Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to your Naija News roundup in Gossip News Now of the key newspaper headlines for today, Monday, 8th December 2025.
1. Benin Presidency Says Coup Attempt Has Failed, Talon Safe as Military Restores Order
The Presidency of the Republic of Benin says the alleged military coup attempt is collapsing, confirming that President Patrice Talon is safe and that loyalist forces are re-establishing control.
In a statement to AFP on Sunday, the Presidency dismissed the takeover led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, who had earlier appeared on state television declaring himself head of a self-styled “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR).
“This is a small group of people who only control the television,” the Presidency said, insisting that the government remains firmly in charge.
“The regular army is regaining control. The city and the entire country are completely secure,” the statement added.
Earlier, a group of soldiers had announced the dissolution of the government in a national broadcast on Sunday morning, December 7, 2025, claiming to have taken control of state institutions under the banner of the Military Committee for Refoundation.
2. We Won’t Let PDP Collapse – Wike Vows at NEC Meeting
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has pledged to protect the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from collapse, emphasizing that he and other founding members will not allow newcomers to destroy the party.
Wike made the remarks on Sunday in Abuja during the 104th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held by his faction at his official residence.
He accused the rival faction of disregarding court rulings by holding what he described as an “illegal convention,” stressing that adherence to judicial decisions is key to restoring public trust in the party.
Wike also warned against the use of propaganda and cautioned leaders not to allow personal ambitions to weaken a political institution that has existed since 1998.
3. Wike’s PDP Faction Sets Up Caretaker Committee, Appoints Anyanwu, Ajibade, Bature, Others
With the tenure of the current Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) ending on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has constituted a National Caretaker Committee to oversee operations until a national convention is held.
The decision was made during the factional NEC meeting presided over by Wike’s camp in Abuja on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
The 13-member committee is chaired by Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu serving as Secretary.
Other appointed members include:
-
Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) – National Legal Adviser
-
Hon. Umar M. Bature – National Organising Secretary
-
Dr. Kyari Grema
-
Hon. Janguda Haruna Mohammed
-
Barr. Okechukwu Osuana
-
Senator Nwogu Olaka
-
Senator Sandy Onor
-
Prof. Adenike Ogunse
-
Hon. Bisi Kolawole
-
Engr. Deji Doherty
-
Dr. Ibrahim Bala Aboki
The committee has been given 60 days to manage party affairs, conduct all outstanding congresses, and organize a national convention.
4. ‘A Man Stalked Me for Nine Years, Called Up to 50 Times Daily’ – Bimbo Akintola
Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has recounted a frightening chapter of her life, revealing she was stalked by the same man for more than nine years.
In an interview with Chude, Akintola shared that the stalker bombarded her with up to 50 calls each day, along with disturbing messages detailing the man’s intentions.
She said she kept the situation hidden from her family because she feared her mother would be overwhelmed with worry.
The harassment persisted relentlessly—messages came daily or every other day—causing significant emotional distress.
Akintola revealed that the stalking ended abruptly without explanation, leaving her with no closure after nearly a decade of fear and anxiety.
5. Why I Stopped Going to Church – Chike
Singer Chike Ezekpeazu has shared the personal reason behind his decision to stop attending church regularly.
In an interview with VJ Adams, Chike explained that seeing someone from his past during a church service brought back uncomfortable memories, prompting him to leave early and eventually step back from attending altogether.
He clarified, however, that his absence from church does not mean he has lost his faith in God.
Chike reflected on a difficult period early in his career when he lived in Primewater Gardens with his girlfriend and often prayed for direction because he felt alone and uncertain about the future.
He also recounted a strange incident shortly after releasing his debut album in which he unknowingly consumed a potent edible, leaving him disoriented for several days.
Despite these experiences, Chike said they taught him an important lesson: to live rightly and treat others well, whether or not he participates in formal church activities.
6. ‘I Didn’t See Potential in Flavour’ – Kcee Speaks on Alleged Rift
Nigerian singer Kingsley Okonkwo, popularly known as Kcee, has addressed long-standing rumours of a rift between him and fellow artist Flavour.
The tension reportedly dates back to 2024, when Flavour made a social media post shading an unnamed artist for allegedly copying his musical style. Although no name was mentioned, Kcee responded, cautioning Flavour against gatekeeping Igbo cultural music and reminding him that he had been in the industry before him.
Speaking in a recent interview with Yanga FM Lagos, Kcee suggested the misunderstanding may trace back to their first meeting, when talent manager Soso Soberekon introduced Flavour to him for a potential record deal.
Kcee said he declined to sign Flavour because he did not see the potential at the time.
He added that some colleagues mistakenly assume he lacks talent simply because he does not boast about his abilities.
7. France’s President Macron Reaffirms Support for Nigeria in Fight Against Terrorism
French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Nigeria as it confronts escalating security threats, especially terrorism in the northern region.
In a post shared on 𝕏 on Sunday, Macron said he spoke with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during which he expressed France’s solidarity with Nigeria in tackling persistent security challenges.
“I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria. I conveyed France’s solidarity in the face of the various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the North,” Macron wrote.
He emphasized France’s readiness to strengthen its collaboration with Nigerian authorities and expand assistance to communities affected by insecurity. Macron also urged other international partners to step up their support for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
8. US Lawmakers Visit Nigeria Amid Probe Into Alleged Christian Genocide
A United States lawmaker representing Virginia’s Second District, Riley Moore, is currently in Nigeria as part of a congressional mission.
Moore disclosed his arrival on Sunday in a post on his official X handle, stating that he came “in the name of the Lord and on behalf of the American people.”
He added, “Just ending a very productive visit to Nigeria and rounds of meetings. More details to come. Happy Sunday. God is Great!”
Although he did not provide specifics about the visit, it is believed to be linked to the ongoing investigation into allegations of Christian persecution and possible genocide in Nigeria.
Confirming the visit, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu announced on X that he received a U.S. congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission, following earlier engagements with Nigerian officials in Washington, D.C., focused on shared security concerns.
9. VP Shettima Travels to Côte d’Ivoire to Represent President Tinubu
Vice President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on Sunday evening for Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire, where he will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President Alassane Ouattara for his fourth term.
Shettima confirmed his departure in a post shared on his social media account.
He is expected to join several African and international leaders at the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan.
President Ouattara secured his fourth term in the October 25, 2025 election, further strengthening the diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
10. FG Secures Release of 100 Abducted Niger Schoolchildren
The Federal Government has reportedly facilitated the release of 100 schoolchildren kidnapped from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Armed bandits had stormed the remote community on November 21, 2025, around 2:00 a.m., arriving on motorbikes and attacking the school dormitories for more than three hours. By the time they withdrew, 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers—had been abducted.
Within the first 24 hours, 50 pupils escaped and were reunited with their families, leaving 265 individuals (253 children and all 12 teachers) still in captivity.
Security personnel and local hunters were immediately deployed to search the surrounding forests, while the Federal Government intensified efforts by establishing a 24-hour security cordon and deploying aerial surveillance across Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi States.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also cancelled scheduled international engagements to focus on the situation.
These are today’s top stories from across Nigeria. Keep reading Gossip News Now for more Foreign and Naija News coverage. Until tomorrow.
