Top 10 Nigerian Newspaper Headlines You Need to Know This Morning

Good morning Nigeria. Here are the top 10 Nigerian Newspaper headlines you need to know this morning, Wednesday, 27th May, 2026.

1. Court Clears Jonathan To Contest 2027 Presidential Election

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.

The court, in a ruling delivered on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, held that Jonathan remained eligible to participate in the election as a presidential contestant.

The ruling followed a suit filed by one Johnmary Jideobi, who had asked the court to stop Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party as a candidate for the 2027 presidential poll.

Jideobi had also urged the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting, processing or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate in the next general election.

The plaintiff asked the court to determine whether, considering Sections 1(1), (2), (3), and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, the former president was still qualified to seek election into the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

2. Wike’s PDP Faction Announces 2027 Presidential Candidate

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, has announced former Cross River State gubernatorial candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, as its consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The announcement was made by the Chairman of the PDP Presidential Primaries Collation Committee and former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, during the collation and presentation of the party’s presidential primary results at the Wadata Plaza, Abuja, on Tuesday.

Senator Onor emerged as the sole presidential aspirant of the PDP faction loyal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, after declaring his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election and obtaining his expression of interest and nomination forms earlier this month.

Speaking on Tuesday, members of the presidential primaries collation committee said his emergence followed consultations and voice votes conducted among party members across the states.

Ortom said the committee had been engaging with party members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory and had arrived at a consensus ahead of the announcement.

3. INEC Has Powers To Set Timelines For 2027 Elections – Court Rules

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has upheld the authority of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prescribe timelines for political parties to conduct their primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, while simultaneously striking down specific deadlines it found incompatible with the Electoral Act 2026.

Justice J.K. Omotosho delivered the judgment in a suit brought by the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which had challenged aspects of INEC’s timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 elections.

In the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/720/2026, the SDP questioned whether INEC had the legal authority to set timelines for party primaries and compel political parties to comply with them, particularly in light of Sections 82 and 84(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.

The court also affirmed that INEC could alter such timetables when it deemed it necessary.

However, Justice Omotosho held that while INEC can set its own administrative timelines, it cannot compress or override timelines expressly fixed by the Electoral Act.

Specifically, the court voided the deadlines of August 29, 2026 and September 16, 2026, which INEC had set for the submission of nomination forms for presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and House of Assembly elections.

The court found those dates incompatible with the 120-day window guaranteed under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 for submission of candidates’ particulars.

Justice Omotosho consequently ordered INEC to amend the affected portions of its 2027 election timetable to bring them in line with Sections 29(1) and 31 of the Electoral Act 2026.

4. ‘I Won’t Accept’ – Amaechi Rejects ADC Presidential Primary Results

Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has rejected the results of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election held on Monday.

Amaechi, in a statement issued on Tuesday, described the results being announced as “concocted,” alleging widespread disenfranchisement and electoral irregularities.

The former minister said he had earlier made it clear that he would only accept the outcome of the primary if the process was free, fair and transparent.

“I unequivocally reject the concocted results being announced,” Amaechi stated.

“I had initially stated that I will only accept the outcome of the Primaries if the process was free, fair, and transparent, and I stand by my word.”

Amaechi alleged that a large number of ADC members across the country were prevented from participating in the exercise.

According to him, the alleged disenfranchisement undermined the credibility of the primary.

5. AAC Gets New National Chairman As Sowore Steps Down

The African Action Congress (AAC) has announced that human rights activist and its 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has stepped down as the party’s National Chairman.

The party disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday shortly after Sowore emerged as its presidential flag bearer during the AAC primaries held in Abuja.

According to the statement, Samuel Ajeigbe has been appointed as the new National Chairman of the party.

“Omoyele Sowore has officially stepped down as the National Chairman of the African Action Congress,” the party stated.

“The party hereby welcomes Samuel Ajeigbe as the new National Chairman of our great party.”

Sowore’s resignation came hours after he secured the AAC presidential ticket through unanimous endorsement by delegates and party leaders.

He was presented with the party’s flag at the primary amid cheers from supporters drawn from different states.

6. Nigeria Can Still Take More Loans – Onanuga Defends Borrowing

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, has reacted to public debate over Nigeria’s rising debt, saying the country has not borrowed beyond what is considered safe when compared with some other nations.

In a post on 𝕏, Onanuga said Nigeria’s debt level is still within a reasonable range when placed side by side with countries like Egypt, South Africa and Senegal. According to him, Nigeria remains creditworthy and still has room to access more loans for development projects.

Onanuga argued that criticism of government borrowing is often based on a misunderstanding of how national debt works. He said loans are not a problem when they are used to finance infrastructure that can support economic growth.

He explained that borrowing becomes useful when directed toward projects such as roads, power, transport systems and other infrastructure that can improve productivity in the country.

The presidential aide maintained that ongoing discussions around Nigeria’s debt should be guided by facts rather than political emotion, adding that productive borrowing can help drive long-term development.

7. I Ghosted My Girlfriend Of 7 Years After Meeting Davido – Peruzzi

Nigerian singer Peruzzi has opened up on how his life changed after meeting Afrobeats star Davido.

The singer made the revelation during a discussion with media personalities Falz, VJ Adams and Tope Olowoniyan.

Peruzzi explained that after connecting with Davido, his lifestyle changed suddenly and he became carried away by the new experiences around him. According to him, he stopped communicating with his girlfriend at the time and spent days enjoying trips and luxury moments with friends.

He said meeting Davido opened doors he never imagined, adding that he quickly began traveling to different countries within a short period. The singer said the experience felt unreal to him because his life changed almost immediately after the encounter.

Peruzzi also admitted that he did not think about updating his girlfriend because he was fully focused on enjoying the new opportunities and experiences that came with his rise in the music industry.

8. I Don’t Expect Her To Understand Me – Yul Edochie Speaks On Relationship With Daughter

Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has addressed speculations about his relationship with his first daughter, Danielle.

Danielle had removed her father’s name from her social media handles, which had led to speculations that the youngster had a rocky relationship with her father.

The actor had previously faced criticism online after social media users accused him of ignoring Danielle’s graduation while sharing posts about his children with his second wife, Judy Austin.

However, speaking on the Honest Bunch Podcast, the actor said he has a close relationship with his first daughter, who is 21.

He explained that he does not expect her to fully understand him at her age, noting that he also struggled to understand his own father when he was younger.

He added that it is natural for children to feel more connected to their mother’s side, describing the situation as normal.

9. Manchester City Appoint Maresca As Guardiola’s Successor

Manchester City have confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca as the club’s new head coach.

The Italian replaces Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium and has signed a deal that will run until June 2029.

Maresca’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era for the Premier League side following Guardiola’s trophy-laden spell in Manchester.

The 45-year-old is expected to take immediate charge of first-team preparations as City begin plans for the new season.

Maresca is no stranger to Manchester City, having previously worked under Guardiola as part of the club’s coaching staff.

He was part of the backroom team during City’s historic treble-winning campaign, a period that further strengthened his understanding of the club’s playing identity and internal structure.

His return is seen as a move by City’s hierarchy to maintain continuity in style, philosophy and dressing-room standards after Guardiola’s exit.

10. Rice Warns Arsenal Must Hit Top Gear Against PSG

Declan Rice has said Arsenal must be at their very best if they are to defeat Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday’s Champions League final in Budapest.

The Premier League champions will face the defending European champions at the Puskás Aréna after seeing off Atlético Madrid in the semi-finals.

PSG booked their place in the final by beating Bayern Munich.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Rice admitted Arsenal would need to raise their level against the French giants.