Good morning, Nigeria!
**Welcome to *Gossip News Now * — here’s a roundup of the major stories making headlines across the country today, Saturday, November 8, 2025.
1. Tinubu Responds to Trump’s Threat, Reaffirms Nigeria’s Sovereignty
President Bola Tinubu has asserted that Nigeria will not succumb to external intimidation amid global reactions to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent warning of possible military intervention over alleged persecution of Christians in the country.
In a statement shared on his verified 𝕏 account on Friday, Tinubu stressed that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation that will engage the international community with confidence, not fear.
“Nigeria will not be bullied or stampeded into panic by any foreign power,” Tinubu stated, addressing Trump’s claims of a “Christian genocide.”
Earlier in the week, Trump had alleged that Christians in Nigeria were facing an existential threat and warned that the United States could take military action if the Nigerian government failed to respond. He said he had directed the Department of War to prepare options for airstrikes or ground operations to “wipe out” Islamic extremists allegedly responsible for the killings.
Trump also reclassified Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), citing alleged large-scale persecution of Christians.
Tinubu maintained that Nigeria remains committed to peace, unity, and religious freedom, rejecting what he described as “foreign exaggerations” of the country’s security challenges.
2. Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price to ₦828 per Litre
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a fresh reduction in the ex-depot (gantry) price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), bringing it down from ₦877 to ₦828 per litre — a 5.6% decrease.
The adjustment comes despite a rise in global crude oil prices, which climbed to an average of $64 per barrel on Thursday, up from $62 the previous day.
According to Vanguard findings, the price cut is linked to a strengthened crude supply arrangement between the refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) under the naira-for-crude framework.
Under the agreement, NNPC Ltd will supply the 650,000-barrels-per-day facility with five December-loading crude cargoes, including Amenam, Bonny Light, Forcados, and Qua Iboe grades.
Industry insiders say the arrangement has improved supply consistency and eased cost pressures on the refinery.
Petroleumprice.ng confirmed that depot operators in Lagos began loading at the new price early Friday.
“The price review is expected to provide some relief for fuel marketers and consumers nationwide after weeks of elevated pump prices,” the platform reported.
Marketers are now anticipating a corresponding reduction at retail filling stations in the coming days.
Despite the downward revision, Dangote’s petrol price remains below import parity — continuing to offer a competitive edge against imported fuel.
3. PDP Faction Insists National Convention Will Hold November 15–16 in Ibadan
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed that the party’s National Convention will proceed as scheduled on November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, despite ongoing internal disputes.
In a statement released on the party’s official 𝕏 account on Friday, the faction declared its readiness to elect a new National Working Committee (NWC) and reposition the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The statement reiterated the party’s resolve to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and “take back power through democratic means” in the next electoral cycle.
Despite the persistent leadership crisis, the faction emphasized that it is acting on the strength of a ruling delivered by Justice A. L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, which authorized the convention to proceed.
Gossip News Now recalls that the Oyo court’s decision came just hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the PDP to suspend the planned convention.
Party officials insist that preparations for the two-day event are in full swing and that the convention will serve as a defining moment in the PDP’s effort to rebuild unity and reposition itself as a formidable opposition ahead of 2027.
4. Court Sets November 20 for Ruling in Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Trial
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has scheduled November 20 for ruling in the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Gossip News Now reports that the judge fixed the date after Kanu failed to open his defence despite being allotted six days to do so.
Justice Omotosho stated that since Kanu did not take advantage of the opportunity granted to him, he could not later claim to have been denied his right to a fair hearing.
During Friday’s proceedings, Kanu, who has chosen to represent himself after disengaging his legal team, filed a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction and the validity of the charges against him.
He argued that his prosecution was invalid because it was based on a repealed law — the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, which he claimed no longer exists.
The court initially stood down proceedings for an hour to allow Kanu to prepare his defence, but instead, he filed a motion contesting the competence of the case.
Justice Omotosho is expected to deliver his ruling on the matter on November 20, which could determine the next phase of Kanu’s long-running legal battle with the Federal Government.
5. CAF Confirms Rabat as Host City for 2025 CAF Awards, Sets November 19 Ceremony Date
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed that the 2025 CAF Awards will take place in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
In a statement published on its official website on Friday, CAF announced that the prestigious celebration of African football excellence will begin at 7 p.m. local time (same as 7 p.m. in Nigeria).
“The CAF Awards 2025 will take place in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, starting from 19:00 local time,” the statement read.
The Moroccan capital — renowned for its rich culture, elegance, and top-tier hosting infrastructure — will once again serve as the backdrop for the continent’s most glamorous football awards night.
This year’s ceremony is expected to feature a strong Nigerian contingent, with Super Eagles and Super Falcons players nominated across multiple categories.
Among the top contenders is Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African Player of the Year, who will be aiming to retain his crown after another standout season in European football. The Galatasaray striker remains one of the frontrunners for the men’s top prize.
The event will also honor the best coaches, clubs, and emerging talents, further cementing Rabat’s growing reputation as the home of African football’s biggest night.
6. Full List: Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Davido Shine in 2026 Grammy Nominations
The Recording Academy has announced the full list of nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards, featuring an exciting mix of international superstars, emerging talents, and a record number of African artists.
Gossip News Now reports that the 68th Annual Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
This year’s edition celebrates music released between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025, and introduces two new categories — Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover — underscoring the Academy’s effort to honor diverse artistic contributions.
American rap legend Kendrick Lamar leads all nominees with nine nods, dominating major categories such as Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Rap Album, solidifying his reputation as one of the era’s most influential performers.
Close behind is pop icon Lady Gaga, earning seven nominations and making history once again as the most-nominated female artist of the 2026 cycle. Her chart-topping album MAYHEM secured her fifth career Album of the Year nomination.
Rising pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter also continued her strong award-season run with a second consecutive Album of the Year nod for Man’s Best Friend, cementing her place among music’s elite.
The Best New Artist category features a vibrant lineup of global talents, including KATSEYE, Olivia Dean, Addison Rae, Leon Thomas, and Sombr, all of whom achieved major commercial and critical success over the past year.
Africa made one of its most significant impacts yet on the Grammy stage, with nine African acts — including five Nigerians — earning nominations across global and world music categories.
Leading the charge is Burna Boy, who bagged two nominations: Best African Music Performance for “Love” and Best Global Music Album for No Sign of Weakness. His double nod makes him the most-nominated African artist of the 2026 Grammys.
Other Nigerian nominees include Davido, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, and Omah Lay, each recognized for their contributions to Afrobeats and contemporary African music.
7. Tinubu Should Take Trump’s Warning Seriously, Not as ‘Gutter Talk’ – Eze
Former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu to handle U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on Nigeria with utmost seriousness.
Eze’s remarks follow Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians and his warning of possible U.S. intervention if the Nigerian government fails to act.
In a statement issued on Friday, Eze advised Tinubu to exercise restraint and avoid dismissing Trump’s statement, stressing that the U.S. government has access to critical intelligence about Nigeria’s internal security situation.
“This is not a statement we should take for granted unless we are pretending to be unaware of the possible consequences if Trump follows through on his threat,” Eze warned.
He continued, “President Tinubu and his aides should not interpret Trump’s words as a mere outburst. It should be treated with the seriousness it deserves.”
Eze further argued that Trump’s comments, rather than being seen as divisive or anti-Islam, should be viewed as a call for Nigeria to take stronger action against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers who continue to wreak havoc across the country.
“For Trump to advise Tinubu to ‘stop the killings of Christians in your country now or we will come in and do it for you’ shows concern for Nigeria’s stability and the well-being of its people,” he said.
“These terrorists and bandits are our common enemies — killing, maiming, destroying farmlands and livestock, and committing heinous crimes against humanity. Instead of attacking Trump, the Tinubu administration should look inward and act decisively to end these atrocities.”
8. U.S. Revokes Over 80,000 Visas in Major Immigration Crackdown
The United States Department of State has revoked more than 80,000 visas belonging to Nigerians and citizens of several other countries as part of a sweeping immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump’s administration.
In a statement released on Thursday, the department described the move as part of the administration’s commitment to tightening U.S. borders and prioritizing national security.
Labeling the operation “promises made, promises kept,” the State Department said the revocations align with Trump’s national security strategy and broader efforts to reform immigration enforcement.
Official 2024 data revealed that most of the visa cancellations were linked to three major offenses: assault, theft, and driving under the influence (DUI). The breakdown includes:
- 16,000 visas revoked for DUI offenses
- 12,000 for assault-related offenses
- 8,000 for theft
Other reasons for revocation reportedly include terrorism-related concerns, extremist affiliations, threats to public safety, and violations of visa conditions.
According to Vanguard, a senior State Department official, who requested anonymity, confirmed that these three offenses accounted for nearly half of all visa cancellations this year.
The measure is part of a larger immigration reform initiative launched during Trump’s tenure, which expanded vetting protocols, tightened background checks, and enforced stricter entry requirements for foreign nationals.
9. Tinubu Meets Sultan of Sokoto Amid Rising Global Tensions
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday met behind closed doors with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting, according to the Presidency, was part of ongoing high-level consultations aimed at promoting unity and strengthening national cohesion.
Naija News reports that the engagement came just days after Tinubu’s meeting with the Archbishop of Abuja, Bishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama — signaling the President’s intensified outreach to key religious and cultural leaders across the country.
Videos from both meetings were shared on 𝕏 by Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, who noted that the consultations were focused on fostering dialogue and rebuilding public trust during a critical period in Nigeria’s national life.
Presidency officials told The Nation that these engagements are central to Tinubu’s peace-building efforts and his broader drive to consolidate interfaith harmony and address emerging social tensions nationwide.
“These meetings form part of the President’s wide-ranging consultations with moral and traditional leaders to strengthen national integration and respond to societal challenges,” a senior official explained.
According to sources within the Villa, the discussions reflect the core values of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusivity, interfaith dialogue, and national unity.
“Inclusivity and interfaith cooperation are key pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” a Presidency aide added. “Such engagements help reinforce stability and mutual trust, particularly at a time of heightened global scrutiny.”
The meetings come amid growing international attention following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” and his warning of possible U.S. military intervention over alleged persecution of Christians.
10. Russia Reacts to Trump’s Threat, Monitors Nigeria’s Situation Closely
The Russian government has expressed concern over recent developments in Nigeria following a statement by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting possible American military action in the country.
Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia was “closely monitoring” the situation and urged all parties to adhere to international law and avoid any actions that could heighten tensions.
“We are carefully following this issue and call on everyone involved to strictly observe international legal norms,” Zakharova stated in response to a question from Anadolu News Agency.
Her comments come a week after Trump revealed that he had directed the Pentagon to draft “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria, claiming the move was aimed at protecting Christian communities.
In his November 1 post on Truth Social, Trump alleged that Christianity in Nigeria was under an “existential threat,” claiming that “thousands of Christians are being killed.” He declared that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” adding that his administration would be “ready, willing, and able to protect Christians around the world.”
Trump also instructed members of Congress, including Rep. Barry Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to investigate the situation in Nigeria and report their findings.
The Federal Government of Nigeria swiftly rejected Trump’s remarks, insisting that the country remains committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of all religious groups. President Bola Tinubu described the CPC designation as “misleading and politically motivated,” emphasizing that insecurity affects Nigerians of all faiths.
Russia’s call for restraint adds to a growing list of international reactions to Trump’s controversial statement and reports that U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) is reviewing contingency plans in line with his directive.
And that’s all for today’s top Nigerian newspaper headlines.
**For more updates and breaking stories, stay connected with **Naija News. See you again tomorrow!
