Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Sunday, 9th March, 2025

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the IDOMA VOICE News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 9th March 2025

1. With 715 days until the 2027 presidential election, President Bola Tinubu is busy forging alliances by wooing South East and South-South governors. His efforts to secure these regions’ support underline a strategic move to strengthen his re-election bid, following recent statements from top party figures about long-term political plans.

2. The PDP Governors Forum has refuted claims that some of its members support a joint presidential ticket featuring Nasir El-Rufai and Peter Obi. Under the leadership of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the forum emphasized its commitment to backing only the official PDP candidate, maintaining a unified front as it focuses on improving governance amid challenging economic conditions.

3. Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is facing a turbulent political period as he reportedly avoids consulting key allies who have supported him in the ongoing state crisis. This isolation from influential figures could weaken his political position as the state grapples with calls for better leadership and potential impeachment moves.

4. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s media office has dismissed recent reports of his planned defection from the PDP. Atiku’s team reassured supporters that he remains committed to the party, even as he continues to call for a unified opposition to challenge the ruling APC in the upcoming 2027 elections.

5. Senate Leader Bamidele Opeyemi has explained that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was due solely to gross misconduct and violations of Senate rules, rather than any sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This clarification aims to quell rumors and refocus the public debate on issues of discipline and accountability in the Senate.

6. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has strongly denied a ₦700 billion fraud allegation made against his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel. Questioning the source of these figures, Eno criticized the persistent targeting of former leaders and warned that such unfounded accusations could deter effective governance in the oil-rich state.

7. In a bid to address the escalating political unrest in Rivers State, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has vowed to mobilize senators from the Niger Delta region. His plan involves collaborating with lawmakers to restore peace and stability, especially following the Supreme Court’s recent decision affecting state funding allocations and the subsequent ultimatum issued to Governor Fubara.

8. On International Women’s Day 2025, President Tinubu reiterated his call for greater support for Nigerian women. Highlighting the theme “Invest in Women, Accelerate Action,” Tinubu stressed that despite decades of advocacy, too many women still face significant barriers in various sectors, and he pledged to dismantle these obstacles to foster true gender equality.

9. Nigeria’s Under-17 national team, the Flamingos, delivered an impressive performance by defeating South Africa’s Bantwana 3-1 in Pretoria. The win not only showcases the team’s talent, with standout performances from players like Shakirat Moshood and Harmony Chidi, but also positions them favorably as they advance closer to the final round of qualification for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup finals.

10. Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, stirred up headlines by challenging women who aspire to be his third wife. In an interview with content creator Egungun, he set a high standard for loyalty by asking if these women could match the unwavering devotion of his first two wives—a remark that continues to fuel debate about his personal life and views on relationships.