Category: PM News

Nigeria’s economy had a pretty good start to the year, with a 3.89% growth in the first quarter – its strongest in about ten years.

This is especially notable since we’re now looking at a more comprehensive picture of the economy, thanks to updated national accounts.

The services sector was the main driver, making up 57.73% of the real output and growing by 4.31%, largely due to strong performances in information and communication technology and financial services.

Agriculture also bounced back, growing 3.15% after being almost stagnant the previous year, and industry saw a 3.50% increase.

What’s interesting is that the non-oil sector accounted for a large share of 96.08% of the country’s real GDP, while oil, despite all the attention it gets, only made up 3.92%.

The reform camp has a lot to be proud of, and one of their biggest achievements is the decrease in inflation. In June, the overall inflation rate went down to 15.91% percent, which is a 2 basis points lower than the 15.93% in May 2026.

If we look back, it’s even more impressive – inflation has dropped by more than 10% compared to where it was a year ago. But what really matters to people is the price of food, and that’s gone down too.

In June 2025, food inflation was 25.41%, but now it’s 17.52%. The core inflation rate, which is a better measure of the overall trend, is around 15.92%.

Some of this change is because of the new way of calculating the consumer price index, which uses 2024 as a reference point and gives a more accurate picture of what people are actually buying.

But a big part of it is real, and it’s the result of the government’s efforts to keep prices under control and make sure supplies are steady. It’s a delayed reward, but it’s definitely something to celebrate.

One thing that’s really caught people off guard is what’s happening with the currency. After losing up to 41.4% percent of its value in 2024, the naira actually gained about 11.8% in 2025, and it’s added another 3.8% so far in 2026. By mid-July, it was trading at around ?1,383 officially.

What’s really interesting is that the parallel market, which is often a better indicator of how people really feel about the economy, has gotten a lot closer to the official rate – it’s now only about 3% different.

This is a big deal, because just a year and a half ago, it seemed like a pipe dream that these two rates would ever converge.

The governor of the Central Bank has been saying for a while now that there won’t be any devaluation, and for once, it looks like that’s actually happening.

The makeup of the money that came into the country is something we should think about. In Q1-2026, $10.37 billion capital came in, which is 83.83% more than the $5.64 billion foreign capital inflow in similar period of Q1-2025. But $9.86 billion (95%), was from foreign investors who don’t necessarily have a long-term plan in the nation as they only intend to capture gains from the strong appreciation of the naira and opportunities in the money market.

The kind of investment that builds factories, hires workers, and stays even when things get tough was very small, making up only 1.3% of the total capital inflow. The United Kingdom was responsible for about half of the money that came in, and the banking sector got almost 73% of the capital inflow.

This is interesting because it shows that most of the money came from outside the country and went to the banks, rather than being used to build new things or create jobs.

It’s also worth noting that this kind of investment can be unpredictable and may not always be good for the country in the long run.

The stock market had a remarkable run in the first half of the year. It started January at around 156,500 points and shot up to over 228,000 by June, which is a huge gain of nearly 46%.

The total value of the market also grew significantly, from ?99.94 trillion to ?146.56 trillion, that’s an increase of ?46.6 trillion in just six months. At its peak in mid-May, the market reached an unprecedented ?160 trillion and the index hit an all-time high above 250,000 points before investors started selling to lock in their profits.

The Q1 2026 figures from the National Bureau of Statistics extend, almost seamlessly, the story I told about H1 2025. Total merchandise trade stood at ?34.79 trillion in the first quarter, split between exports of ?21.17 trillion, or 60.85%, and imports of ?13.62 trillion, or 39.15%.

The trade surplus came in at ?7.54 trillion, a remarkable 340.88% higher than the ?1.71 trillion of the preceding quarter. The country’s exports saw a significant increase, with a 2.77% rise in the first quarter of 2025 and an 11.63% jump in the fourth quarter of the same year.

Crude oil accounted for a substantial portion of these exports, accounting for ?11.20 trillion, which is equivalent to 52.92% of the country’s total exports. However, what’s even more notable is the growth of non-crude exports, which reached ?9.96 trillion, or 47.08% of the total.

This shift towards a more diversified export base is a positive development, indicating that the economy is moving in the right direction, albeit with a still-narrow base that relies heavily on commodities like cocoa, cashew, urea, and gold, rather than value-added goods.

The Honourable Minister of Agriculture clearly stated that Nigeria is still going to be bullish on the export of raw materials rather than scrapping it totally for value added goods which is a positive signal for the agricultural trade economics. On the other hand, the country’s imports declined sharply, with an 18.17% drop year-on-year and a 21.05% decrease quarter-on-quarter.

On the positive side, crude oil production reached its highest level since April 2020, at about 1.56 million barrels per day in June. When you add in the 0.2 million barrels of condensate, the total production was around 1.76 million barrels per day, which is above the quota set by OPEC and higher than the average for 2021-2024.

This was largely due to improved security for pipelines and a real decrease in oil theft, which had a bigger impact than years of trying to address the issue. Additionally, oil prices were favorable, with Nigerian crude averaging around $71.63 per barrel for the first half of the year, which is above the budget benchmark.

The government also offered Shell a tax credit of $11.50 per barrel for the Bonga expansion project, which should help keep investment coming in. Overall, it was a good start to the year for the oil and gas sector, but there are still policy challenges to be addressed.

The government’s goal of having a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030. I’m not questioning their ambition, but I do have doubts about the numbers.

If our economy is growing at 3.89% and might reach 4.1% to 4.6% by the end of the year, it’s hard to see how we’ll become a trillion-dollar economy in just four years without experiencing double-digit growth, which is something Nigeria has never been able to sustain.

The consensus among the serious forecasters is cautiously bullish, and I broadly share it. Most Scholars projected that the GDP growth should be between 4.1% – 4.5%, inflation easing around the corridor of 15.0%, the policy rate edging down to 26.00% with room to cut further in Q4-2026, the naira around ?1,400 to the dollar, crude near $76.54, oil production above 1.7 million barrels-per-day and reserves rising toward $53.00 billion.

The direction of travel, across scholars’ publications and analysts deduction is a positive outlook.

Nigeria enters the second half of 2026 in the best macroeconomic shape it has been in for years, and it would be churlish to pretend otherwise. Growth is up, inflation is down, the naira is firm, the reserves are full, the market is buoyant and the revenue is pouring in.

The reform thesis, so painful in 2023 and so unconvincing in 2024, is finally posting the kind of numbers its defenders always insisted were coming. Anyone reviewing the scoreboard alone would call this a comfortable lead

Garun Mallam Local Government Area of Kano has confirmed that three people were killed, and five others injured when suspected bandits attacked Chiromawa community in the council on Saturday.

This is contained in a statement by Salisu Harris, Information Officer of Garun Mallam council on Sunday in Garun Mallam.

Harris said that the attackers reportedly stormed the community at about 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and opened fire on residents.

He incident caused panic in the community, while residents, vigilantes and police personnel mobilised to confront the attackers and protect residents.

The Sarkin Noma of Kano State, Alhaji Yusuf Chiromawa, was also reportedly rescued from the attackers during the incident.

The Chairman of Garun Mallam Local Government Council, Aminu Kadawa, expressed concern over the attack and directed that those injured receive immediate medical attention.

Kadawa condoled with families of those killed and prayed for the repose of their souls and the speedy recovery of the injured.

He commended residents, vigilantes and security personnel for their efforts in rescuing people and responding to the attack.

The chairman called for stronger cooperation between communities and security agencies to combat insecurity and urged residents to provide security personnel with credible information that could assist in protecting lives and property.

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested some staff members of a hotel in Eagle Island, Port Harcourt, alongside friends of the deceased, Okorite Charles, who died under mysterious circumstances at the facility.

Charles, said to be in his mid-20s, reportedly died after he lodged at the hotel with some friends.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Karbolo, said the victim was allegedly pushed from an upper floor of the hotel, although the circumstances surrounding the incident remained unclear.

According to the police spokesperson, Charles was rushed to a hospital following the incident, where a medical doctor reportedly confirmed him dead.

Karbolo said the deceased’s friends later returned to the hotel and began protesting, attracting a crowd and creating tension in the area.

She said police operatives were quickly deployed to restore order and prevent the situation from escalating.

‘The hotel staff on duty at the time of the incident, as well as the victim’s friends who were present with him, were arrested for questioning and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death,’ she said.

The police also restricted activities at the hotel pending the conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the deceased’s brother, Mr Obomate, had earlier raised concerns over the circumstances of Charles’ death. He alleged that a doctor at the hospital noticed what appeared to be a stab wound on the deceased’s stomach.

He further claimed that the family suspected Charles might have been struck on the neck with an object before his death.

The police command said investigations were ongoing to establish what led to the young man’s death and determine whether anyone would be held responsible.

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have sustained offensive operations against terrorists in Katsina State, neutralising a key commander and recovering weapons, ammunition and motorcycles during clearance operations in Matazu Local Government Area.

The operation was conducted on August 29, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restrict their ability to operate across affected communities.

In a statement on Sunday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said troops of Sector 2 encountered stiff resistance from armed terrorists while conducting clearance operations in identified terrorist enclaves in Matazu.

Danja said the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee the area.

‘Troops, however, responded decisively and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee the area,’ Danja said.

He stated that troops subsequently exploited the area and confirmed the neutralisation of a terrorist commander identified as SMALLY, who operated under the notorious terrorist leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.

According to Danja, the operation also resulted in the recovery of three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines, 180 rounds of ammunition and six motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists.

The recovery of the weapons and motorcycles is significant as security forces continue to target the mobility and firepower of terrorist groups operating across the North-West.

Danja said the latest operation was part of a broader offensive designed to maintain pressure on terrorist networks and degrade their operational capabilities within the Joint Operations Area.

‘The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustain pressure on terrorist networks and dismantle their operational capabilities across the Joint Operations Area,’ he stated.

He added that the troops remained committed to taking the fight directly to the terrorists, denying them freedom of action and disrupting their ability to threaten communities.

‘Troops remain resolute in taking the fight to the terrorists, denying them freedom of action and creating conditions for the restoration of lasting peace and security across affected communities,’ Danja added.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have urged the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to ‘immediately reject and withdraw the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB.1034), as the Bill is unnecessary, unlawful, unconstitutional and threatens civic space, media freedom and democratic participation in Nigeria.’

The organisations said, ‘if enacted, the Bill would establish an extensive framework for governmental control over civil society organisations, independent media, religious organisations and other organisations and private entities receiving foreign assistance.’

The Bill, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (PDP, Gombe North), proposes mandatory registration and disclosure requirements and provides for sanctions, including a minimum fine of N20 million for civil society organisations and private entities, as well as possible suspension or revocation of operating licences.

In a joint open letter dated 29 August 2026 and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director, SERAP, and Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, General Secretary, NGE, the organisations said: ‘Although the Bill is presented in the guise of promoting transparency, it would establish an extensive framework for governmental control over civil society organisations and private entities receiving foreign assistance.’

The organisations urged ‘the National Assembly to immediately withdraw and reject the Bill and publicly commit not to reintroduce any legislation that unjustifiably restricts civic space, media freedom or the legitimate activities of civil society organisations and private entities.’

The organisations said, ‘Should the Bill be passed into law despite the serious constitutional and human rights concerns raised, SERAP and NGE will consider taking all appropriate legal action in the public interest to challenge it and protect freedom of association, media freedom and civic participation.’

The joint open letter, read in part: ‘The Bill could have serious consequences for independent journalism and civil society organizations, given the reliance of many organisations on foreign grants to support investigative journalism, fact-checking, journalist safety, media development and other public-interest activities.’

‘The Bill is unnecessary, duplicative and would impose the additional cost of another regulator on public resources.’

‘Nigeria already has a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for corporate registration, financial reporting, taxation, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption enforcement through the Corporate Affairs Commission, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, the Federal Inland Revenue Service and other competent authorities.’

‘Nothing in the Bill demonstrates that these institutions are unable to perform their statutory responsibilities or that any regulatory gap justifies creating another regulator with overlapping and potentially intrusive powers.’

‘The Bill also employs vague concepts such as ‘foreign aid’, ‘national priorities’ and ‘public interest’ without defining them or establishing objective legal standards to govern their application. As such, the Bill fails to satisfy the constitutional and international human rights requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality.’

‘The Bill would establish the proposed Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission (FARC) and confer broad powers to register NGOs, CSOs and private entities receiving foreign assistance; compel disclosures; inspect records; investigate activities; monitor the utilisation of foreign assistance; issue directives; suspend approvals; revoke registrations; and impose administrative sanctions.’

‘These sweeping powers go far beyond ordinary financial regulation and would expose legitimate organisations, including independent media organisations, civil society groups and other civic actors and private entities, to intrusive governmental supervision and interference.’

‘Subjecting independent media and other civil society organisations and private entities to an additional executive-controlled regulatory regime would increase governmental leverage over their operations, place pressure on independence and create conditions conducive to self-censorship.’

‘Religious organisations, humanitarian organisations, charitable bodies and other legitimate entities receiving foreign assistance could also be subjected to the proposed regulatory and disclosure requirements.’

‘By applying to organisations and private entities receiving foreign assistance, the Bill would extend its regulatory reach to independent media organisations, labour unions, professional associations, universities, research institutes, religious and humanitarian organisations, technology hubs and other entities lawfully receiving foreign grants, donations, technical assistance or development funding.’

‘The proposed penalties make the Bill even more dangerous. CSOs and private entities could face fines of at least N20 million, suspension or revocation of their operating licences, while individuals could face hefty fines and imprisonment for non-compliance.’

‘As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections amid an increasingly shrinking civic space, the Bill further threatens fundamental rights, democratic participation and media freedom.’

‘The suppression of the press in recent times takes various forms ranging from extrajudicial and unlawful detentions, disappearances, malicious prosecutions and wrongful use of both legislation and law enforcement.’

‘Part II of the Bill establishes the proposed Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission (FARC) and gives it powers to register NGOs, CSOs and private entities receiving foreign assistance; maintain databases; compel information; conduct audits and inspections; monitor the utilisation of foreign assistance; issue regulations and guidelines; and impose administrative sanctions.’

‘These sweeping powers create significant opportunities for arbitrary or selective enforcement, exposing a broad range of legitimate organisations and private entities to intrusive governmental supervision and undermining their operational independence.’

‘The Bill also requires recipients to disclose detailed information about foreign assistance, including sources, amounts, conditions and implementing partners, with such information to be placed on a public National Foreign Aid Register.’

‘The Bill regulates how foreign assistance must be used, subjects recipients to annual audits and requires foreign-funded projects to align with government-defined national development priorities. The combination of these requirements with criminal sanctions, substantial fines and possible suspension or revocation of operating licences creates a disproportionate regulatory burden on legitimate organisations.’

‘The Bill is incompatible with sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution 199 (as amended) which guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of association.’

‘It is also inconsistent with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 13 of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, and relevant international human rights standards protecting civic space, freedom of association and media freedom.’

‘Any restriction on the rights to freedom of expression, association and media freedom must be prescribed by law, pursue a legitimate public purpose, and be necessary and proportionate in a democratic society.’

‘The right to freedom of association protects not only the right to form an association but also the right of an association to freely carry out its lawful activities without undue government interference.’

‘Enabling and protecting freedom of association is essential to addressing Nigeria’s challenges and to the realisation of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.’

‘Associations provide essential avenues for individuals and communities to organise, express their concerns, promote and defend their rights and participate in public affairs. Undue and excessive restrictions on associations affect the operations of organisations and have a direct and detrimental impact on the communities they serve.’

‘By imposing extensive regulatory controls and potentially severe sanctions on organisations and private entities receiving foreign assistance, the Bill risks weakening important channels of public participation, service delivery and accountability.’

‘The proposed regulatory framework, particularly its mandatory registration, intrusive inspection powers, broad disclosure requirements and severe sanctions, goes beyond what can reasonably be considered necessary and proportionate in a democratic society.’

‘United Nations human rights experts have consistently warned that separate regulatory regimes targeting organisations receiving foreign funding can discriminate against legitimate civil society actors, produce a chilling effect on freedom of expression and association, and facilitate arbitrary governmental interference.’

‘The Bill should also be viewed alongside recent efforts to narrow civic space in Nigeria, including the increasing use of criminal defamation and cybercrime laws against journalists and activists, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), arbitrary arrests for peaceful expression, and repeated attempts to expand governmental control over civic actors.’

‘Experience across multiple jurisdictions demonstrates that foreign funding laws can be used not to improve transparency but to stigmatise, intimidate and restrict independent civil society organisations and the media. Nigeria should not follow that path.’

SERAP and NGE therefore urged the National Assembly to:

Immediately withdraw and reject the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB.1034), and publicly commit not to reintroduce legislation that unjustifiably restricts civic space, media freedom or legitimate activities of civil society organizations and private entities.

Prioritise legislation that strengthens transparency, accountability, media freedom, civic participation and an enabling environment for private entities, independent civil society, religious, humanitarian and media organisations.

Refrain from introducing further legislative proposals that undermine democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, including in the period leading to the 2027 general elections.

Uphold the National Assembly’s constitutional responsibility to protect and promote democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and ensure that legislative power is not used to narrow legitimate democratic participation or silence critical voices.

The Lagos State Chapter of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) has paid a condolence visit to the family of late veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing his death as a significant loss to Nigeria’s entertainment industry and cultural heritage.

The delegation, led by the State Ambassador of Renewed Hope Ambassadors Lagos, Tayo Ayinde, visited the bereaved family to express sympathy and solidarity following the death of the celebrated Yoruba actor.

Ayinde was accompanied by the RHA Chief of Staff, Dr Oluremi Shopeyin; Director of Protocol, Hon. Jibike Babatunde; Director of Security, Hon. Olalekan Abubakar; Hon. Bayo Ajisebutu and other members of the organisation.

The delegation was received by Ogogo’s widow and members of the Hassan family.

Speaking during the visit, Ayinde described the late actor as a cultural ambassador whose influence extended far beyond his performances on screen.

‘The late Taiwo Hassan, fondly known as Ogogo, was more than an actor; he was a cultural ambassador and a towering figure whose exceptional talent brought joy, inspiration and pride to millions of Nigerians,’ Ayinde said.

He stated that Ogogo’s decades-long career earned him widespread admiration and established him as one of the most recognisable personalities in Nigeria’s film industry.

Ayinde added that the actor’s contribution to Yoruba cinema went beyond entertainment, noting that his work helped preserve indigenous narratives, language and cultural values while contributing to the growing international visibility of Nigerian cinema.

‘He was a role model whose dedication, professionalism and passion for the creative industry contributed significantly to the evolution and global recognition of Nigerian cinema,’ he added.

The RHA delegation also offered prayers for the repose of Ogogo’s soul and prayed for divine comfort and strength for his widow, children and other members of the Hassan family.

Ayinde said the visit was intended not only to commiserate with the bereaved family but also to honour the memory of an actor whose career left an enduring imprint on Nigeria’s creative economy.

Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was widely celebrated for his performances in Yoruba-language films and his longstanding presence in Nollywood. His career helped cement indigenous storytelling as a major component of Nigeria’s vibrant film industry.

His passing has continued to generate tributes from colleagues, admirers and stakeholders across Nigeria’s entertainment and cultural sectors, underscoring the breadth of his influence and the lasting appeal of his body of work.

The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged human trafficking and organ-harvesting syndicate operating in Nasarawa State, arresting two medical doctors and two other suspects.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Force Special Tactical Squad following an intelligence-led operation that allegedly exposed the recruitment of vulnerable young Nigerians for illegal kidney harvesting.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the arrests followed credible intelligence on the activities of the suspected syndicate.

According to the police, STS operatives carried out a sting operation at about 6 p.m. on August 19 in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Those arrested were Emmanuel Ode, 23; Dr Benjamin Oyime, 48; Dr Daniel Otukpa, 53; and David Idoko, 25.

Oyime, an Edo State indigene, is a nephrologist reportedly attached as a consultant to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja.

Otukpa, a Benue State indigene, is also a nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at Wellington Hospital.

Police said clothes allegedly bought with proceeds of the suspected criminal activities were recovered during the operation.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the syndicate allegedly targeted vulnerable, financially desperate and largely uneducated young people in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas.

The victims were allegedly persuaded to undergo medical procedures before their kidneys were harvested under circumstances now being investigated by the police.

Police said Ode confessed to recruiting victims for the syndicate.

According to his statement to investigators, he allegedly lured a 22-year-old man, identified as Samuel Ezekiel, to Wellington Hospital in Life Camp, Abuja, on April 24, 2026.

The police alleged that Ezekiel’s kidney was harvested and that $1,250, equivalent to about N1.7 million at the exchange rate cited by the Force, was paid for the organ.

Investigators also uncovered another alleged victim who claimed he was recruited by the same agent in 2022 and taken to a hospital where his kidney was harvested.

The second victim told police that he was paid N7 million.

The Force said the allegations form part of the evidence being examined as investigators seek to establish the full scope of the syndicate’s activities and identify other persons who may have been involved.

Police also said investigators uncovered an alleged document-forgery operation linked to the syndicate.

The suspects and their alleged accomplices were accused of forging documents to facilitate the medical procedures and create the appearance of consent or lawful transactions.

The allegedly forged documents included victims’ names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters.

Police said the findings raised serious concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable Nigerians and the alleged use of falsified official documents to facilitate organ harvesting.

The Force said investigations were continuing and that the arrest of the four suspects formed part of a wider effort to dismantle the suspected network.

Other suspects allegedly linked to the syndicate remain at large, with police operatives continuing efforts to apprehend them.

The NPF reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking, organ harvesting and other forms of organised criminal exploitation across the country.

Police said investigations would also seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged recruitment of victims, the medical procedures carried out, payments made and documents used in the cases.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will leave Abuja on Sunday for Europe, beginning a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave, with the timing coinciding with the formal take-off of political campaigns for the 2027 general elections.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s first destination will be London, United Kingdom.

‘His first stop will be London, United Kingdom,’ Onanuga said.

He added that Tinubu would return to Nigeria at the end of the break to participate in what is expected to be an intense electioneering period.

‘President Tinubu is expected to return home after the working vacation to join the hectic campaign for the January 2027 election,’ Onanuga said.

The President’s departure comes barely two weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) opened the campaign period for the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027. The governorship and state House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6.

Tinubu, who is seeking a second term on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), enters the campaign season amid a highly competitive political environment and growing scrutiny of his administration’s economic record.

His government has defended major reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy and the liberalisation of the foreign-exchange market, as necessary measures to stabilise public finances and rebuild the economy.

The reforms, however, have been accompanied by a severe cost-of-living crisis, with inflation, declining purchasing power and insecurity emerging as major issues likely to shape voters’ decisions.

The President faces prominent challengers, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, while the opposition remains divided after efforts to forge a broad coalition against the APC failed to produce a unified presidential ticket.

Tinubu has also strengthened the APC’s political machinery ahead of the election, with a large number of state governors now aligned with the ruling party. The development has increased the party’s organisational reach while simultaneously fuelling opposition concerns about the concentration of political power.

The President’s vacation also follows a recent 12-day leave taken by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who resumed official duties on August 18 after the Presidency said his break was intended to provide time for ‘study, reflection and intellectual renewal.’ Shettima subsequently represented Tinubu at the African Union summit in Angola.

While the Presidency described Tinubu’s trip as a ‘working vacation,’ the three-week absence places his return squarely within a crucial phase of the 2027 election cycle.

His post-vacation schedule is therefore expected to be dominated by campaign activities as the APC seeks to secure another presidential mandate.

The Eselu of Eseluland in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has called for thorough scrutiny of all candidates seeking to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun ahead of the 2027 election.

He said this while warning against allowing political affiliation, ethnicity or zoning to override competence and integrity.

The monarch said the next governor of Ogun State must be carefully examined based on competence, track record, character and family background, stressing that the quality of leadership that emerges in 2027 would have far-reaching consequences for the future of the state.

Oba Akinyemi made the call while speaking with journalists during the housewarming ceremony of his private residence at Obada Oko, Ogun State.

The traditional ruler also weighed in on the lingering crisis over the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary involving two Yewa sons, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and Hon. Semanko Abayomi Hunye.

He urged the APC leadership to urgently establish a dispute resolution committee to address Hunye’s grievances, warning that allowing the disagreement to persist could further divide the party and embarrass the region.

Hunye, who contested the APC governorship ticket against Adeola, has challenged the outcome of the primary in court, alleging irregularities in the process.

Oba Akinyemi, who described both Adeola and Hunye as his subjects, appealed to political leaders to bring the two aspirants together and resolve their differences in the interest of Ogun State.

‘I think I will have to implore the party that they should call them together and resolve whatever their differences are.

‘As far as the claim is concerned, it would have been an issue for the political leaders. But as a royal father, what I will implore them to do is to put a committee in place. There should be a dispute resolution committee in the party,’ he said.

The monarch said he had been closely following the controversy, describing it as a situation of ‘agitation and counter-agitation’ which required urgent intervention by the APC leadership.

He also questioned the reported zero vote credited to Hunye at the governorship primary, saying the figure deserved clarification.

‘If actually Abayomi Hunye went for the primary, he can’t score zero. It’s not possible. Because he also voted. So, who stole his vote? That’s the fundamental question,’ Oba Akinyemi said.

‘Let’s assume everybody voted for Yayi; there’s no doubt about that. But what about Hunye? Can Hunye vote for Yayi? That’s not possible. So, that one vote, where is it? Who stole it?’

The traditional ruler, however, cautioned against pre-judging the matter, noting that the dispute was already before the court.

He urged the APC to use its internal dispute resolution mechanisms to address the grievances while allowing the judiciary to determine the legal issues surrounding the primary.

Oba Akinyemi acknowledged the agitation for Ogun West, also known as Yewa, to produce the next governor, describing it as legitimate given what he called years of political marginalisation.

However, he warned that the quest for power must not lead the people to compromise on competence and good governance.

‘Yes, Yewa is expected to have the government because we have been marginalised. You cannot erase that fact,’ he said.

‘But at the same time, we still want a good person that will give us good governance. I so much believe in good governance. That is my prayer.

‘I want somebody who can give us dividends of democracy. Basic education should be fundamental. Empower the people. That is what is paramount to me.’

The monarch therefore charged the media and civil society organisations to thoroughly investigate every governorship candidate before the election.

‘Whoever is going to be the governor of Ogun State should be thoroughly cross-examined.

‘We don’t have any other place to call our state. So, whosoever wants to take over from the governor, we should shun politics aside, irrespective of the party.

‘The press, the media, civil society organisations should bring everybody together and investigate them thoroughly, including their family background. That is very important,’ he said.

The Eselu further urged traditional rulers across Ogun State to remain politically neutral while encouraging their subjects to critically assess the candidates seeking their votes.

According to him, traditional rulers have a responsibility to guide their people towards informed choices without openly taking sides in the political contest.

‘Our role is to be neutral. Number two, to watch critically and make sure that we scrutinise one after the other and make sure that we are not going to pick a wrong choice,’ he said.

‘I implore all my traditional rulers that, please, this time around, we should be careful in making our choice. Pick the right choice.’

While commending the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun for what he described as its achievements, Oba Akinyemi said whoever succeeds the governor must be subjected to careful scrutiny to ensure continuity of good governance.

‘The government is putting its best. It has done a lot of tremendous work; there is no doubt about that. But whoever is stepping after him must be critically verified.

‘That’s my prayer,’ he added.

The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement 2027 has told former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to focus on selling his political agenda to Nigerians instead of criticising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his current vacation abroad.

The group dismissed concerns about Tinubu’s absence from the country, describing the trip as a normal break that does not amount to a leadership vacuum.

In a statement released in Kaduna on Sunday, the movement’s National Coordinator, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi Asuku, said the former vice-president should use the period leading to the 2027 general elections to explain how his proposed policies would differ from those of the current administration.

The group also raised questions about Atiku’s position on fuel subsidy, pointing to what it described as a shift from his stance during the 2023 presidential election.

It said voters needed to hear concrete and consistent policy proposals from politicians seeking their support.

‘After contesting for the presidency repeatedly since 1993, Atiku should be telling Nigerians what he intends to do differently, rather than spending his time attacking President Tinubu.

‘In 2023, he told Nigerians he would remove fuel subsidy. Today, he is talking about bringing it back. Nigerians deserve to know whether this is a genuine policy position or simply an attempt to respond to the current economic situation.’

The movement said preparations for the 2027 elections were already under way, following the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

It therefore advised opposition politicians to take their messages directly to voters and provide detailed solutions to the country’s economic and social challenges.

The group specifically challenged Atiku to explain how he would tackle the economy, insecurity and unemployment if given the opportunity to lead the country.

‘INEC has rolled out the timetable. Atiku should go out and campaign and tell Nigerians what he has for them. Criticising President Tinubu because he has gone on vacation will not work.

‘Presidents and world leaders go on vacation. A vacation does not mean a country has been abandoned. Nigeria has functioning institutions and officials responsible for ensuring that government continues to run,’ the group said.

The movement also called on Nigerians to judge the Tinubu administration on its policies and record, while urging opposition candidates to present credible alternatives as the 2027 election approaches.