Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Wednesday, 18th June, 2025

President Bola Tinubu has justified the decision to erect a new annex office for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying the institution should be housed in a structure that reflects its dignity, responsibility and national significance.

Speaking on Tuesday during the flag-off of the construction of a new INEC annex office to complement its current headquarters in Abuja, President Tinubu re-echoed the commitment of his administration to Nigeria’s democratic process.

He added that the construction is a clear signal of the government’s unwavering support for INEC’s autonomy, capacity and growth.

Naija News reports that the President also emphasized the commitment of his administration to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, independence of institutions and the future of the nation’s electoral integrity.

According to him, INEC’s roles in conducting free, fair and credible elections are central to the trust people placed in the government and the nation’s democratic process.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has urged residents of the state to resist taking up arms in self-defence.

Naija News reports that the governor stated this on Tuesday following the recent wave of brutal killings, insisting that community policing remains the best solution to the security crisis.

The governor made this known during an interview on AIT News, as reactions continue to trail the massacre of over 100 people across Guma and nearby local government areas by suspected armed herders.

While acknowledging the public anger and grief over the attacks, Governor Alia cautioned against emotionally driven calls for self-defence, warning that it could worsen the situation.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) planned 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for June 30, 2025, describing the notice submitted by the opposition party as non-compliant with electoral guidelines.

This was conveyed in a letter dated June 13, 2025, and addressed to the PDP’s National Chairman. The correspondence, with reference number INEC/DEPM/PDP/286/iii/80, was titled “RE: NOTICE OF 100TH NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY” and was obtained by PUNCH on Tuesday.

Naija News reports that INEC said the notice fell short of the requirements of Part 2(12)3 of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, which mandates that such notices be jointly signed by both the National Chairman and the National Secretary.

“The commission draws your attention that the notice is not in compliance with the requirement… that provides ‘the National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party shall jointly sign the notice of convention, congress, conference or meeting and submit same to the Commission. Be guided,” the letter, signed by INEC’s acting Secretary, Mathru Aminu, read.

The development follows an earlier letter dated May 30, wherein the PDP formally informed INEC of its intention to convene the landmark NEC meeting at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

However, the notice was signed solely by acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, in line with the 21-day notification rule, but in apparent violation of the dual-signature requirement.

A former National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ismail Ahmed, says the party is confident of victory ahead of the 2027 general election.

He also dismissed fears that the opposition coalition might be a threat to the chances of the APC in the election.

Speaking on Tuesday during an interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ahmed said the government of President Bola Tinubu is saving the country from disaster with its economic policies and programmes.

He, however, noted that some people may not understand what the government is doing, and some of the policies may take time before yielding results, hence the need for the government to always explain its actions to Nigerians.

The APC chieftain emphasized the need for the President and the Vice President to move around the country and explain to Nigerians what they are doing because they are the real custodians of the mandate and their words carry more weight than what any surrogate would say.

The Katsina State Government has denied claims that it is actively negotiating with bandits, clarifying that its only interest lies in reintegrating repentant criminals who willingly drop their arms and embrace peace.

Naija News reports that the clarification comes on the heels of viral reports and video footage showing wanted bandit leader, Ado Aleru, addressing a peace meeting in the Bichi community, Danmusa Local Government Area.

Aleru, who has been on the police watchlist since 2020 with a ₦5 million bounty placed on him, was seen speaking before traditional rulers, local officials, and Nigerian Army personnel, sparking public outcry over what many perceived as state-sanctioned negotiation.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, stated unequivocally that the Dikko Radda-led administration had not and would not enter into direct negotiations with criminals.

He added, however, that any bandit willing to lay down arms would be given a chance to reintegrate and live as a law-abiding citizen.

Mu’azu explained that the peace meetings seen in recent weeks were initiated by local communities, not by the state government.

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deciding to visit Benue State after the recent killings carried out by suspected herdsmen.

Naija News reports that Tinubu had rescheduled his visit to Kaduna State to allow him visit Benue over the recent killings.

This follows backlash from Nigerians, who had urged the president to visit the North-Central State and find a solution to the insecurity rocking the state.

In a statement on Tuesday morning, Peter Obi asked Tinubu to visit Niger State, which is grappling with the devastating effects of floods.

He pointed out that the presence of the President in these devastated and grieving communities will be very reassuring and uplifting.

Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, has added another award to his growing list of achievements after winning the 2024-2025 Turkish Super Lig Goal of the Season award.

Osimhen claimed the honour for his breathtaking bicycle kick against Antalyaspor, a goal that came during stoppage time in Galatasaray’s emphatic 3-0 win at the RAMS Park.

The strike, hailed as a moment of individual brilliance, marked his third league goal at the time for the Turkish giants.

The 26-year-old, on loan from Napoli, enjoyed a remarkable campaign, finishing as the top scorer in the Super Lig with 26 goals.

His impact at Galatasaray has been widely praised, reigniting speculation about his long-term future after his temporary switch from Serie A last September.

Former Real Madrid defender, Sergio Ramos, is backing Kylian Mbappé to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, despite the Frenchman not winning many major team trophies in the 2024-2025 season.

Ramos, who now plays for Mexican side Monterrey, said during a press conference on Monday that Mbappé deserves the prestigious individual honour after a stunning debut season at Real Madrid.

Recall that Ramos and Mbappe spent two seasons together at PSG between 2021 and 2023.

In his first campaign at the Santiago Bernabéu, Mbappé won the Spanish Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. More impressively, he netted a record-breaking 43 goals in 56 matches, the highest in Europe, earning him the coveted European Golden Shoe.

Despite that, Ousmane Dembélé, who won the UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1 with PSG, Lamine Yamal, who won the Spanish La Liga with Barcelona, and Mohamed Salah, who won the Premier League title with Liverpool, are rated higher than Mbappe in the Ballon d’Or power ranking.

The 38-year-old veteran defender further predicted a bright future for his former teammate, suggesting Mbappé could dominate the Ballon d’Or stage for years to come.

Popular media personality Ifedayo Olarinde, also known as Daddy Freeze, has alleged that he received death threats years ago for criticising Nigerian pastors.

Speaking in a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, Daddy Freeze, who is the co-host, explained that the death threats were extended to members of his family.

He further asserted that his outspoken criticism of Nigerian pastors emboldened others to demand accountability from clerics nationwide.

Nollywood actress cum filmmaker, Omoni Oboli, has defended criticisms that Nigerian movies are very predictable, stating that same trend also occurs in Hollywood.

Naija News reports that the thespian made this known in an interview with Instablog9ja on YouTube.

She said that the true magic lies in the storytelling journey, not necessarily in an unexpected ending.

Omoni Oboli noted that the Nigerian film industry possesses original stories that can stand shoulder to shoulder with those from Hollywood, emphasising the power of strong narrative and character development.

The film star also highlighted the global appeal of Nollywood, noting that YouTube analytics reveal a diverse international viewership.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on OsundailyNG. See you again tomorrow.