Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News And Foreign roundup in Gossip News Now of the major newspaper headlines for today, Saturday, 6th December 2025.
1. ‘They Can Go If They Want’ – Wike Reacts To Defection Of 17 Rivers Lawmakers To APC
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said that the 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are free to leave.
Sixteen lawmakers, including the Speaker, officially announced their defection to the APC on Friday, citing divisions within the PDP. The Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, stated that he would now work with President Bola Tinubu, whom he said “means well for the country.”
Speaking with journalists after inspecting an ongoing interchange bridge project linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi, and Gwarimpa in Abuja, Wike described the development as “unfortunate.” He acknowledged that internal issues within the PDP contributed to the lawmakers’ exit.
Despite the defection, Wike maintained that he remains a member of the PDP and said he would continue to support the legislators who stayed loyal to the party. He urged the PDP leadership to resolve its internal challenges and restore unity.
2. Peter Obi Refutes Claims, Says Alleged Comments About ADC Are Fabricated
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has dismissed reports claiming he granted an interview criticising the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its internal zoning issues.
Some earlier publications had alleged that Obi, in a YouTube interview with a channel named ‘Advocacy for Good Governance,’ blamed the ADC’s struggles on unresolved questions over power rotation.
In a statement issued on Friday by his spokesman, Ibrahim Umar, Obi described the claims as false, malicious fabrications aimed at creating friction within the opposition.
The statement clarified that Obi has not made any comments attacking the ADC, noting that his recent engagements have focused on promoting unity to tackle Nigeria’s governance and economic challenges.
“We urge the public, especially the leadership of the ADC, to disregard these publications. They are fake news engineered by political hirelings seeking to distort facts and distract the opposition from the critical task of addressing bad governance,” the statement read.
3. ‘Heinous Crimes Deserve the Ultimate Penalty’ – Oshiomhole Backs Death Sentence for Terrorists
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has said that terrorists and kidnappers who commit murder and other grave offences should face the death penalty if found guilty.
Oshiomhole made the submission during Senate deliberations on a proposed amendment to the 2022 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, which seeks to include capital punishment for kidnappers.
The former Edo State Governor condemned Nigeria’s deradicalisation programme, arguing that many so-called “repentant” terrorists returned to violent activities.
He said:
“We have witnessed cases where terrorists who killed and committed horrific crimes were arrested, ‘deradicalised,’ and fed with taxpayers’ money — only for some of them to return to terrorism.
“We cannot spend huge resources pursuing dangerous individuals who have killed, buried children alive, and then allow someone to intervene with excuses and jargons to prevent them from facing justice — which, upon conviction, should be the death penalty.”
Oshiomhole added that both the Bible and Quran affirm that those who take innocent lives forfeit their right to live.
He concluded firmly:
“Those discretions are now withdrawn. No more deradicalisation. If you are caught committing a heinous crime, the penalty is death — upon conviction.”
4. ‘My Family Has Destroyed Me, Natasha Is Getting Death Threats’ – 2Baba Speaks Out
Iconic Nigerian singer, Innocent “2Baba” Idibia, has raised alarm over death threats allegedly being sent to his wife, Natasha, following the circulation of videos showing their altercation in London.
This development comes after the Idibia family petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, accusing Natasha of physical assault and financial misconduct.
In the petition dated November 12, the family asked the police to investigate incidents they said caused 2Baba emotional trauma, financial damage, and reputational harm. The document also cited reports from the singer and witnesses alleging assaults in the UK and Abuja.
The petition further claimed Natasha accessed and transferred funds from 2Baba’s phone and bank accounts without authorisation, and withheld his personal documents—including his passport—thereby obstructing his business commitments.
Reacting in a video posted on Friday, 2Baba accused his family of tearing him down and unfairly attacking Natasha’s reputation.
He said the situation had gone too far and insisted he would no longer remain silent. The singer stressed that he is an adult capable of making his own decisions.
2Baba also claimed that similar actions were taken against his estranged wife, Annie, maintaining that he is fine and that every marriage has its challenges.
5. Full Draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest edition in the tournament’s history, with matches hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, the expanded 48-team format will see nations from across the globe compete for football’s biggest honour. While six places remain undecided pending play-offs, the other 42 qualified teams now know their group-stage opponents.
The United States—hosting most of the matches—also hosted the official draw, an event widely promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has taken an active interest in the preparations.
The draw produced a blend of traditional football giants and rising underdogs, setting the stage for an exciting tournament.
Below is the complete group draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Republic of Ireland/Denmark/North Macedonia/Czech Republic
Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Wales/Northern Ireland/Italy/Bosnia-Herzegovina
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
Group D: USA, Australia, Paraguay, Turkey/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo
Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Poland/Ukraine/Sweden/Albania
Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq or Bolivia/Suriname
Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, DR Congo or Jamaica/New Caledonia
Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana
6. Omah Lay Reveals Why He Declined Davido’s Request for Another Collaboration
Nigerian singer Stanley Omah Didia, popularly known as Omah Lay, has explained why he turned down a recent offer from Davido to collaborate on a new song.
Speaking during a podcast interview, Omah Lay revealed that Davido reached out following the success of their hit track With You. However, he said he chose not to move forward with another joint project at the time.
According to the 28-year-old artist, he wanted to focus on his personal artistic journey and future plans.
He emphasised that his decision had nothing to do with any issues between them, noting that he has great respect for Davido but needed to prioritise his own career direction and growth.
7. Wike Refutes Rumours of Arrest in France, Calls Them Political Distractions
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports claiming he was arrested in France, describing the allegations as baseless political distractions.
Speaking to journalists on Friday during an inspection of the interchange bridge linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi, and Gwarimpa in Abuja, Wike brushed off the rumour with a joke, saying, “What matters is staying focused. As you said, they were the ones arrested.”
The former Rivers State Governor said the claim was just another attempt to mislead the public, recalling previous false reports about his health.
“Previously, they said I was sick and flown abroad. Now they say I’ve been arrested in France. I’m here doing my job,” he remarked.
Wike, who has intensified supervision of major infrastructure projects across the FCT, said his priority remains fulfilling the mandate given to him by President Bola Tinubu.
He added, “Critics will always play politics. Critics will never be happy when you are performing. Stay focused and don’t allow distractions.”
8. Highlights From Defence Minister Christopher Musa’s First Meeting With Service Chiefs
Newly appointed Defence Minister Christopher Musa has vowed that the era of rampant killings and insecurity in Nigeria “is over,” as he officially resumed duties at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, said he returned to the ministry with the confidence of President Bola Tinubu and the trust of Nigerians.
As earlier reported by Gossip News Now , the minister immediately held a closed-door meeting with the service chiefs and top ministry directors upon his arrival.
Reflecting on his 39 years in military service, Musa said the support shown by Nigerians strengthened his resolve to transform the nation’s security landscape.
He stressed that meaningful progress would come from practical action rather than political statements.
“Real change will not come from rhetoric. It will come from collective action. Nigerians must take responsibility for addressing the challenges facing our country,” he said.
He declared that the killing of innocent citizens must end, adding that Nigerians deserve to live without fear, children must safely return to school, and farmers must freely access their farmlands.
Musa pledged to prioritise the welfare of military personnel and their families, promising better equipment, timely allowances, improved accommodation, and enhanced medical support — especially for wounded soldiers and families of the fallen.
Outlining his vision, the minister identified three pillars:
• operational effectiveness
• unified inter-service collaboration
• strategic, intelligence-driven planning
He called for a thorough review of all theatre commands and joint operations to eliminate disjointed efforts and ensure that once decisions are taken, all security agencies act as one.
Musa also stressed the need to embed modern technology and intelligence at the core of Nigeria’s defence strategy and to strengthen partnerships with allies and local security institutions.
He warned that his administration would not tolerate indiscipline, corruption, or bureaucratic bottlenecks.
9. Omisore, Six Others Barred From APC Osun Governorship Primary
The All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee has disqualified former National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, and six other aspirants from participating in the Osun State governorship primary scheduled for December 13.
According to the committee, led by Chief Obinna Uzoh, the affected aspirants were disqualified due to inconsistencies and gaps discovered in their nomination documents.
Presenting its report on Friday, the committee stated that the aspirants did not meet the party’s required standards. Although all names were not immediately released, Omisore was confirmed among those barred.
The committee emphasized that addressing internal party disagreements was crucial to ensuring a credible primary and stronger electoral performance in 2026.
While the APC primary holds on December 13, the main governorship election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is slated for August 8, 2026.
The screening panel urged party members to unite behind qualified aspirants and avoid divisions that could undermine the party’s chances at the polls.
It further revealed that Omisore, along with Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Benedict Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki, and Sen. Babajide Omoworare, failed to provide required evidence of sponsorship by at least five financially up-to-date party members from every Local Government Area in the state, as mandated by Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the party guidelines.
Only Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji were cleared to contest in the primary.
10. ‘Those Urging Jonathan To Run In 2027 Want Him To Fix Their Failures’ – Ex-Presidential Candidate Nwanyanwu
Former Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) presidential candidate, Dan Nwanyanwu, has said that individuals calling on former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election simply want to “use him to clean up their mess.”
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Nwanyanwu argued that many of the voices urging Jonathan to return to the race are the same political figures who abandoned him during the 2015 election.
He advised Jonathan to be cautious, stressing that the situation has not reached a stage where those responsible for past political missteps truly understand the impact of their actions.
Responding to a question on whether Jonathan should consider running again, he said:
“I haven’t spoken with President Jonathan yet, though I plan to see him soon. But I think he should wait. The same people calling him now are the ones who betrayed an honest and conscientious man in 2015. They want to use him again to fix their problems.
“When they finally realise what they have caused, perhaps then they’ll appreciate the gravity of their actions.”
Nwanyanwu also highlighted widespread disregard for political rules, including constitutional power-rotation agreements, adding that he believes the South is still entitled to another four years in office—though he noted this position might be interpreted as support for President Tinubu.
That’s all for today’s top Nigerian newspaper headlines. For more updates on Naija News and Foreign News . Join us again tomorrow for the latest developments.
