Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Saturday, 6th December 2025.
Former presidential candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dan Nwanyanwu, has asserted that the individuals pushing for former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest in the 2027 election only want to “use him to clean their mess.”
Naija News reports that Nwanyanwu, while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Friday, said those urging Jonathan to re-enter the race were the same political actors who betrayed him in the 2015 election.
According to him, Jonathan should exercise caution regarding calls for him to contest the 2027 presidential election, stressing that the situation has not yet reached a point where they fully understand the consequences of their actions.
When asked if he thinks former President Goodluck Jonathan should throw his hat in the ring again, Nwanyanwu said, “I have not spoken with President Jonathan. I intend to see him very soon, but I think he should tarry for a while. Because the same people who are calling him were the same people who betrayed an honest man, betrayed a good man. A man who had a good conscience, they betrayed him.
“They want to use him now to clean their mess. The thing has not gotten to a point. When it gets to a point they realise what they have done, alright?
“Political parties have their problems. You see, the issue is that we have all refused, most of us don’t obey the rules. And this one I said, you have something in the Constitution, by rules that power will come here, go there. As I’m talking to you now, I believe that the South should have another four years. If I say it now, they will say I am supporting President Tinubu.”
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the 17 defected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly are free to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Naija News reports that 16 lawmakers, including the Speaker, dumped the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday.
Citing divisions in the PDP as the reason for the defection, Amaewhule said he was now a member of the APC and would “join hands with Mr President,” noting that the President “means well for the country.”
Addressing journalists after inspecting the ongoing construction of an interchange bridge connecting Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi, and Gwarimpa in Abuja, Wike said that his camp would continue to work with the remaining lawmakers still loyal to the party.
The Minister described the development as “unfortunate,” adding that the party’s internal crisis contributed to the lawmakers’ exit.
The former Rivers State Governor also stated that he remained in the PDP, urging the party to put its house in order.
The screening committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has barred ex‑National Secretary Iyiola Omisore and six other aspirants from contesting the Osun State governorship primary set for December 13.
The decision was based on gaps and irregularities identified in their nomination documents.
The committee, chaired by Chief Obinna Uzoh, urged all stakeholders to reconcile differences and work toward party unity ahead of the primary.
In its report delivered on Friday, the committee said the disqualified aspirants failed to meet the required standards in their nomination processes. While the identities of all barred aspirants were not immediately disclosed, Omisore is confirmed among them.0
The committee insisted that resolving internal disputes was essential for a credible primary and future electoral success in Osun State.
Though the primary is slated for December 13, the formal election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is scheduled for August 8, 2026.
The screening committee encouraged party members to rally behind valid aspirants and avoid fragmenting support ahead of the polls.
It stated that the aspirants, former Osun State Deputy Governor, Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, Benedict Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki, and Sen. Babajide Omoworare, did not submit proof of sponsorship from at least five fully registered and financially current party members from each Local Government Area in Osun State, as stipulated by Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the party guidelines.
Only Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji were approved to participate in the primary election.
Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has denied granting any interview against the African Democratic Congress (ADC) opposition coalition.
Earlier reports claimed that Obi said the ADC was faltering because it had yet to resolve issues on zoning and the rotation of key political offices.
The report claimed Obi made the remark in a Wednesday interview published on YouTube by one ‘Advocacy for Good Governance’.
However, in a statement released on Friday by his Spokesman, Ibrahim Umar, Obi said the claims contained in the purported interview were false and malicious.
He further said that Peter Obi’s recent engagement has consistently highlighted the importance of unity in addressing poor governance and economic hardship, rather than attacking or criticising the ADC.
“We urge the public, particularly the leadership of the ADC, to regard these publications as fake news and recognize them as the work of political hirelings intent on distorting facts and distracting the opposition from the vital goal of ending bad governance,” he said.
The newly appointed Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, on Friday declared that the era of indiscriminate killings and insecurity in Nigeria was over. He spoke as he formally assumed office at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja.
Musa, who once served as Chief of Defence Staff, said he returns to the ministry backed by the trust of President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people.
Naija News had earlier reported that upon his arrival at the Defence headquarters, the former CDS held a closed-door meeting with the service chiefs and the ministry’s directors.
“After having 39 years in service … the love Nigerians have shown us shows that people believe that we can turn the tide,” he said.
The minister declared that change will come through concrete action, not empty promises.
He further stated, “Change will not come from rhetoric, but through action by all Nigerians. We must… take ownership of the responsibilities of the challenges we have in our country.
“The shedding of innocent blood is over. Citizens have a right to live without fear. Our children should be able to go back to school. The farmers should be able to go back to their farms.”
Musa pledged to prioritise the welfare of military personnel and their families, saying those who risk their lives for their country deserve respect and support.
He promised swift provision of needed kits, timely operational allowances, proper accommodation, and adequate medical care — especially for injured soldiers and bereaved families.
Outlining his vision for the ministry, Musa identified three core pillars: operational effectiveness, unified action across all services, and strategic foresight.
He called for a rigorous review of all theatre commands and inter‑service operations, aiming to eliminate silos and ensure that once decisions are taken, the forces act as a united team.
Musa emphasised that technology and intelligence must play a central role in Nigeria’s defence architecture. He said the ministry would deepen collaboration with allied partners and other security agencies, and ensure decisions are guided by data, not just experience.
The Defence Minister warned that there would be no room for indiscipline, corruption, or bureaucratic delays.
The lawmaker representing the Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has insisted that terrorists committing murder and other heinous crimes must face the full wrath of the law and should be given the death penalty if convicted.
Naija News reports that Oshiomhole made this known while the Senate was debating the proposed amendment to the 2022 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act to include the death penalty for kidnappers.
The former Governor of Edo State condemned the deradicalisation of terrorists in Nigeria, stating that previous repentant terrorists went back to the act.
He said, “We have seen in the distant past where terrorists who have killed and committed heinous crimes were in the name of deradicalization, they were arrested, ‘deradicalized’ fed with taxpayers’ money and some of them went back to continue the act of terrorism.
“We can’t spend so much money to apprehend very dangerous people who have killed, buried children alive, and at the end when they are apprehended, someone calls from somewhere and say “look, we need to use jargons to justify why these guys should not face the wrath of the law which is to face trial and if convicted, sentenced to death.
“Even in the Holy Bible and Quran, those who kill, have no right to live.
“Those discretions are now withdrawn. No more deradicalization. If you are caught committing a heinous crime, the penalty is death if convicted.”
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has debunked reports alleging that he was arrested in France, describing the claims as politically motivated distractions aimed at diverting his attention.
Naija News reports that Wike stated this on Friday while addressing journalists after inspecting the ongoing construction of an interchange bridge connecting Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi, and Gwarimpa in Abuja.
“Well, what is important is that you remain focused, as you said, they were the ones that were arrested,” he joked, brushing off the rumours.
The former Governor of Rivers State dismissed the latest claims as part of a pattern of misinformation, noting that similar rumours had previously circulated regarding his health.
“Last time they said I was sick and flown overseas. This time, they said I was arrested in France. I’m doing my job,” he said.
Wike, who has ramped up oversight of key infrastructural projects in the FCT, said his primary concern remains delivering on the responsibilities entrusted to him by President Bola Tinubu.
The FCT minister, in his address, added, “Critics will always try to play politics, critics will always not be happy that you are doing well. So just focus. Do not be distracted at all.”
Nigerian legendary singer, Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, has cried out over the series of death threats his wife, Natasha, has been receiving since videos of their altercation in London surfaced online.
Naija News reports that this comes after 2Baba’s family petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over alleged assault and financial misappropriation involving Natasha.
In a letter dated November 12, the Idibia family urged the police to launch an investigation into incidents they say have caused the singer emotional distress, financial loss, and reputational harm.
According to the petition, reports were received from 2Baba and witnesses alleging incidents of physical assault in both the United Kingdom and Abuja.
The family further alleged that Natasha accessed and transferred funds from the singer’s phone and bank accounts without his permission.
She is also accused of withholding 2Baba’s personal documents, including his passport, allegedly preventing him from fulfilling business engagements.
In response, 2Baba, in a video shared via his social media page on Friday, accused his family of destroying him and publicly damaging Natasha’s character.
The music icon emphasised that the situation has escalated and that he will no longer be silent, stressing that he is grown and has the right to make his own choices.
2Baba also claimed that his family did the same thing to his estranged wife, Annie, adding that he is perfectly fine and there is no marriage without issues.
Nigerian singer, Stanley Omah Didia, popularly known as Omah Lay, has opened up on why he did not accept a recent offer from Davido to work together on a new track.
Naija News reports that he spoke about it during a podcast session where he explained that the call for another collaboration came after the success of their hit song, With You.
During the interview, the 28-year-old said he chose to focus on building his own path at that moment.
He said that he needed to give more attention to his personal growth and upcoming plans.
Omah Lay made it clear that he respects Davido, but he decided to pause on another joint project so he could push his own career goals.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to make history as the biggest edition of the tournament yet, with matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to make history as the biggest edition of the tournament yet, with matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Running from June 11 to July 19, 48 nations will battle for football’s most coveted prize, though only a select few are realistically expected to challenge for the trophy.
Six teams are still to secure their spots through play-offs, but the remaining 42 teams now know their group stage opponents.
The United States, hosting the majority of matches, also played host to the draw, an event heavily promoted by President Donald Trump, who has taken an active role in the lead-up to the tournament.
The draw has produced a mix of familiar powerhouses and intriguing underdogs, promising an exciting start to the month-long spectacle.
Below is the complete 2026 FIFA World Cup draw:
Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Republic of Ireland/Denmark/North Macedonia/Czech Republic
Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Wales/Northern Ireland/Italy/Bosnia-Herzegovina
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
Group D: USA, Australia, Paraguay, Turkey/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo
Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Poland/Ukraine/Sweden/Albania
Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq or Bolivia/Suriname
Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, DR Congo or Jamaica/New Caledonia
Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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