Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Gossip News Now roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 26th October, 2025.
1.**Regina Daniels Shares New Video Amid Marriage Controversy With Ned Nwoko**
Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has shared a new video on social media, marking her first public appearance since reports emerged of a marital crisis involving her and billionaire businessman–turned–senator, Ned Nwoko.
In the video posted on Saturday, Regina appeared cheerful and relaxed as she travelled on a private jet with her brother and close friends. The post appeared to be an attempt to dispel growing rumours surrounding her marriage.
Her post came days after a viral video alleged that the actress was a victim of domestic violence, prompting widespread reactions online.
In response, Senator Nwoko issued a statement via his verified Instagram page, denying any act of violence and instead accusing Regina of substance abuse and erratic behaviour.
According to the lawmaker, within 48 hours, Regina allegedly assaulted three domestic staff and damaged properties, including vehicles and windows. He claimed that he had arranged rehabilitation programs for her both in Asokoro and abroad, but she refused to attend.
Nwoko expressed concern over her mental well-being and the safety of their child, insisting that her actions were increasingly unstable.
While Regina did not directly address the allegations, her latest video — which showed her smiling and laughing with loved ones aboard the jet — appeared to be a subtle response to the controversy, suggesting that she is unfazed by the ongoing reports.
2.**Boko Haram Now Using Drones For Attacks – Governor Zulum Raises Alarm**
The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, has raised serious concern over reports that Boko Haram insurgents are now deploying drones for surveillance and attacks in parts of the North-East.
Zulum disclosed this on Friday while speaking in Mafa, Borno State, following a recent insurgent attack in the area. He warned that the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by terrorists poses a dangerous new threat to Nigeria’s national security.
“The major issue I want to raise here is the use of drones. I was informed that they used drones in Dikwa. This is extremely worrisome,” Zulum stated.
The governor urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to review and strengthen Nigeria’s airspace security, stressing the need for inter-agency cooperation to counter the insurgents’ evolving tactics.
He also called for urgent measures to tighten border control and improve Nigeria’s aerial defence capabilities, warning that any delay could worsen the security situation in the North-East.
“We need to improve the protection of our airspace. This is an urgent step that should not be delayed,” he emphasized.
3.**Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, Reportedly Collapses In Kuje Prison**
There are reports that Aloy Ejimakor, special counsel to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, collapsed inside Kuje Prison in Abuja.
According to Sahara Reporters, the incident occurred barely 24 hours after the magistrate handling his case refused to sign his bail bond.
Ejimakor was among 13 individuals, including Prince Emmanuel Kanu (Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother), who were arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. They were allegedly beaten, teargassed, and detained at the State CID, before being transferred to Kuje Prison by order of Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id.
Sources revealed that Ejimakor’s health deteriorated rapidly, leaving him unable to stand or sit on Friday morning. Prison medical personnel are currently attending to him, and he may be transferred to a hospital if his condition worsens.
Ejimakor had been arraigned alongside human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, but their bail process was stalled after the magistrate declined to sign the necessary documents.
Reports further indicate that Ejimakor’s legal team has been denied access to him since his collapse, sparking growing concern about his health and detention conditions.
4.**PDP Appoints Eyitayo Jegede As Chair Of National Convention Screening Committee**
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has named former Ondo State governorship candidate, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), as Chairman of its National Convention Screening Committee ahead of the upcoming elective convention.
The announcement was made in Abuja on Saturday by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, who serves as Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC).
According to Fintiri, the committee will screen all aspirants vying for national offices before the 2025 PDP Elective National Convention, scheduled to hold on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan. The screening exercise is set for Tuesday.
Other members of the panel include:
- Governor Douye Diri (Bayelsa State) – Deputy Chairman
- Asue Ighodalo – Secretary
- Jacob Otorkpa – Deputy Secretary
Also serving on the committee are Emmanuel Enoidem, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Chief Aduke Maina, Iyom Josephine Anenih, Achike Udenwa, Maryam Ciroma, Felix Hyat, Zainab Maina, and Chinedu Nwachukwu (Administrative Secretary).
Governor Fintiri urged the committee members to conduct the exercise with diligence and transparency, emphasizing that their work is critical to ensuring a credible and successful convention.
“The NCOC expects exemplary conduct and strict adherence to the party’s rules during this crucial assignment,” Fintiri stated.
5.**Over 50 Generals Set To Retire As Tinubu Sacks Service Chiefs**
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved sweeping changes in Nigeria’s military hierarchy, relieving the service chiefs of their duties and appointing new ones in their place.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the decision is part of the President’s broader effort to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
The newly appointed officers are:
- General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff (replacing General Christopher Musa)
- Major-General W. Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
- Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
- Rear Admiral I. Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.
Sources within the military say the changes will trigger mass retirements at the top levels, as tradition dictates that officers from senior courses cannot serve under their juniors. The new chiefs are from Course 40 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), succeeding those from Course 39—a shift expected to prompt over 50 senior officers to voluntarily retire.
Reports indicate that some Course 39 officers still hold key command positions at Service Headquarters and tri-service institutions, and their impending exits could reshape the structure of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
6.**PDP Elders Urge Tinubu To Call Matawalle To Order Over Defection Drive**
The Northern Elders Unity Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, of using government influence and wealth to persuade PDP members to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement signed by the Forum’s National Secretary, Abbas Sadauki (Dan Madamin Tofa), after a strategy meeting involving elders from Kaura Namoda, Zurmi, Tsafe, and Bungudu local governments, the group alleged that Matawalle’s activities were designed to weaken the PDP and disrupt democratic balance in the North-West.
“Matawalle has embarked on a desperate mission to dismantle the PDP structure in Zamfara and across the region,” Sadauki said. “His use of political appointments and financial inducements to sway members threatens the growth of democracy and promotes instability.”
The elders cautioned PDP members against being deceived by promises of political advantage in the APC, stressing that such moves undermine fairness, justice, and the progress of Nigeria’s democratic system.
7.**2027: APC Clarifies Position On Zoning Kwara Governorship Ticket**
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has declared that no decision has yet been made on zoning the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a radio interview on Friday, the APC State Chairman, Sunday Fagbemi, said any decision on zoning would be determined by the national leadership of the party.
“If there will be any zoning, the national executive will issue the directive. For now, nothing of such is on the table. We haven’t discussed it yet because the timetable hasn’t been released,” Fagbemi explained.
He added that even if the state chapter reaches a consensus, it must still be ratified by the national secretariat before implementation.
The clarification follows growing pressure from stakeholders in Kwara North Senatorial District, who are demanding that the 2027 governorship ticket be zoned to their region — which has never produced a governor since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
The zoning debate continues to stir political conversations across the state as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who assumed office in 2019, prepares to complete his constitutionally final second term in 2027.
8.**Yahoo Boys Are Geniuses Who Need Redirection – Peter Obi**
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described Nigerian internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo Boys, as “geniuses who need redirection.”
Obi made the remark while addressing young people during the Golden Health Conference held on Saturday at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha. The conference, themed “Money Beyond Wealth,” brought together students, professionals, and youth leaders to explore the ethical, social, and economic aspects of wealth creation.
Speaking on the moral decay and obsession with quick wealth among Nigerian youths, Obi emphasized that only money earned through honest and ethical means can be considered true wealth.
“Money becomes real wealth only when it is earned through ethical means and used to uplift both the individual and society in an edifying manner,” he stated.
Obi acknowledged the intelligence and creativity displayed by many young Nigerians involved in internet fraud, stressing that their talents could be harnessed for positive national development if properly guided.
“Looking at what they do, there is no doubt that many of them are geniuses. The challenge before us as a society is to redirect them — to channel their ingenuity into productive ventures that will dignify them and uplift society,” he said.
He further lamented the erosion of moral values in Nigeria, blaming it largely on leadership failure and the poor examples set by those in authority.
“We cannot build a healthy society when those in power glorify greed, celebrate impunity, and promote corruption,” Obi added, urging leaders to restore integrity and accountability in public life as a foundation for national renewal.
9.**Tinubu Replaced Service Chiefs Out of Fear of Coup, Not Insecurity – Mahdi Shehu Alleges**
Public affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of sacking Nigeria’s service chiefs out of fear and political self-preservation rather than as a response to the country’s worsening insecurity.
In a post shared on his official 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, Shehu claimed that the President acted “swiftly and panicky” following unconfirmed reports of a possible coup plot.
Quoting James 3:16, Shehu wrote:
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
He argued that the verse aptly described Tinubu’s alleged motives, accusing him of prioritizing political survival over national interest.
“Man’s greed and insatiable economic desires give further credence to his infinite capacity for selfishness,” Shehu added.
The commentator faulted Tinubu for retaining the same military leadership despite the series of violent attacks and mass killings across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Yobe, Borno, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, and Nasarawa States.
According to Shehu, it was not the wave of insecurity that prompted the President’s action but rather the fear of an internal rebellion.
Describing the shake-up as “a coup shrouded in darkness,” he alleged that Tinubu only acted when his political stability appeared threatened.
Shehu also criticized the administration’s handling of the economy, accusing the President of maintaining what he termed “a wizardly economic team” despite deepening poverty and inflation.
10.**Ned Nwoko Denies Viral Claims of Taking a New Wife**
Nigerian lawmaker and businessman, Senator Ned Nwoko, has debunked rumours circulating online that he recently married a new wife.
The speculation began after a viral video surfaced on social media showing the senator with a young woman, whom users falsely identified as his new spouse. The rumours spread amid ongoing reports of marital tension between Nwoko and his actress wife, Regina Daniels.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Delta North Senator dismissed the claims as “false, baseless, and misleading.”
According to Nwoko, the lady featured in the video had only visited him as part of a delegation from the Peace Ambassadors Initiative, led by Ambassador Dr. Adejo Sule. He clarified that the photos and videos circulating online were ordinary documentation from an official courtesy visit.
“The lady in question came with her team on a peace advocacy visit. The images and clips shared online were taken during the meeting — nothing more,” he explained.
The senator condemned those spreading the rumours, accusing certain blogs and individuals of deliberately twisting harmless interactions to generate traffic and controversy.
He warned that such actions could attract legal consequences under Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act of 2015, emphasizing that misinformation and defamation would not be tolerated.
“There is no personal relationship whatsoever between me and the woman in the viral video,” Nwoko stressed, urging the public to disregard the false claims.
That’s all for today’s top Nigerian newspaper headlines.
Stay informed and read more breaking stories on Gossip News Now. See you again tomorrow with the latest updates from across Nigeria.
