Good morning, Nigeria. Here is your Gossip News Now roundup of the major stories making headlines across the country today, Wednesday, 19th November 2025.
1. Wike’s PDP Faction Expels Governors Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Dauda Lawal, Bode George, Others
The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has expelled several prominent members, including Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).
The faction also announced the dissolution of party executives in Oyo, Bauchi, Ekiti, Zamfara, Edo, and Lagos States.
These resolutions were reached during the party’s 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held today at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja.
Others expelled are former Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, former Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, among additional members accused of engaging in anti-party activities.
Acting National Chairman Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, who submitted the memo recommending their expulsion, said the affected members repeatedly disobeyed court judgments, thereby bringing the party into disrepute.
The NEC communiqué was presented by the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
2. Taraba Governor Kefas Halts Planned Move to APC
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has suspended his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State as a national tragedy that calls for solemnity rather than political activities.
Kefas said his decision was made out of respect for the victims and their families, emphasising that periods of national insecurity require unity, empathy, and responsible leadership.
“At a time when Nigeria is again confronted with insecurity, solidarity and compassion must come before politics,” he stated.
The governor stressed that his administration prioritises security, education, and the protection of vulnerable citizens. He added that stepping back from major political engagements is the moral and responsible thing to do until the current crisis is resolved.
According to him, safeguarding the lives of Nigerians must take precedence over any political moves.
3. Two Kebbi Students Escape as Families Grieve and Troops Intensify Search
Two schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State have escaped from their kidnappers, local officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Hussaini Aliyu of the Danko-Wasagu Council told the BBC that the girls managed to flee while the armed abductors were marching them through the bush.
“The girls are back and safe,” he said, noting that one of them suffered a leg injury during the escape and is receiving medical care.
At least 25 students and a teacher were abducted during Monday’s early-morning attack. The gunmen — described as bandits — stormed the school around 4 a.m., firing shots as they seized the victims.
A teacher was killed while trying to protect the students, and a security guard later died in hospital from gunshot wounds. His family, now in mourning, revealed that he had both a granddaughter and great-granddaughter enrolled at the school — and both are among those still missing.
4. ‘I Don’t Want Regina Daniels Back’ — Ned Nwoko Refutes Reconciliation Claims
Delta North Senator, Ned Nwoko, has denied claims that he is attempting to reconcile with his estranged wife and Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels.
This follows Regina’s allegation that Nwoko has been sending family members to beg for a reunion while simultaneously criticising her online — an assertion also echoed by actress Doris Ogala in a recent Instagram post.
In a statement issued through his communications lead, Nwoko dismissed the claims, insisting he has not been chatting with Regina and has no desire for her to return to his home.
He described Regina’s accusations involving drugs and sexual misconduct as false and impossible to prove, attributing her recent social media behaviour to the influence of hard drugs.
Nwoko said their last WhatsApp exchange showed him expressing frustration and issuing an ultimatum for her to return to rehabilitation or lose his financial support. He alleged that shortly after the message, Regina became violent, damaging cars and other property.
He also referenced a video Regina posted online showing him in the bathroom, saying he was shocked she shared such a private moment publicly.
5. Harry Kane Explains Why He and Haaland May Miss Out on the Ballon d’Or
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane says that scoring goals alone may not be enough for him — or even Erling Haaland — to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
In an interview with the UK Mirror, the England captain emphasised that success in major tournaments like the Champions League and the World Cup is essential for anyone hoping to claim the award.
“I could score 100 goals this season, but if I don’t win the Champions League or the World Cup, you’re probably not going to win the Ballon d’Or,” Kane said. “It’s the same with Haaland or any player — you have to win those major trophies.”
Kane, 32, is enjoying one of the best starts of his career, with 13 Bundesliga goals and five Champions League goals already this season, making him one of Europe’s most lethal forwards.
Despite his prolific form, he acknowledges that trophies remain the deciding factor. Last season, he scored 44 times in 45 matches for Bayern and led England to the Euro 2024 final, yet still finished 13th in Ballon d’Or voting.
Looking ahead, Kane says he is optimistic about Bayern’s Champions League ambitions and England’s chances at the 2026 World Cup.
6. Arsenal Face New Defensive Injury Worries Ahead of Tottenham Derby
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is dealing with fresh injury concerns after three key defenders picked up knocks during the international break.
The Gunners return to action with doubts surrounding Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber.
Before the break, Arsenal boasted one of Europe’s strongest defensive records — eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions before their 2-2 draw against Sunderland. They now prepare for Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham, followed by a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
Gabriel is Arteta’s biggest setback so far. The Brazilian centre-back, who forms a reliable partnership with William Saliba, was forced off during Saturday’s friendly against Senegal with a thigh injury. He did not travel to France for Brazil’s match against Tunisia after scans confirmed the problem.
The 27-year-old has been instrumental in a defence that has conceded just five goals in 11 Premier League games, and he has scored twice this season.
Calafiori, Arsenal’s first-choice left-back, also withdrew from Italy’s camp. Though he reported for qualifiers against Moldova and Norway, he trained alone due to a hip issue and did not feature in either fixture.
7. ‘I’m a Two-Minute Girl’ — Actress Etinosa Idemudia Shares Candid Take on Viral Sex Debate
Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia has openly described herself as a “two-minute girl” while weighing in on a trending sex conversation circulating on social media.
Responding to a discussion on 𝕏 where a user complained about men “lasting too long,” Etinosa said she finds 15 minutes of continuous thrusting “excessive,” jokingly asking whether anyone engaging for that long is “digging for gold.”
The actress explained that she loses interest once she hits her peak, noting that anything beyond that moment feels unnecessary to her.
8. 44 Federal Lawmakers Urge Tinubu to Order Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
A group of 44 Federal lawmakers from both northern and southern Nigeria have written a two-page letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to order the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
According to Gossip News Now, the lawmakers appealed to the President to exercise his constitutional authority by freeing Kanu and initiating an inclusive political dialogue involving key national stakeholders to address Nigeria’s broader challenges.
Operating under the banner of “Concerned Federal Lawmakers,” the group also called on President Tinubu to instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation to discontinue Kanu’s prosecution at the earliest possible time.
They stressed that ending the legal battle and embracing dialogue would provide a political pathway to resolving the matter peacefully and permanently.
9. Nigeria’s Foreign Reserves Reach Highest Level in Seven Years
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Yemi Cardoso announced on Tuesday that Nigeria’s foreign reserves have exceeded $46 billion — the highest level the country has recorded since 2018.
Cardoso, represented by the Deputy Governor for Economic Policy, Dr. Muhammad Abdullahi, revealed the new figures during the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Monetary Policy Department in Abuja.
Describing the November 14, 2025 milestone as a major breakthrough in the Bank’s reform agenda, Cardoso said the reserves currently stand at $46.7 billion, boosted by stronger inflows and renewed investor confidence across multiple asset classes.
He added that the reserve level now provides 10.3 months of import cover, surpassing global adequacy standards. The CBN credits the surge to improved oil revenue, robust portfolio inflows, and sustained reforms that have helped stabilise the foreign exchange market.
Cardoso also noted the recent appreciation of the naira, highlighting that the gap between the official and Bureau-de-Change rates has narrowed to less than two percent — a development he said reflects restored market confidence.
10. Tinubu Set to Visit South Africa and Angola
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Wednesday depart Abuja for a two-country working visit to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President will first head to Johannesburg to participate in the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit. After the summit, he will travel to Angola for the AU-EU summit.
Tinubu was invited to the G20 gathering by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who currently chairs the G20. The invitation follows a similar gesture by former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who hosted Tinubu during Brazil’s presidency of the bloc in 2024.
That wraps up today’s top headlines from across Nigeria. For more updates and detailed stories, visit Gossip News Now. Join us again tomorrow for another roundup.
