Good morning, Nigeria! Welcome to Gossip News Now roundup of the major newspaper headlines making waves across the country this Thursday, November 13, 2025.
1. Wike Vs Navy: ‘Our Duty Is To Defend Our Personnel’ – Defence Minister
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering resolve to protect military officers carrying out legitimate assignments nationwide.
Gossip News Now reports that Badaru made this statement on Wednesday during a press briefing at the National Defence College in Abuja, ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.
His remarks followed Tuesday’s confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, Lieutenant A. M. Yerima, concerning a disputed piece of land in Abuja allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo.
When asked about the incident, the Defence Minister stated that the ministry was already investigating the matter but emphasized that the armed forces would continue to stand by any officer acting within the boundaries of lawful authority.
2. PDP Defies Court Orders, Insists National Convention Will Hold in Ibadan
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has maintained that it will proceed with its planned National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025, despite existing court injunctions halting the event.
Two separate court rulings had earlier restrained the party from organizing the convention, but the PDP leadership insists it will continue with its plans.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba—who also serves as Secretary of the Publicity and Communication Subcommittee of the 2025 National Convention Organizing Committee (NCOC)—confirmed that all arrangements for the convention remain intact.
He urged party members and the general public to ignore reports suggesting the event had been postponed.
Ologunagba further accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating efforts to obstruct the convention, claiming it was part of a broader attempt to impose a one-party system in Nigeria.
3. ‘A National Disgrace’ – Peter Obi Condemns Wike, Naval Officer Confrontation in Abuja
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described the recent clash between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, A.M. Yarima, as a national disgrace.
In a statement shared on Wednesday via his 𝕏 handle, Obi said the incident should prompt deep national introspection about governance and institutional conduct.
Gossip News Now reports that the confrontation occurred on Tuesday in Abuja when military personnel allegedly blocked Wike and his convoy from accessing a disputed piece of land in the Gaduwa district.
Reacting to the incident, Obi labelled the episode as unnecessary and troubling.
The former Anambra State governor noted that beyond the individuals involved, the confrontation highlights broader issues in Nigeria — particularly the military’s involvement in civilian matters and the approach of public officials toward the rule of law.
Obi warned that when government officials act outside institutional boundaries and security agencies operate beyond their professional limits, it erodes both governance standards and citizens’ trust.
He emphasized the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s institutions through adherence to due process, replacing the culture of impunity with a firm commitment to law, order, and accountability — regardless of status or position.
4. Olamide Reveals How Late DaGrin’s Music Continues to Inspire Him
Renowned Nigerian rapper Olamide has spoken about how the late DaGrin’s music continues to serve as a source of inspiration and motivation in his creative journey.
According to Gossip News Now, Olamide described DaGrin’s 2009 album C.E.O as an iconic and timeless body of work that still influences his artistry and that of many rappers across Nigeria.
In a recently circulated video, Olamide said C.E.O remains one of the few rap albums that people from the South West can recite word-for-word, making it his go-to playlist whenever he needs motivation or creative renewal.
He added that listening to DaGrin’s tracks helps him push through moments of artistic stagnation and rekindles his passion for rap.
5. Barcelona President Addresses Messi Return Rumours, Confirms Tribute Match Plans
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has described talk of Lionel Messi returning to the club as “unrealistic,” but revealed that plans are underway to honour the football legend with a tribute match.
The 37-year-old Argentine shocked fans last week when he visited the Nou Camp, expressing a desire to return “not just to say goodbye as a player.”
According to Gossip News Now, Messi departed Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before joining Inter Miami in 2023, where he recently extended his contract through 2028.
Speaking on Catalunya Radio, Laporta said, “It wouldn’t be fair or realistic to speculate about Messi coming back. That’s not appropriate.”
He acknowledged that Messi’s exit from Barcelona was not handled as he would have wished, blaming the club’s financial troubles at the time for preventing a contract renewal and leaving both sides with lingering disappointment.
While a return to the team appears unlikely, Laporta assured fans that Messi would receive a proper farewell once renovations at the Nou Camp are completed, with a tribute match planned to celebrate his extraordinary legacy.
6. Super Eagles Resolve Pay Dispute, Resume Training Ahead of World Cup Clash with Gabon
Following a brief standoff that threatened Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes, peace has returned to the Super Eagles’ camp.
The players, who had earlier halted training in protest over unpaid allowances, have now agreed to resume preparations for their crucial 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon.
Team media officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed the resolution in a short statement released on Wednesday afternoon, November 12.
“Issues resolved. Super Eagles to train at 5 p.m.,” he announced.
Gossip News Now recalls that tensions flared on Tuesday, November 11, when the squad refused to train, citing long-overdue bonuses dating back several years. The impasse raised doubts about the team’s readiness for Thursday’s match in Rabat, Morocco, and drew heavy criticism toward the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The situation worsened after midfielder Alex Iwobi posted a viral video showing an unimpressive hotel view, prompting outrage from fans who accused the NFF of providing substandard accommodation. The clip reignited complaints about long-standing administrative failings within Nigerian football.
However, Efoghe debunked those claims, clarifying that the players were lodged at the Rive Hotel, a modern and well-equipped facility in Rabat.
7. Kizz Daniel Explains Reason Behind Missed Paris Performance
Nigerian music star Kizz Daniel has opened up about the reason he failed to appear at his scheduled concert in Paris.
Gossip News Now reports that social media users expressed disappointment and outrage early Tuesday after the singer was absent from the event.
Addressing the issue, Kizz Daniel explained that his absence was due to a disagreement between his tour agent and the event promoter.
In a post shared on his Instagram page, the artist stated that he had been prepared to travel but missed his flight because his agent was trying to resolve payment-related disputes with the show organizers.
Supporting documents from the agent’s company later confirmed that the Paris concert had officially been canceled.
The Woju crooner clarified that he was ready to perform, but contractual and financial misunderstandings prevented his timely departure.
He added that the next available flight was scheduled much later, making it impossible for him to make it to the venue as originally planned.
8. Trump’s Remarks Have No Impact on Nigeria’s Capital Market – Oyedele
The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Policy and Fiscal Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has dismissed speculations that recent movements in the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) were influenced by comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump about Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Business Morning, Oyedele explained that the fluctuations observed in the market were part of normal market corrections rather than politically motivated reactions.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s capital market continues to rank among the best-performing globally, maintaining strong investor confidence.
According to Oyedele, it is common for investors to take profits after extended periods of growth, which can cause short-term declines that should not be mistaken for panic-driven sell-offs.
9. FG Explains Why It Hasn’t Closed or Intimidated Any Media Outlets
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stated that the Federal Government has neither shut down nor intimidated any media organisation since assuming office.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 2025 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) held at the State House in Abuja, Idris explained that this stance reflects the administration’s deliberate commitment to upholding the constitutional right to press freedom.
He highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s presence at the event as a landmark occasion, noting it was the first time in history that a sitting Nigerian president had personally attended the Editors Guild’s annual conference.
According to Idris, the President’s attendance signifies the administration’s deep respect for the media, describing it as an indispensable pillar of democracy.
The Minister further emphasized that the government’s openness to criticism and opposing views demonstrates President Tinubu’s long-standing democratic values, built on his resistance to oppressive rule.
10. Senate Grants Approval for Tinubu’s ₦1.15 Trillion Domestic Loan Request
The Senate has given its approval to President Bola Tinubu’s proposal to secure ₦1.15 trillion in loans from the domestic debt market to cover the deficit in the 2025 federal budget.
According to Gossip News Now , the decision was reached on Wednesday after lawmakers reviewed and adopted the report submitted by the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, chaired by Senator Aliyu Wamakko (APC, Sokoto North).
Presenting the report on behalf of the committee, Vice Chairman Senator Haruna Manu (PDP, Taraba Central) urged the Senate to endorse the borrowing plan as a means to close the funding shortfall for the 2025 fiscal year.
The approval came after an extensive deliberation on a motion highlighting the necessity of the loan to ensure the smooth execution of vital government projects and initiatives.
President Tinubu’s borrowing proposal had earlier been read on the Senate floor on November 4, 2025, by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Those are the leading Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. For more updates and detailed reports, visit Gossip News Now. Join us again tomorrow for another roundup of top stories.
