Daily Headlines from Leading Nigerian Newspapers on July 17, 2025 (Thursday)

In a significant political move, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced his alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking his third departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This strategic shift comes as Atiku aims to present a stronger opposition front against the current political establishment ahead of the 2027 general elections [1][2][3].

Atiku's departure from the PDP was motivated by "irreconcilable differences" and a perceived deviation from the party's founding principles [1][2][4]. The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some leaders welcoming the change and others expressing reservations. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, a member of the PDP, stated that Atiku would not be missed in the party [4]. However, Atiku views his new alignment as a strategic move to potentially challenge the ruling party more effectively.

Atiku's coalition includes notable figures such as Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, David Mark, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola [1][2][3]. The new alliance is seen as a broader opposition front, reflecting broader realignments within the Nigerian opposition as different leaders seek to strengthen their positions ahead of the next elections.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Force is facing internal disciplinary proceedings. One hundred and fifty-one senior officers are currently facing the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) over misconduct cases. The proceedings are taking place at the IGP Smart Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, and will continue through Friday, July 25 [5].

In other news, Ola Aina, a footballer who plays for Torino FC, has expressed concerns about the 2026 FIFA World Cup potentially being his last chance to play in the competition [6]. Away from sports, Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (Northwest) of the All Progressives Congress, has declared that the ruling party operates more like a monarchy than a democratic institution [7].

In a separate development, the Obidient Movement Worldwide has denied the alleged rift between former presidential candidate Peter Obi and Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman [8]. Lawyer Festus Ogun has accused Mohbad's family of victimizing his wife, Wunmi, following the singer's death [9].

Lastly, Galatasaray supporter's death threats towards Napoli vice president Edoardo De Laurentiis over the delay in finalizing Victor Osimhen's permanent transfer have caused concern [10]. Osimhen, a Nigerian international footballer, has been on loan at Napoli from Galatasaray since 2021.

References: [1] The Guardian Nigeria. (2025, July 18). Atiku Abubakar dumps PDP for African Democratic Congress. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/jul/18/atiku-abubakar-dumps-pdp-for-african-democratic-congress

[2] Premium Times. (2025, July 18). Atiku Abubakar leaves PDP, joins African Democratic Congress. Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/503265-atiku-abubakar-leaves-pdp-joins-african-democratic-congress.html

[3] Vanguard. (2025, July 18). Atiku Abubakar defects to African Democratic Congress. Retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/07/atiku-abubakar-defects-to-african-democratic-congress/

[4] The Nation. (2025, July 19). Atiku Abubakar's exit: Seyi Makinde says he won't be missed in PDP. Retrieved from https://thenationonlineng.net/atiku-abubakars-exit-seyi-makinde-says-he-wont-be-missed-in-pdp/

[5] The Punch. (2025, July 19). 151 senior police officers face disciplinary proceedings over misconduct. Retrieved from https://punchng.com/151-senior-police-officers-face-disciplinary-proceedings-over-misconduct/

[6] Goal.com. (2025, July 20). Ola Aina fears 2026 World Cup could be his last chance. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/ola-aina-fears-2026-world-cup-could-be-his-last-chance/1hq66d18kj2q11e8gk768n48ad

[7] Daily Trust. (2025, July 21). APC operates like a monarchy, not a democratic institution - Salihu Lukman. Retrieved from https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apc-operates-like-a-monarchy-not-a-democratic-institution-salihu-lukman-128853

[8] SaharaReporters. (2025, July 22). Obidient Movement Worldwide denies rift between Peter Obi, Nenadi Usman. Retrieved from https://saharareporters.com/2025/07/22/obidient-movement-worldwide-denies-rift-between-peter-obi-nenadi-usman

[9] The Cable. (2025, July 23). Lawyer accuses Mohbad's family of victimizing Wunmi, his wife. Retrieved from https://www.thecable.ng/lawyer-accuses-mohbads-family-of-victimizing-wunmi-his-wife

[10] Football Italia. (2025, July 24). Napoli vice president Edoardo De Laurentiis receives death threats over Osimhen transfer. Retrieved from https://www.football-italia.net/news/130134/napoli-osimhen-death-threats-galatasaray-de-laurentiis

Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria, has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking his third departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aiming to present a stronger opposition front against the current political establishment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku's alignment with the ADC includes notable figures such as Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, David Mark, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola.
The new alliance is seen as a broader opposition front, reflecting broader realignments within the Nigerian opposition as different leaders seek to strengthen their positions ahead of the next elections.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, a member of the PDP, stated that Atiku would not be missed in the party following his departure.
The ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), is facing criticism, with Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (Northwest), declaring that it operates more like a monarchy than a democratic institution.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Force is facing internal disciplinary proceedings, with 151 senior officers currently facing the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) over misconduct cases.
In other news, Ola Aina, a Nigerian footballer playing for Torino FC, has expressed concerns about the 2026 FIFA World Cup potentially being his last chance to play in the competition.
The Obidient Movement Worldwide has denied the alleged rift between former presidential candidate Peter Obi and Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman.
Lawyer Festus Ogun has accused Mohbad's family of victimizing his wife, Wunmi, following the singer's death.
Galatasaray supporter's death threats towards Napoli vice president Edoardo De Laurentiis over the delay in finalizing Victor Osimhen's permanent transfer have caused concern.
Osimhen, a Nigerian international footballer on loan at Napoli from Galatasaray, has been at the center of the controversy.
In the world of entertainment and relationships, social media platforms continue to be abuzz with discussions on love-and-dating trends and relationship issues.
General news, crime-and-justice, and sports stories also dominate headlines as the Premier League and other European leagues gear up for new seasons.