Nigerian Newspapers Published May 31, 2026 at 4:00 AM By Richard Ogunsile Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 31st May, 2026. 1. Dangote Refinery Reduces Petrol Price To ₦1,250/Litre The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, from ₦1,275 to ₦1,250 per litre. The reduction represents a two per cent decrease. According to Vanguard, market checks confirmed the adjustment amid intensifying competition in Nigeria’s deregulated downstream petroleum market and declining crude oil prices in the international market. An official of the refinery confirmed the price change, saying it was driven by the fall in global crude prices. The official said, “It is true that we have adjusted the gantry price of petrol due to the reduction in crude oil prices, which is our major feedstock. In a deregulated market, such adjustments should be expected. “We are still monitoring developments and will continue to adjust prices in line with market realities.” Findings showed that many filling stations across the country had yet to reflect the new price. Petrol was still selling above ₦1,350 per litre in several locations, depending on the marketer and area. 2. Peter Obi Picks Kwankwaso As Presidential Running Mate The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has nominated former Kano Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate for the 2027 election. Naija News reports that Obi nominated Kwankwaso on Saturday after he was affirmed as the ADC Presidential candidate. Recall that Obi was ratified as the NDC presidential candidate for the 2027 general election on Saturday following the party’s nationwide primary elections held across the country. Obi emerged as the party’s presidential candidate after being affirmed as the sole aspirant for the ticket. The exercise formed part of the NDC’s primaries for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 elections. The event featured the official presentation of the NDC flag to Obi, confirming him as the party’s standard bearer for the presidential election. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were also present at the event in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act. 3. PDP Issues Certificate Of Return To Jonathan As 2027 Presidential Candidate The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki, has issued a certificate of return recognizing former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s 2027 presidential candidate. This is as the party also explained why it changed the venue of the planned national convention scheduled to ratify Jonathan as its candidate. A statement on Saturday by the PDP which was signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the management of the event centre sheduled to be used for the convention, called to cancel the booking, citing an invitation and a threat from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that their certificate of occupancy would be revoked and their event centre demolished if the PDP event was allowed. It added that the PDP leaders, after an emergency meeting, abandoned the earlier plan to resist the security occupation of the event centre and to forcibly use the venue for the ceremonies. Naija News reports that the statement confirmed that Jonathan’s candidacy was later ratified at another venue and his certificate of return issued. 4. Empty Promises Won’t Solve Nigeria’s Problems – Makinde Says After Clinching APM Presidential Ticket Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has secured the presidential ticket of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) ahead of the 2027 general election. Naija News reports that the governor emerged as the party’s flag bearer during the APM presidential primary election held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Saturday. Speaking after receiving the nomination, Makinde said his decision to seek the nation’s highest office was driven by a desire to restore confidence among Nigerians and improve the country’s condition. He stated that Nigeria could overcome its challenges through honest leadership, discipline and practical policies that directly improve the lives of citizens. The governor said his administration, if elected in 2027, would pursue reforms in key sectors of the economy. According to him, Nigerians should enjoy greater benefits from the country’s status as an oil-producing nation, just as citizens of other resource-rich countries benefit from their natural wealth. “I believe that we possess the capacity to rebuild our economy through honesty, discipline and practical reforms. When I speak of practical reforms, I mean reforms that directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians. “Nigerians must benefit from the fact that we are an oil-producing nation, just as citizens of other resource-producing countries benefit from their natural wealth. “The NNPC must be reformed into a lean, efficient and commercially driven institution through proper corporate restructuring, stronger partnerships and institutional reforms,” he stated. 5. Why Tinubu Kept The Removal Of Fuel Subsidy A Secret – Shettima Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu deliberately kept his decision to end the petrol subsidy regime top secret. Shettima explained that Tinubu kept the move from his written inaugural speech to prevent persuasion against the decision. Naija News reports that the Vice President made this disclosure on Friday during a high-profile courtesy visit by state governors to the President at his private residence in Lagos, to mark the Eid el-Kabir festivities and the third anniversary of the administration. Shettima said, “Your Excellency, the withdrawal of the fuel subsidy, you kept it a top secret; it wasn’t part of your speech. “It wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. You had made that decision and kept it close to your heart because you believed if you had incorporated it into your speech, some people would try to persuade you not to do so.” Shettima described this act as “the courage of leadership,, “the audacity of hope,” and “the effrontery to see into the future.” Defending the economic restructuring implemented by the administration over the last three years, Shettima argued that Tinubu inherited a structurally compromised nation that required surgery. 6. ADC Must Not Fail Nigerians – David Mark Warns Party Members The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has urged the party to position itself as a viable platform in the 2027 election. Naija News reports that the former Senate President stated this on Saturday at the ADC National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja. He noted that many Nigerians are seeking a political alternative and urged party members not to disappoint them. Mark stated this on Saturday at the ADC National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja. He lamented the security situation in parts of the country, saying insecurity continues to threaten lives, livelihoods and economic activities. Mark also expressed concern over rising living costs, unemployment and declining purchasing power, saying the issues require urgent attention The former military governor of Niger State, however, said the ADC would not seek political advantage from the hardship facing Nigerians. 7. Governors Lack Powers To Tackle Insecurity – Makinde Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the constitutional structure placing security agencies under federal control has limited his ability to effectively tackle kidnappings and abductions in the state. Naija News reports that Makinde said that although governors are regarded as chief security officers of their states, they lack direct constitutional control over security agencies needed to respond decisively to threats. The governor spoke on Saturday in Ibadan, while accepting the African Peoples Movement (APM) presidential nomination. Makinde lamented the continued captivity of schoolchildren and other residents abducted by criminal elements in Oyo State. He argued that no governor should be held responsible for security failures without having the authority to act. “No governor should bear responsibility without having the authority necessary to act,” Makinde stated. Makinde said the current security arrangement required urgent constitutional reforms. He pledged that, if elected President, he would prioritise restructuring Nigeria’s security system to give states greater capacity to respond to threats. 8. Fulani Militants Have Killed More People Than Boko Haram, ISIS – Riley Moore A United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has alleged that Fulani militants have murdered more Nigerians than Boko Haram. Naija News reports that Moore said this in a post on his verified 𝕏 handle on Saturday. Recall that the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said an estimated 30,000 armed Fulani militants are operating across Nigeria in groups ranging from 10 to 1,000 members. The commission stated this in its May 2026 report titled, Nonstate Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants. According to the report, the militants have become some of the deadliest non-state actors driving religious freedom violations in Nigeria. Reacting to the report, the US lawmaker said it details a horrific truth he submitted to President Donald Trump. He said, “The latest USCIRF report further details a horrific truth that Mario DB and I revealed in our report to President Donald Trump. “Fulani militants killed more people in Nigeria over the past year than Boko Haram or ISIS. Innocent Christians are bearing the brunt of this violent persecution. “President Trump rightly recognised the urgent need to protect Nigerian Christians by specifically addressing this threat in the administration’s Counterterrorism Strategy “America is a Christian nation. We must continue to stand with those who are persecuted for their faith and hold these terrorists accountable.” 9. PSG Beat Arsenal Via Penalties To Win 2026 Champions League Final Paris Saint-Germain were crowned UEFA Champions League winners after beating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra time at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary earlier today, May 30. Arsenal made the perfect start and stunned the French champions inside six minutes. Kai Havertz met Leandro Trossard’s pass to fire the Gunners into an early lead, leaving PSG chasing the game for much of the first half. Luis Enrique’s side pushed forward after the break and eventually found a route back into the game. The turning point arrived in the 63rd minute when a VAR review awarded PSG a penalty. Ousmane Dembélé kept his composure from the spot two minutes later to level the score at 1-1 and set up a tense finale. Both sides searched for a winner in the closing stages of regulation time and throughout extra time, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough. Arsenal introduced Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli and Eberechi Eze from the bench, while PSG turned to Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Gonçalo Ramos as the match stretched into a battle of endurance. The Champions League final was ultimately decided via the penalty spot. 10. She Was Manipulative – Rema Opens Up On Painful Breakup With Ex-Girlfriend Nigerian music star Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has spoken on the reason his past romantic relationship came to an end. Naija News reports that the singer said he eventually chose to leave because the situation became too stressful for him. The singer made the revelation during a conversation with YouTuber Korty EO, where he reflected on his experience with his former girlfriend. According to Rema, the relationship had many good moments and was enjoyable at the beginning. However, he explained that things were not always smooth, as he often found himself dealing with emotional pressure within the relationship. The award-winning artiste said the demands that come with his career already place a heavy burden on him. As a public figure, he faces constant attention and expectations from different directions. Because of this, he hoped his home environment would provide comfort and peace whenever he returned from work. Instead, Rema said he frequently encountered more tension at home, making it difficult for him to relax after dealing with the pressures of life and his career. He described his former partner as someone who could be manipulative, adding that the situation became increasingly difficult for him to handle. The singer stated that there came a point when he could no longer endure what he was experiencing in the relationship. Faced with ongoing strain and emotional stress, he decided that ending the relationship was the best option for his well-being. That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. See you again tomorrow.
