AGP Executive Report

Opposition Politics & Elections: Atiku Abubakar accused President Tinubu of plotting to weaken the opposition and entrench a one-party state through the alleged deregistration push against the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while NDC leaders insist the party is still legally recognised and will contest 2027; Legal & Governance: SERAP urged the Senate President and Speaker to refer allegations of ₦6.3bn constituency project diversion to anti-corruption agencies for investigation and possible prosecution; Security & Counterterrorism: The military said top ISWAP leaders and 76 fighters surrendered in the North-East after sustained operations; Insecurity on the Ground: Gunmen attacked a farming community in Zamfara, killing at least 15; State Police Reform: The National Assembly is set to transmit the Constitution Alteration Bill for state police to state houses of assembly, with Senate leaders defending it as consensus-driven; Human Capital & Education: JAMB and Rite Foods will award seven top UTME performers with ₦5m each; Digital Economy & Industry: NCC chair pledged incentives to attract smartphone factories to Nigeria; Health & Labour: Resident doctors extended their ultimatum to the FG by four weeks, warning of possible strike action.

State Policing Debate: The Senate defended the State Police Bill, saying it was driven by national consensus and security needs, not politics, while critics warn governors could abuse the model. Digital Governance: President Tinubu signed the NIMC Act, 2026, expanding NIMC’s role as the hub for secure digital identity, authentication and trusted transactions. Electoral Integrity & Court Fallout: The NDC says INEC denied it access codes for the nomination portal after a court order, while HURIWA warns the NDC deregistration saga is turning democracy into a courtroom battle. Regulation & Consumer Protection: FCCPC debunked claims it approved 48 new digital loan apps, pointing to a Federal High Court order that suspends fresh approvals. Security & Violence: Benue police arrested 10 suspects over the killing of MACBAN chairman Risku Mohammed; troops also foiled a terrorist attack at a yam market in Benue. Terrorism Watch: ISIS released footage claiming military-grade weapons seized in Niger, raising fresh concerns about Sahel arms flows. Local Governance & Flood Control: Lagos will remove illegal structures blocking drainage channels in Agungi, Ajiran and Ikota to tackle recurring flooding. Politics Ahead of 2027: UK-based talks saw Kalu seek sustained FCDO support for Nigeria’s electoral reforms, while PRP’s aspirant rejected calls for Tinubu’s resignation. Public Safety: FRSC reported eight deaths in a Katsina road crash. Economy & Identity: FCCPC’s clarification and NIMC’s new powers underline Nigeria’s push to tighten digital systems as elections approach.

Opposition Politics & Courts: The Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside its earlier order directing INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with INEC saying it is awaiting the Certified True Copy before responding—sparking fresh condemnation from Atiku Abubakar, Femi Falana and other political groups who accuse the move of pushing Nigeria toward a one-party state. State Police Push: As the constitutional amendment for state policing gains traction after Senate passage, civil society groups and legal voices warn the bill could enable governor interference without stronger safeguards, while supporters argue decentralised policing is needed to fix Nigeria’s over-centralised security failures. Security & Military: The Defence Headquarters and the Nigerian Army continue major moves—redeploying theatre commanders and appointing new GOCs to intensify the fight against terrorism and banditry, while Lagos and Ogun’s joint taskforce says it arrested 92 suspects and rescued kidnap victims in a crackdown. Economy & Jobs: VP Kashim Shettima reiterated that MSMEs drive 90% of businesses and 60m jobs, as Tinubu’s administration highlights enterprise-led growth; meanwhile, FGN bond subscriptions hit N9.04tn in H1 2026, showing strong investor appetite. Governance & Public Service: Lagos issues a final notice to clear encroachers on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway median; Oyo lifts curfew on 10 LGAs after the Oriire kidnapping incident; and NCDC intensifies Ebola preparedness despite no confirmed case. Education & Institutions: Nigeria records its best-ever showing in the 2026 THE World University Rankings with 24 universities listed, and the FG celebrates the gains from education reforms. Regional & Global: US President Trump’s claim that strikes in Nigeria ended Christian killings drew pushback from Nigerian Christian leaders, while South Africa braces for anti-immigration protests amid warnings against intimidation and xenophobic violence.

First Lady vs Women’s Groups: Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá condemned Oluremi Tinubu’s “akara” remark, saying it insults women and urged her to support women beyond roadside trading. MSME Push: VP Kashim Shettima said MSMEs drive 90% of businesses and 60m jobs, while Tinubu approved free CAC registration for 250,000 MSMEs nationwide; Information Minister Mohammed Idris framed the 2026 MSME Awards as Renewed Hope job creation. Opposition Under Pressure: Atiku accused Tinubu of plotting to deregister the NDC and warned it could lead to a one-party state; NDC leaders say they’ll challenge court outcomes. Security & Governance: Ex-DSS director Dennis Amachree warned insecurity is eroding the state’s monopoly on force and backed state police with safeguards; meanwhile, the National Assembly’s state police constitutional push faces fresh rights-abuse fears. Army & Insecurity: Army chief Waidi Shaibu deployed 8,000 new soldiers and announced major high-command reshuffles; SBM Intel reported 201 police rifles stolen between 2021 and mid-2026. Digital Identity Reform: Tinubu signed the NIMC Act 2026, citing database links used to arrest Boko Haram/ISW commanders returning from Hajj. Local Politics: APC swept Gombe LG elections; Kano governor Abba Yusuf vowed full APC victory in 2027. Violence Update: Gunmen killed at least 15 farmers in Zamfara’s Talata Mafara; Benue’s Tor Tiv and Ooni of Ife urged unity at the state’s 50th anniversary.

Courtroom Politics: A Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside the earlier order that compelled INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing a fair-hearing issue over a disputed logo; NDC leaders vow to appeal and insist candidates will still be on the ballot, while Peter Obi and opposition figures warn the ruling could reshape the 2027 race. Opposition Alarm: Analysts and party officials say the pattern of court actions against opposition parties is feeding fears of a coordinated effort to weaken challengers ahead of 2027. State Police Bill: Nigeria’s National Assembly passed the State Police constitutional amendment, moving policing toward a dual model; critics warn governors could misuse it, while supporters argue it’s needed for grassroots security. Security & Military: The COAS approved a major Army reshuffle of senior officers, and the FG says seven suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP commanders were arrested at Katsina Airport after returning from Hajj, linked to the new identity system. Digital Identity: Tinubu signed the 2026 NIMC Act, positioning NIN as a gateway for services and linking identity databases to security checks. Economy & Finance: Bloomberg reports Nigeria drew $1.5bn from a $5bn UAE derivatives facility, amid concerns over opaque financing structures. Governance & Anti-Corruption: ICPC chair says corruption prevention must start in classrooms, not only in courtrooms. Public Service: Tinubu also approved the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office, appointing Obi Adigwe as pioneer coordinator.

Digital Governance: President Tinubu signed the repealed and re-enacted NIMC Act, 2026 into law, positioning the National Identity Management Commission as Nigeria’s Root Certification Authority for digital identity, authentication and electronic trust services, with powers to enable secure data exchange across public and private platforms. Anti-Corruption & Accountability: The Code of Conduct Bureau says its online asset and liabilities declaration system is ready for deployment, after verifying declarations of high-risk officials and pursuing enforcement actions including forfeiture of assets. Party Politics & Courts: The NDC rejected a Lokoja court order that set aside its registration, saying it will appeal; Peter Obi also framed the ruling as a blow to democracy while insisting he will still pursue the 2027 ballot. Security & Defence: The Nigerian Army plans to recruit and train 28,000 additional personnel to tackle insecurity, while the US reaffirmed defence cooperation with Nigeria’s operations in the North-East. Public Safety: Lagos recorded a building collapse in Alakija that killed nine and rescued 27, with authorities moving to probe causes and prosecute culprits. Migration & Order: Government warned that June 30 will be a normal day, targeting illegal transport blockades and intimidation with criminal and civil consequences.

State Police Push: Nigeria’s Senate advanced the state police constitutional amendment, with safeguards aimed at preventing governors’ abuse and allowing governors to appoint police commissioners—sparking fresh debate on whether the reform can curb insecurity without becoming political pressure. Anti-Corruption & Compliance: NASENI and the Code of Conduct Bureau signed an MoU to digitise asset declarations for over 5 million public servants, while ICPC ran a Kano workshop to embed anti-corruption curriculum in Nigerian law schools. Security & Terror Financing: The CBN ordered banks to freeze accounts and assets of six individuals and four BDCs over terrorism-financing sanctions, as security agencies intensify financial controls. Governance, Economy & Public Trust: Tinubu commissioned the rebuilt Premier Hotel in Ibadan, while HURIWA hit back at official claims that Nigerians “cannot be hungry,” arguing the government is detached from lived realities. Digital & Social Services: Phase3 Telecom reaffirmed broadband expansion plans, and Adamawa kicked off malaria prevention and ITN campaigns. Politics Ahead of 2027: PDP factions in Abia traded claims of INEC recognition, while the state police bill remains a major campaign talking point.

State Police Push: Nigeria’s Senate passed the constitutional amendment for state police, with safeguards aimed at stopping governors from abusing the system—while opposition groups like PRP warn the Tinubu administration lacks the credibility to run such a reform. Local Governance & Security Debate: Critics argue state control could endanger opposition and election fairness, even as supporters say localised policing could speed responses and improve community safety. Court & Party Politics: The Appeal Court adjourned an ADC deregistration case to July 7, and Peter Obi filed a N5bn defamation suit against Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged ticket extortion and primary manipulation. Enugu NDC Crisis: Enugu North by-election fallout is deepening inside the NDC, with allegations of internal sabotage and anti-party conduct. Aviation & PPP: Enugu International Airport concession was formally handed to a private consortium after 20 years, signalling renewed investor interest. Foreign Policy: FG says it’s rebuilding Nigeria’s foreign policy influence through reforms anchored on “Nigeria first” and citizens’ welfare. Security & Terror: Reports say 40 “repentant” Boko Haram recruits were shortlisted for Army medical screening in Borno.

State Police Bill: Nigeria’s Senate has passed the constitutional amendment to establish state police, with safeguards meant to curb governors’ abuse and keep federal police handling national-level threats; US Congressman Riley Moore praised Tinubu for pushing the reform. Security & Accountability: Security agencies denied a viral Katsina video claim of police collusion with bandits, saying the armed men were part of approved community security outfits. Anti-terror Financing: Nigeria backed US sanctions, unveiling more names tied to terrorism financing, while EFCC moved to arraign Bello Bodejo over alleged $2.53m terrorism-financing and money laundering. Anti-corruption: ICPC arraigned ex-Governor El-Rufai, his aide and firms over an alleged N8.68bn CCTV contract scam. Economy & Industry: FG sought strategic partnerships to build a world-class steel industry; Nigeria also announced polymetallic mineral discoveries in Kaduna and lithium reserve estimates, as mining revenue reportedly rose to over N70bn. Governance & Local Development: Agege LGA inaugurated eight road projects; Kaduna’s Uba Sani rejected amnesty for bandits, calling them terrorists. Human Rights: ECOWAS Court awarded N10m damages to a Nigerian journalist assaulted and detained by police.

State Police Bill Clears Senate: Nigeria’s Senate has passed the constitutional amendment to create state police, moving the country toward a dual federal-state policing model, with safeguards aimed at stopping governors from using the power for partisan, ethnic, religious or personal ends. Security & Justice: Enugu Governor Peter Mbah commissioned a DNA forensics and criminal investigation centre, while courts in Sokoto imposed death sentences on terrorism and arms suspects, including a foreigner, and ordered forfeiture of crime proceeds. Human Rights Clash: ECOWAS court ordered Nigeria to pay N10m damages to a journalist assaulted and unlawfully detained by police, reinforcing freedom of expression and personal liberty. Sowore vs DSS: Civil society groups renewed calls for Omoyele Sowore’s release, condemning DSS harassment and detention of a democracy activist. Cost of Living Pressure: NBS data shows Nigeria’s N70,000 minimum wage can buy under 44 litres of petrol, with fuel prices rising sharply. Politics & Elections: APC unveiled a women situation room to monitor activities across 176,846 polling units; INEC certificates of return were issued to new senators after June 20 bye-elections. US Sanctions on Terror Financing: Nigeria sanctions bodies welcomed US OFAC action targeting ISIS-linked individuals and BDC firms, deepening counter-terror finance pressure. Energy & Minerals: FG plans more solar capacity via REA and announced a major polymetallic mineral discovery in Kaduna, including lithium and rare earths.

US Sanctions & Counterterror Finance: The US designated a Nigerian national, Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, and three Nigeria-based bureaux de change over alleged ISIS/ISWAP financing, freezing assets and cutting access to the global financial system. Rule of Law & Security Agencies: DSS says it will investigate the court incident that led to Omoyele Sowore’s remand in Kuje, after a Federal High Court ordered probes into alleged social media breach during the trial. Political Accountability: ADC’s Paul Ibe renewed calls for President Tinubu to resign over insecurity and welfare failures, while NADECO leaders rejected Abdulsalami Abubakar’s claims that they sought an extension of military rule. State-Level Emergency Response: Oyo declared a 16-hour curfew in 10 LGAs after the abduction of school children and tutors in Oriire. Governance & Public Services: Tinubu transmitted the State Police Bill to the Senate, with lawmakers signalling fast-tracking and debate on safeguards and funding. Human Rights: FG, EU and partners launched a push to strengthen justice pathways for school-related gender-based violence, citing that nearly one in two female students experience abuse. Economy & Business: CBN warned against naira mutilation and abuse, while MAN warned credit contraction is strangling manufacturing. Sports & Society: NPFL champions to earn at least ₦1bn after NSC and NFF unveiled major reforms.

State Police Push: President Tinubu has transmitted a constitutional alteration bill to the Senate to enable state police, a major shift from the federal control of policing and a response to worsening insecurity. Democracy Under Strain: Peter Obi and other rights voices condemned the remand of activist Omoyele Sowore to Kuje, warning that state institutions are being used to suppress dissent. Police Social Media Crackdown: IGP Olatunji Disu banned officers from unauthorised TikTok, Facebook and other content creation in uniform, threatening sanctions from interdiction to prosecution. Whistleblower Protection: Media Rights Agenda renewed calls for a strong whistleblower law, saying retaliation risks intimidation, harassment and physical harm. Security & Terror Financing: The US designated a Nigerian money facilitator and BDC entities over alleged ISIS/ISWAP financing, freezing assets and deepening counter-terror cooperation. Insecurity on the Ground: Reports include ISWAP spy killings near the Cameroon border in Borno and a Lakurawa directive ordering marriage for girls above 15 in Niger State. Governance & Infrastructure: Tinubu inaugurated Abuja Southern Parkway service roads and reiterated a knowledge-driven economy narrative tied to roads, education and innovation. Diplomacy: Nigeria cleared 63 of 69 ambassadorial postings with agrément approvals, with more expected soon. Local Governance Flashpoint: Lagos shut Oshodi Resettlement Market after an attack on sanitation enforcement officers.

DSS vs Sowore: The Take-It-Back movement warned DSS against any further attempt to unlawfully seize Omoyele Sowore, threatening mass protests and possible occupation of DSS offices in Abuja and Lagos after a court incident. Security Flashpoints: Nigeria recorded fresh mass violence and kidnappings across Plateau, Ondo and Oyo, with protests erupting as communities accuse the presidency of silence. Politics 2027: Peter Obi renewed calls for President Tinubu to resign, while the Presidency dismissed it as childish and anti-democratic, pointing to APC wins in Ekiti and recent by-elections. Monetary Policy: CBN raised OMO stop rates above 20% and sold N2.7tn bills; DMO also lifted bond yields to raise N1.2tn at the June auction. Energy Governance: FG convened emergency talks over rising LPG prices, ordering crackdowns on hoarding and diversion with DSS, EFCC and police support. Youth Jobs: World Bank warned that about 4m youths enter the labour market yearly while only 300k–400k jobs are created. Education/Universities: Tinubu appointed ex-UNILAG VC Ogundipe as NUC board chair. Climate/AI: Lagos joined the Under2 Coalition; UNESCO launched Nigeria’s AI readiness assessment.

US Visa Crackdown: USCIS told a US court that Nigerians face tougher visa rules because Nigerian documents are “falsified” and often lack credibility, citing poor timing of birth/death registrations and weak record-keeping. Rule of Law Under Pressure: Human rights groups including PLAC, RULAAC, RSM and Amnesty International condemned DSS’s forceful abduction of Omoyele Sowore from court and his remand in Kuje after bail revocation, calling it intimidation and a breach of constitutional safeguards. Political Accountability Row: Peter Obi renewed calls for President Tinubu’s resignation over “monumental failure,” while the Presidency dismissed it as childish and said Tinubu’s fixed term and recent election results show public support. Education Governance: Tinubu appointed former UNILAG VC Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe as NUC governing board chair, tasking him with improving funding, competitiveness and stability. Elections Watch: Analysts and PDP figures flagged alleged INEC partiality in Ekiti 2026, including claims about PVC transfers, while Wole Oluyede rejected the result citing vote buying and intimidation. Public Finance: FAAC shared N10.45tn (Jan–May 2026) across FG, states and LGs, with revenue growth attributed to VAT and oil-related taxes. Health Alerts: NCDC reported 210 Lassa fever deaths and 842 confirmed cases in 2026 so far, with fatality rate rising to about 25%. Security & Humanitarian: Troops intensified operations to rescue abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers, as Saudi Arabia flagged off a $1.5m food aid project for displaced and vulnerable Nigerians.

South-East Political Talks: Works Minister David Umahi says South-East leaders are exploring political options to secure Nnamdi Kanu’s release, while reaffirming support for Tinubu and distancing Ebonyi from the Obidient movement. Electoral Integrity: Opposition parties and rights groups hit INEC over alleged vote-buying, ballot glitches and intimidation in Ekiti and other by-elections, even as some observers praised logistics and relative peace. Security Emergency Call: Ex-Kaduna governor Ahmed Makarfi urges Tinubu to declare a national emergency on insecurity, arguing the crisis is now undermining governance and the economy. Ethnic Tension Warning: A Fulani group calls on Tinubu and Oyo governor Makinde to rein in Sunday Igboho over inflammatory remarks tied to an ultimatum over alleged abduction. Insecurity on the Ground: Suspected jihadists reportedly killed 11 farmers in Borno, while security pressure continues around the Oriire, Oyo schoolchildren abduction case. Customs Shake-up: Nigeria Customs Service begins statutory retirement that will remove 1,516 officers over 2026–2027. Ekiti Aftermath: Tinubu and APC leaders celebrate Oyebanji’s re-election, while PDP/others reject results and allege irregularities. Religion & Rights: A US congressman alleges mass anti-Christian violence in Nigeria, as Pew reports more governments and societies are restricting religion.

Ekiti Guber Aftermath: INEC has declared APC’s Biodun Oyebanji winner of the Ekiti governorship election, with Yiaga Africa backing the result tally while flagging vote-buying and turnout inconsistencies; opposition and observers continue to question credibility as parties trade allegations. Osun Political Signal: APC chieftains say Ekiti’s landslide will be replicated in Osun’s Aug. 15 poll, framing it as a mandate for “progressive governance.” Nasarawa North By-election: APC’s Danladi Envulu’anza wins the senatorial seat with 45,362 votes, but Labour Party candidate Labaran Maku rejects the process and calls for cancellation over alleged irregularities. Customs Succession Row: House committee chair Leke Abejide denies claims of forced retirement in the Nigeria Customs Service succession plan, as the debate deepens over who should succeed the CG. Security, Rights and Media: Sowore attacks NUJ for honouring DSS DG Adeola Ajayi amid rights-abuse allegations, while NSC and other groups urge stronger protection of Nigerians amid insecurity. Power Sector Warning: The IMF warns electricity subsidies from below-cost tariffs are draining public finances and urges deeper reforms. Insecurity Data: Nextier reports 279 kidnappings nationwide in May, with sharp rises in violence and casualties. Cement Prices: Cement hits about N13,000 per bag in parts of Nigeria, sparking calls for government intervention. Migration Tensions: Zulu king Misuzulu urges restraint as anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa strains relations and drives evacuations.