Good morning, Nigeria. Here is your Gossip News Now roundup of the leading stories making headlines across the country today, Friday, October 31, 2025.
1. APC Gains Two-Thirds Majority In House As Six Opposition Lawmakers Defect
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured a solid two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives following the defection of six lawmakers from opposition parties.
During Thursday’s plenary, five lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing the South-East and one member of the Labour Party (LP) from Plateau State announced their decision to join the APC.
The defecting lawmakers are:
- Daniel Asama Ado (Plateau)
- Chidi Mark Obetta (Enugu)
- Phillips Anayo Owuegbu (Enugu)
- Nnaji Nnolim (Enugu)
- Denis Agbo (Enugu)
- Matthew Nwogu (Imo)
Their departure raises the APC’s seats in the House to 242, reducing the PDP to 74 members and further strengthening the ruling party’s legislative dominance.
In their letters read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, the lawmakers cited deepening internal crises within their parties as the reason for their exit, arguing that the instability hampered their ability to effectively represent their constituencies.
2. Bode George Warns Lamido May Face Expulsion From PDP
Board of Trustees (BoT) member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has cautioned former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido that he risks expulsion from the party if he continues to disregard party rules.
Lamido recently threatened legal action against the PDP after claiming he was denied access to the nomination form for the National Chairmanship position.
Speaking on Arise Television on Thursday, George insisted that Lamido must abide by party regulations, noting that he was absent from the most recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
He emphasized that the PDP remains guided by its constitution and internal processes, adding that defiance of established procedures will not be tolerated.
3.‘Tinubu Shows Strength by Correcting Mistakes’ — Onanuga Defends Revised Pardon List
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has praised President Bola Tinubu for reviewing and partially reversing his earlier presidential pardon list, saying the move reflects courage and compassion.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme, Onanuga stated that Tinubu is willing to acknowledge and correct errors when necessary, describing it as a leadership quality rather than a weakness.
He noted that the case of Maryam Sanda — whose death sentence was commuted to 12 years’ imprisonment — was considered on humanitarian grounds, stressing that beneficiaries received clemency and not absolute pardons.
Onanuga added that factors such as rehabilitation, remorse, and humanitarian considerations informed the President’s decisions.
He also disclosed that the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy has been moved from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Ministry of Justice to enhance transparency and oversight.
4. Yvonne Jegede Slams Pastor Femi Lazarus Over Menstruation Remarks
Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede has criticized Abuja-based cleric, Pastor Femi Lazarus of Light Nation Church, over comments he made regarding women’s menstrual cycles.
In a viral sermon clip, Lazarus suggested that menstrual-related mood swings are not biological but due to women’s “attitude,” stating, “Your menstruation is not the problem… you are simply not a peaceful person.”
The remarks triggered widespread backlash across social media, with many Nigerians labeling the comment insensitive and dismissive of women’s health realities.
Responding via Instagram on Wednesday, Jegede faulted the pastor’s stance, urging men to refrain from speaking on experiences that they have never personally encountered.
She emphasized that women deserve understanding and empathy regarding biological processes, not judgment or uninformed opinions.
5. Real Madrid, Super League Promoters Seek $4bn Damages From UEFA
Real Madrid and the organizers of the European Super League are seeking more than $4 billion in compensation from UEFA, accusing the governing body of using its authority to dismantle the breakaway project.
The development follows a ruling by a Madrid court on Wednesday, which rejected UEFA’s appeal in the ongoing legal battle over the controversial competition.
Launched in 2021 by 12 top European clubs — including Real Madrid and Barcelona — the Super League collapsed within days amid widespread fan protests and threats of severe sanctions from UEFA and FIFA.
In December 2023, the European Court of Justice ruled that UEFA’s attempts to block the league violated EU competition laws. A subsequent Spanish court ruling echoed the sentiment, accusing UEFA and FIFA of abusing their dominance and stifling fair competition.
A22 Sports Management, the company spearheading the Super League effort, said UEFA’s refusal to embrace reform or negotiate left it with “no other choice” but to pursue damages.
6. Barcelona Not in Talks With Victor Osimhen, Says Fabrizio Romano
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has debunked reports linking Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen with a move to Barcelona, stating that no discussions have taken place between the player and the Spanish club.
Osimhen, who sealed a permanent switch to Galatasaray after a successful loan spell, has been in impressive form this season, netting six goals in nine matches across all competitions and emerging as one of the standout performers in the Turkish Super Lig.
His strong performances have sparked speculation regarding interest from top European sides, including Barcelona, who are reportedly scouting long-term replacements as Robert Lewandowski’s contract winds down.
However, Romano clarified on his YouTube channel that while Barcelona are actively assessing future striker options, Osimhen is not currently involved in any negotiations.
“Barcelona are looking for strikers for 2026 as Lewandowski could leave on a free,” he said. “But at the moment, Osimhen is not negotiating with any club and remains focused on Galatasaray.”
7. Nathaniel Bassey Says He’s Criticized for Refusing to Monetize Hallelujah Challenge
Gospel music minister Nathaniel Bassey has revealed that he has faced criticism for declining to monetise his highly popular Hallelujah Challenge on YouTube.
Speaking during a live session of the ongoing worship event, Bassey explained that he received a divine instruction not to commercialise the platform, despite its massive global audience.
He noted that some critics have accused him of missing out on major financial opportunities, while others have set up fake pages to rebroadcast his live sessions in an attempt to profit from the programme.
Fans and analysts have speculated on the potential earnings the challenge could generate, with some estimates suggesting it could have brought in more than ₦1 billion in advertising revenue.
Bassey, however, reiterated that the Hallelujah Challenge is a spiritual assignment and not a commercial project, stressing that his decision was driven by obedience to God rather than financial considerations.
8. Ndume Calls on New Defence Chief to Push for Improved Welfare for Troops
Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has urged the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to prioritize securing improved welfare and better remuneration for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Ndume emphasized that enhanced pay packages are essential to boosting troop morale and strengthening the military’s capacity to combat insurgency, banditry, and other security threats across the country.
The senator made the appeal in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, following President Bola Tinubu’s decoration of the new service chiefs.
On Wednesday, the Senate screened and confirmed Gen. Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, alongside Major-General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.
Ndume further urged the federal government to prioritize defence funding by placing the military budget on first-line charge status, arguing that Nigeria’s current remuneration structure for personnel lags behind that of other West African nations.
9. Tinubu Approves 15% Import Duty on Petrol and Diesel
President Bola Tinubu has approved the introduction of a 15% import duty on premium motor spirit (PMS) — commonly referred to as petrol — and diesel.
According to reports, Tinubu’s directive was communicated to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) by his private secretary, Damilotun Aderemi.
The approval, contained in a letter dated October 21, 2025, followed a request from the FIRS to apply the 15% duty on the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value of imported fuel products to reflect domestic market realities.
The correspondence further indicated that the policy is projected to increase the retail price of petrol by approximately ₦99.72 per litre.
Tinubu also instructed the NMDPRA to issue regulatory guidelines for implementation and to ensure that locally refined products are prioritized before import licences are granted.
In addition, the president ordered periodic evaluation of the tariff’s relevance, with provisions to adjust or discontinue the policy as Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity grows, under the supervision of the crude and refined products sales committee.
10. Tinubu Decorates New Service Chiefs, Says Nigeria Eager For Victory Over National Threats
President Bola Tinubu has urged the newly appointed service chiefs to discharge their duties with unwavering commitment and renewed energy, stressing that the nation is “in a hurry to celebrate victory over enemies of the state.”
Speaking at the State House, Aso Villa, on Thursday during the official decoration ceremony, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to strengthen national security and protect citizens.
The newly decorated officers include:
- General Olufemi Oluyede — Chief of Defence Staff
- Lieutenant-General Wahidi Shaibu — Chief of Army Staff
- Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke — Chief of Air Staff
- Vice Admiral Idi Abbas — Chief of Naval Staff
The President conducted the decoration alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima and the spouses of the senior officers.
Tinubu highlighted the strategic importance of security in national development, pledging continued federal support for the armed forces in their fight against threats to Nigeria’s peace and stability.
That wraps up today’s top headlines from across Nigeria. For more breaking news and detailed reports, stay connected to Gossip News Now . Join us again tomorrow for another comprehensive news roundup.
