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Nigerian news headlines. Good morning, Nigeria! Welcome to StartSmart Nigeria’s roundup of the top Nigerian news headlines for Saturday, April 26, 2025. From fraud crackdowns to sustainable energy initiatives, here’s what’s making waves across the nation today.
1. EFCC Declares Four Persons Wanted in CBEX Scam
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared four individuals wanted for their alleged involvement in a fraud scheme on the Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) platform. The suspects, identified as Seyi Oloyede, Emmanuel Uko, Adefowora Oluwanisola, and Adefowora Abiodun Olaonipekun, are under investigation for financial misconduct. StartSmart Nigeria urges citizens to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
Why It Matters: This development highlights the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
2. FG to Install Solar Panels at Aso Rock Villa to Cut ₦47 Billion Power Bills
The Federal Government has announced plans to install solar panels at Aso Rock Villa to address the unsustainable ₦47 billion annual electricity bill. Mustapha Abdulahi, Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, revealed that President Bola Tinubu approved ₦10 billion for the solar power grid project. This initiative aims to reduce governance costs, promote clean energy, and create job opportunities for Nigerian engineers.
Why It Matters: The move aligns with global green energy trends and supports Nigeria’s push for energy sustainability and independence.
3. APC’s Felix Morka Blames Atiku for PDP’s Internal Crisis
Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has pointed fingers at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the ongoing turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Morka claims Atiku’s decision to contest the 2023 presidential election, despite a zoning agreement favoring a southern candidate, violated the PDP’s constitution and triggered the party’s crisis.
Why It Matters: Political instability within the PDP could reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
4. Nyesom Wike Challenges Rivers Elders on Peace Efforts Amid Emergency Rule
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has called out Rivers State elders and traditional rulers, questioning their efforts to restore peace following the declaration of a state of emergency. Speaking at an event in Port Harcourt, Wike emphasized that reconciliation requires honesty and collective action, not protests or emotional appeals.
Why It Matters: Wike’s challenge underscores the need for collaborative efforts to stabilize Rivers State amid political tensions.
5. Segun Sowunmi Warns Peter Obi Against Negative Portrayal of Nigeria
PDP stalwart Segun Sowunmi has advised Labour Party’s Peter Obi to refrain from depicting Nigeria negatively during international engagements. Sowunmi’s remarks follow Obi’s presentation at Johns Hopkins University, where he compared Nigeria’s declining Human Development Index (HDI) and GDP per capita to China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Sowunmi argues that such comparisons fail to reflect Nigeria’s unique economic context.
Why It Matters: This debate highlights the delicate balance between constructive criticism and national image-building in global forums.
6. 2027 Elections: El-Rufai, Obi Could Challenge Tinubu, Says Majeed Dahiru
Public affairs analyst Majeed Dahiru suggests that a coalition between former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Peter Obi could disrupt President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. Dahiru claims that PDP governors, primarily from the South, are unlikely to oppose Tinubu due to regional solidarity, making a northern-southeastern alliance a potential game-changer.
Why It Matters: Speculation about 2027 coalitions signals early political maneuvering in Nigeria’s dynamic electoral landscape.
7. PDP Faces Defection Crisis, Warns Ikenga Ugochinyere
Ikenga Ugochinyere, a House of Representatives member, has raised alarms over the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) potential collapse, citing the defection of key figures like Ifeanyi Okowa and Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC. Ugochinyere warns that two more governors and 40 lawmakers may soon follow, urging the PDP to replace acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and expel National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.
Why It Matters: The PDP’s internal struggles could weaken Nigeria’s opposition, impacting democratic competition.
8. Boko Haram Reorganizes in Borno, Governor Zulum Raises Alarm
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has warned of Boko Haram’s resurgence in the Tumbus regions of Lake Chad and the Mandara hills. Speaking during a visit from the Minister of Defence, Zulum criticized the military’s inconsistent operations, noting that terrorists reclaim areas after troop withdrawals. He called for sustained efforts to curb the insurgency.
Why It Matters: Persistent security challenges in the Northeast demand urgent and coordinated action to protect lives and restore stability.
9. 2Baba Ties the Knot with Natasha Osawaru in Traditional Ceremony
Nigerian music icon 2Baba (Innocent Idibia) and Edo State lawmaker Natasha Osawaru have formalized their union in a traditional ceremony in Benue State. The event, marked by vibrant Idoma cultural displays, has captured widespread attention online.
Why It Matters: The celebration showcases Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and the intersection of entertainment and politics.
10. Liverpool’s Arne Slot Eyes Premier League Title at Anfield
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is poised to clinch the club’s 20th Premier League title against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, April 27, 2025. With a 12-point lead over Arsenal, Liverpool needs just one point to secure the championship. Slot emphasized the team’s responsibility and the crucial role of fan support in achieving this milestone.
Why It Matters: A potential title win highlights Nigeria’s strong connection to global football and the Premier League’s cultural impact.
Stay Informed with StartSmart Nigeria
That’s a wrap on today’s top Nigerian news headlines. From financial crime crackdowns to political shifts and cultural milestones, StartSmart Nigeria keeps you updated on the stories shaping the nation. Visit us tomorrow for more Nigerian news and insights.
Related Posts:
- How Nigeria’s Solar Energy Push Could Transform the Economy
- 2027 Elections: Key Players and Emerging Coalitions
- Boko Haram Insurgency: Challenges and Solutions for Borno
- StartSmart Nigeria’s Politics Section (#)
- Latest Security Updates in Nigeria (#)
- Cultural News and Events (#)
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