in Okene for a burial ceremony.
TheTimes Nigeria reports that the family account contradicts the Army’s position, which had earlier claimed that Jamiu was caught in a crossfire on April 25 when troops of the Guards Brigade responded to a distress call from residents reportedly under attack by armed robbers.
The military, in a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Guards Brigade, Lieutenant Olawuyi Odunola, claimed the deceased died after sustaining injuries in a crossfire between the troops and the armed robbers.
However, the family disagreed with the record of events in the military account, adding that their son was killed at about 2 am in his room by a shot fired at close range when the military personnel entered the estate.
They raised questions on the gunfire exchange in the military account, noting that no weapon was recovered from the scene, and no shell casings attributed to any party other than the military have been documented.
Nigerian reality TV star Phyna has reacted to criticism trailing her decision not to have children.
TheTimes Nigeria reports that the former Big Brother Naija winner had earlier shared that she prefers raising pets instead of becoming a biological mother, a statement that sparked reactions online.
Reacting through her social media page, Phyna described the backlash as unfair and accused her critics of holding outdated views.
She expressed anger over the insults directed at her, saying many people were quick to judge her personal choice without understanding her reasons.
The actress went further to explain that her decision is tied to her upbringing. According to her, her childhood experience has shaped how she sees parenting, and she does not feel ready to bring a child into the world under such fears.
Phyna said she worries about becoming the kind of parent she had while growing up, which is something she wants to avoid. Because of this, she believes it is better for her to stay without children rather than take on a role she is not comfortable with.
Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy has spoken on how his time in university affected his self-confidence and how he still deals with the impact today.
In an interview with media personality Ebuka on Bounce Radio, he shared that he was often mocked by female students during his school days. According to him, many of them called him ugly and showed no interest in dating him at the time.
TheTimes Nigeria reports that he explained that those experiences stayed with him and made him develop low confidence over the years. He also said it is part of the reason he remains shy and finds it hard to speak freely in public situations.
Don Jazzy added that because of what he went through back then, he struggles to fully believe when women express love for him today. He noted that some of the same people who ignored him in the past now show interest in him, which confuses him.
Despite his fame and success in the music industry, he said those early experiences still shape how he sees relationships and trust.
Former FC Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernández has said he doubts football will ever produce another player like Lionel Messi, describing the Argentina captain as a once-in-a-generation talent who dominated every aspect of the game.
Xavi Hernández made the remarks while speaking on the YouTube channel of Brazilian legend Romário. Drawing on 15 years spent playing alongside Messi at Barcelona, the Spanish tactician painted a vivid picture of a footballer he believes stands apart from any past or future rival.
Xavi said even the arrival of other global stars, including Neymar, never came close to matching Messi’s influence and all-round ability.
Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique is excited over his team’s form as the French champions gear up for a heavyweight Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich.
Speaking on Monday, April 27, before the showdown at the Parc des Princes, the PSG boss made a bold claim about his squad’s standing on the continent.
PSG head into the tie chasing history after lifting the UEFA Champions League for the first time last season. The Parisians are now in the semi-finals for a third consecutive year under Luis Enrique and are aiming to retain the trophy.
Their route to the last four has been emphatic, with victories over Chelsea and Liverpool in the previous rounds.
