Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the NOP NIGERIA roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 3rd May, 2026.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of social media influencer, Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, over complaints made by some soldiers on social media concerning their feeding and welfare.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the clarification was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
The Army said its attention was drawn to complaints from some soldiers about their feeding and other welfare-related issues, which Chidiebere posted online.
According to the statement, the matter is being investigated for alleged breach of the Armed Forces’ Social Media Policy and what the Army described as an attempt to misinform the public.
Fresh intelligence from Borno State indicates escalating clashes between Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as both factions battle for dominance within the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.
Sources said the confrontations have intensified in recent days, highlighting growing tensions between the rival groups.
At about 8:43 p.m. on April 30, a reported exchange between suspected fighters offered insight into the ongoing conflict.
A Boko Haram member identified as Ba Musa, believed to be operating within the Sambisa axis of Bama Local Government Area, was said to have spoken with an associate, Ya Kazalla.
According to Zagagola Makama, the conversation reportedly reflected concerns over conflicting narratives about recent clashes.
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is set to defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) next week, according to the Kwankwasiyya movement.
The development marks a significant shift in the opposition political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Spokesman of the movement, Habibu Mohammed, said the decision followed unanimous endorsement by stakeholders.
He disclosed that representatives from all 44 local government areas in Kano met at Kwankwaso’s residence and agreed on the move.
“The stakeholders have unanimously given him the go-ahead to move to the NDC,” Mohammed said.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have been holding talks with its leaders.
The NDC Deputy Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, disclosed this while speaking on ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said the discussions involved the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson.
Abdulsalam, in an interview with Punch, said talks between the NDC leadership and the two opposition figures had been ongoing for some time.
He said, “Well, the most I can tell you is that they have been interfacing with our leader for quite some time. Also, do not forget that there is a possibility of an alliance that has been under discussion for quite some time.
“So, with the legal twist we are witnessing now, the legal uncertainties, I think there might be some credence to that. However, I cannot categorically confirm to you that it is true, but you should know that, to a very large extent, there is a possibility of it happening.”
Nigerian singer, Portable, has announced the arrival of a baby boy with his partner, Omobewaji Ewatomi, also known as Bewaji.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the news was shared on Friday after Bewaji posted on her Instagram page, where she expressed joy over a safe delivery and introduced the newborn, identified as Jamal Iremide.
Portable later confirmed the birth on his own social media page, thanking Bewaji and celebrating the addition to his family.
The child’s arrival happened on the same day the singer lost a celebrity boxing match to Carter Efe. The bout ended with a unanimous decision in favour of Carter Efe.
Despite the result in the ring, Portable showed more excitement about becoming a father again. He shared that while he had hoped to win the fight, the birth of his son meant more to him. He also revealed that the baby was born while he was still involved in the boxing event, noting that the moment was special for him as he welcomed another child into his home.
Veteran Nollywood actress, Oby Kechere, popularly known for her role as Madam Koi Koi in the 2002 comedy film Aki na Ukwa, has died.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the news of her death was made public on Saturday by the National President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, Uche Agbo. She reportedly passed away after battling an illness for some time.
The statement read: “It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Madam Cecilia Oby Kechere, Vice Chairman of the DGN Abuja Chapter.
“We were informed yesterday that she passed on Monday, 27th April 2026, after a prolonged illness.
“Madam Cecilia was a graduate of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan, a committed professional and a valued member of our guild. Her contributions to the growth and unity of the DGN, particularly within the Abuja Chapter, will never be forgotten.
“On behalf of the National Executive Council and the entire DGN family, I extend my deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and all members of the Abuja Chapter in this difficult time.
“May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
Ipswich Town have secured promotion to the Premier League after defeating Queens Park Rangers 3-0 on the final day of the Championship season on Saturday.
The victory confirmed the Tractors’ return to the English top flight at the first time of asking. Ipswich will join Coventry City as the two clubs that secured automatic promotion spots.
Four clubs will now compete for the remaining Premier League ticket through the play-offs.
The teams are Millwall, Hull City, Southampton and Middlesbrough. In the semi-final first legs, Hull City will host Millwall on Friday, May 8, with kick-off fixed for 8 pm.
Middlesbrough will face Southampton on Saturday, May 9, at 12.30 pm.
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has said Nigeria’s next president, ahead of the 2027 general elections, has already been determined by God.
NOP NIGERIA reports that Adeboye spoke on Saturday during a workers’ meeting at the Redemption City on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The cleric said the outcome of the election was beyond human influence, stressing that the will of God would ultimately prevail.
Adeboye said, “The next president has already been decided by God who owns the universe. It is not something we can determine by human effort alone. The will of God will be done.”
He cautioned Nigerians against anxiety over political developments, saying God remained sovereign over the nation’s future.
Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima has urged Nigerians to defend their votes in the 2027 elections with “bottles and jerry cans of kerosene”.
He stated this at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement in Abuja on Saturday.
Also, he hinted that key opposition figures, such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, would leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by Monday for a new political platform.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed speculations that the party might not field candidates for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
The ADC, in a statement made available to NOP NIGERIA on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said such claims are unfounded, mischievous, and designed to create confusion.
He reiterated that the party is focused on saving Nigeria by removing the All Progressives Congress (APC) from power through the polls.
Abdullahi also assured that the party would present capable and competent candidates for the 2027 elections, adding that the ADC would not be distracted by noise.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on NOP NIGERIA. See you again tomorrow.
