Good morning, Nigeria! Here’s your Naija News and Foreign News roundup in Gossip News Now of the most important headlines from Nigerian newspapers today, Friday, 12th December 2025.”
1. President Tinubu Seeks National Assembly Approval for 2026–2028 MTEF, FSP
President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the National Assembly’s approval for the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).
Gossip News Now reports that the request was conveyed in a letter read on the Senate floor by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin during Thursday’s plenary session.
The letter stated that the documents had already received approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its December 3, 2025 meeting. President Tinubu urged lawmakers to review and approve the documents promptly.
“I transmit herewith the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper for the kind consideration and approval of the distinguished senators,” Tinubu wrote. He added that the 2026 budget proposal will be based on the fiscal assumptions and parameters outlined in the approved MTEF and FSP.
Following the presentation, Deputy Senate President Jibrin referred the documents to the Senate Committee on Finance, directing the panel to submit its report by December 17.
2. Peter Obi Criticizes Tinubu Over Unpaid Contractors Despite Surpassing Revenue Target
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised concerns over claims that contractors remain unpaid for completed government projects.
In a statement on 𝕏 on Thursday, Obi questioned why the Federal Government has failed to pay contractors despite President Bola Tinubu’s public claim that Nigeria has “met and surpassed” its revenue target for the year.
Obi highlighted that many of the affected contractors are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that play vital roles in regional economies and depend on timely government payments to operate. He warned that delays in payments could lead to job losses and financial hardship for families.
3. Fusengbuwa Royal Family Disowns KWAM 1’s Claim to Throne
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has stated that Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1 and Olori Omooba of Ijebuland, is not a member of their royal family.
Gossip News Now reports that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is next in line to produce the Awujale of Ijebuland following the death of the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13, 2025, who reigned for over 65 years and passed at the age of 90.
In a letter dated December 3, 2025, KWAM 1 informed the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the family and claiming that his candidacy complies with Ijebu customary law and Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.
However, the ruling house pointed out that KWAM 1 belongs to the Fidipote Ruling House, as evidenced by the chieftaincy title of Olori Omooba of Ijebuland conferred on him by the late Oba Adetona. The Jadiara unit of Fusengbuwa subsequently petitioned the chairman and the Ogun State Government, asserting that KWAM 1 is not part of their family, a position that has sparked debate among Ijebuland princes and princesses.
4. Davido Comments on Adeleke Losing Osun Election: ‘We’ll Just Focus on Our Business’
Afrobeats superstar Davido has suggested that the Adeleke family might turn their attention to business ventures if they lose the upcoming Osun governorship election.
Gossip News Now reports that his comment came amid online discussions about Governor Ademola Adeleke’s political future under the Accord Party.
One 𝕏 user, Mr Lurvy, speculated: “Osun APC blocking Ademola Adeleke, a sitting Governor, from joining the party is one for the history books. The plot twist would be if Adeleke wins with Accord and takes over Osun APC.” Another user, Whemimor, replied: “If he loses, Davido will compose a song for APC during the 2027 campaign.”
Responding to the thread, Davido quoted Whemimor’s tweet, adding: “Or we can just go back to our multi-billion dollar company …”
5. NPFL to Continue Uninterrupted Despite AFCON 2025
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has confirmed that the 2025-2026 season will continue as scheduled, even as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations takes place in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026.
Unlike several other African leagues that pause for AFCON, Nigeria’s top-flight competition will not halt for the continental tournament.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among players and coaches. Across the continent, many leagues, including South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, have opted to suspend fixtures during AFCON to accommodate national team players. South Africa, for instance, announced a league break from 7 December to 23 January due to the significant number of players called up for the tournament.
6. Super Eagles: Eric Chelle Drops Maduka Okoye, Recalls Francis Uzoho for AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Eric Sékou Chelle, has announced his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, leaving out goalkeeper Maduka Okoye while recalling Francis Uzoho.
Chelle confirmed the squad on Thursday, highlighting key players such as Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Victor Osimhen, and Ademola Lookman. With AFCON kicking off in just ten days in Morocco, the squad combines seasoned professionals, players in strong form, and promising newcomers.
Uzoho, who has been away from the national team for months, rejoins alongside defender Igoh Ogbu and striker Paul Onuachu. New faces include Ryan Alebiosu, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Croatia-based Salim Fago Lawal, all joining the squad for the first time.
Nigeria will play a friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on 16 December as a final warm-up before moving to Fès for Group C matches. The Super Eagles kick off their AFCON campaign against Tanzania on 23 December, face Tunisia on 27 December, and close the group stage against Uganda on 30 December.
7. How 2Baba Ended My Music Career – Klint Da Drunk Reveals
Nigerian comedian Afamefuna Klint Igwemba, popularly known as Klint Da Drunk, has opened up about how legendary singer Innocent Idiba, aka 2Baba, influenced his decision to quit music.
Gossip News Now reports that Klint Da Drunk, in a recent interview with Naija FM Lagos, said he initially pursued a music career while studying at the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Enugu State.
He explained that watching 2Baba perform at a campus event made him rethink his path, leading him to focus on comedy instead. Klint Da Drunk emphasized that he has no regrets and is content with his chosen career.
8. Atiku Accuses EFCC of Political Bias Following Malami’s Arrest
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of becoming a tool for political persecution.
In a statement released to Naija News on Thursday, Atiku claimed that the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies in Nigeria have strayed from their constitutional duties, turning the fight against corruption into a “full-blown political witch-hunt.”
He urged the EFCC and similar bodies to rid themselves of partisan influence before permanently losing public trust. Atiku’s remarks followed the arrest and detention of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
The former vice president alleged that the EFCC became unusually “hyperactive” with the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an opposition force, targeting figures like Malami and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal while allegedly overlooking corruption cases involving allies of the ruling party.
9. Senate Confirms Yakubu, Ikpeazu, and Others as Ambassadors
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday screened and confirmed several high-profile nominees for ambassadorial appointments by President Bola Tinubu.
Gossip News Now reports that the confirmations include former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and former Abia State Governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu.
The nominees appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which conducted the screenings in batches of five. Other appointees cleared by the committee include former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, former Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau, ex-special adviser on new media to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, former presidential aide Senator Ita Enang, and Senator Grace Bent.
10. Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Passes Away
Bayelsa State has been plunged into mourning following the reported sudden death of Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on Thursday.
According to Gossip News Now , Ewhrudjakpo reportedly collapsed in his office around 1:30 pm and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenagoa, where he was confirmed dead shortly after arrival.
Born on September 5, 1965, the deputy governor was 60 years old. Sources close to the Government House described him as a “workaholic” who maintained a demanding schedule with minimal rest.
Sahara Reporters noted that Ewhrudjakpo was in critical condition when transferred from his office to the hospital’s emergency unit. A family source confirmed that he was pronounced dead soon after reaching the facility.
In response, security personnel cordoned off the Federal Medical Centre while top state officials visited to pay their respects.
“Those are today’s top headlines from Nigeria. For more news updates on Naija News And Foreign News stay tuned in Gossip News Now for tomorrow’s edition!”
