Good morning, Nigeria. Here is your comprehensive Naija News briefing on Gossip News Now featuring today’s top national headlines for Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
1. Tinubu Picks Former Defence Chief Christopher Musa as New Minister of Defence
President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.
This was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, Tinubu informed the Senate of Musa’s nomination through a formal letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
General Musa’s nomination follows the resignation of Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on Monday. In his letter, President Tinubu expressed strong confidence in Musa’s capacity to reposition the Ministry of Defence and bolster the country’s security framework.
2. PDP Confirms Expulsion of Wike, Fayose, and Others; Sends Certificates
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially validated the expulsion of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, and several others.
According to PDP National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, who briefed journalists after Tuesday’s National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja, the party has dispatched expulsion certificates to all affected members via courier.
The expulsions were initially announced during the PDP National Convention held in Ibadan in November 2025. Turaki said the NWC has now ratified the decision as part of efforts to strengthen party discipline and prevent internal sabotage ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Others expelled from the party include Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade (SAN), Abdurahman Muhammad, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah Nnanna, George Turna, and Chief Dan Orbih.
Turaki confirmed that all individuals on the list have been formally notified and are no longer recognized as members of the PDP.
3. Bode George Urges Tinubu to Caution Wike, Accuses FG of Targeting PDP
Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, has accused the APC-led Federal Government of attempting to destabilize the Peoples Democratic Party and weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Addressing the press on Tuesday, George called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, whom he accused of meddling in the PDP’s internal affairs. He urged Tinubu to instruct Wike to “desist from interfering in matters that do not concern him.”
In his statement titled “Dear Mr. President, our nation is wobbling politically,” George alleged that the APC is more focused on positioning itself ahead of the 2027 elections than addressing the country’s mounting security challenges, including widespread kidnappings and killings.
He cited the disruption at the PDP National Secretariat on November 18, 2025, as evidence of escalating anti-democratic behavior and claimed that the chaos was instigated by individuals loyal to Wike, who was recently expelled from the party.
4. Nkechi Blessing Reveals She Rejected a Script Asking Her to ‘Sleep With a Dog’ Early in Her Career
Actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday has recounted one of the most bizarre roles she was offered when she first entered Nollywood.
Speaking on The Honest Bunch podcast, she revealed that one of the earliest scripts handed to her required her to act in a disturbing scene involving a dog. She declined immediately, saying she didn’t want such a role to define her image as a newcomer.
According to her, while other young actresses accepted the controversial script, she chose to walk away from the project and leave the set entirely.
Shortly after, she met veteran filmmaker Emeka Duru, who expressed interest in working with her. That encounter eventually led to her first major appearance in the film Through The Fire, produced by Emem Isong.
Nkechi Blessing said the experience taught her the importance of choosing roles carefully and protecting her reputation in the industry.
5. Premier League Clubs Get Extra Week Before Releasing Players for AFCON
FIFA has granted Premier League clubs an additional week before releasing players for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, offering teams crucial breathing space during the packed December schedule.
Under the new arrangement, AFCON-bound players can remain with their clubs until December 15 — seven days later than the original deadline.
According to Daily Mail Sport, the extension gives clubs more time with their African stars before they travel to Morocco for the tournament, which kicks off on December 21.
The decision is particularly favourable for Sunderland, who were at risk of missing several key players for their historic Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle on December 14. With the revised date, the Black Cats will now have access to all seven of their AFCON-bound first-team players.
6. Chelle Releases 55-Man Provisional List as Super Eagles Kick Off AFCON Preparations
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has announced a provisional 55-man squad ahead of next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, featuring top stars such as captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Stanley Nwabali.
The release of the list marks the official start of Nigeria’s final build-up to the 35th AFCON, as the team aims to reclaim the title last won in 2013.
Chelle’s squad is dominated by established internationals plying their trade across Europe, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye; defenders Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, and Semi Ajayi; midfielders Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, and Raphael Onyedika; and forwards Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Chidera Ejuke.
In a notable nod to home-based players, Chelle also named NPFL stars Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ebenezer Harcourt, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, and Adekunle Adeleke.
Officials say the final 28-man squad will be announced in the coming days.
7. ‘I’ll Speak When I’m Ready’ – Anita Joseph Addresses Rumours of Marital Crisis
Actress Anita Joseph has responded to growing speculation about issues in her marriage to MC Fish, stating that she will share her side of the story at a time she considers appropriate.
In a post shared on Instagram on Tuesday, the actress expressed gratitude to everyone who has shown her love and support, assuring fans that she is doing well.
She wrote:
“And the Lord did not forsake me. I want to thank everyone who has shown me love one way or the other. Thank you, God will not leave you. Mother Hen is doing well. I will tell my story when I deem fit. Shallom!”
Her message comes amid widespread social media chatter alleging that her husband joined the Freemasons and abandoned her for another woman. Anita neither confirmed nor denied the rumours, only emphasizing that she will address the matter when she feels ready, leaving fans awaiting further clarification.
8. Edo Assembly Summons Natasha Osawaru Over Viral Clash With Husband, 2Baba
The Edo State House of Assembly has summoned Egor Constituency lawmaker, Natasha Irobosa Osawaru, to appear before its Ethics and Privileges Committee within one week following a viral video showing her in a heated confrontation with her husband, music icon Innocent “2Baba” Idibia.
Speaker Blessing Agbebaku said the incident had brought “embarrassing” public attention to the Assembly, noting that the lawmaker has been trending negatively across major television and social media platforms for days.
Agbebaku stressed that such conduct is unbecoming of a legislator and warned that the House cannot allow any incident that undermines its integrity or damages its public image.
9. Nnamdi Kanu Case: Tinubu Holds Private Meeting With Governor Alex Otti
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday hosted Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Although the Presidency did not disclose the official purpose of the meeting, sources told Vanguard that discussions likely centred on ongoing moves to secure the release of the detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The meeting comes shortly after Otti’s high-profile visit to Kanu at the Sokoto prison facility, where he is serving a life sentence following his November 20, 2025 conviction on terrorism-related charges. The Governor’s visit formed part of a broader legal and political intervention aimed at resolving the longstanding issue.
Otti travelled to Sokoto with a delegation that included Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; Abia State Attorney-General Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); his media adviser, Ferdinand Ekeoma; and officials of the Sokoto State Government.
Governor Otti has repeatedly stressed that finding a lasting resolution to Nnamdi Kanu’s matter remains a key priority for his administration.
10. CDS Oluyede Shares Key Highlights of Security Chiefs’ Meeting With President Tinubu
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has revealed details of Tuesday’s emergency security meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door session, Oluyede said the President directed the service chiefs to adopt fresh strategies and deliver stronger results in the fight against insecurity across the country. Tinubu was also said to have demanded improved efficiency and coordination from all security agencies.
Oluyede described the meeting as “highly engaging,” noting that the President issued new guidelines aimed at achieving significant progress in tackling various security threats. He assured Nigerians that security agencies are working collaboratively to ensure a peaceful and safe festive season.
That concludes today’s roundup of leading Naija News headlines in Gossip News Now. Continue following Gossip News Now for additional updates. See you tomorrow.
