AGP Executive Report

Elections & INEC: INEC has started the final phase for the Nasarawa North senatorial bye-election, distributing sensitive materials to Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba LGAs, with 583 polling units and 35 registration centres set for Saturday’s vote. Security & Governance: Plateau’s Mutfwang urged stronger intelligence sharing and coordinated responses at the Federal and States Security Administrators Meeting, while retired officers in Kaduna warned against blaming insecurity on the northern region. Public Health Preparedness: The FG inaugurated a Presidential Task Force on Ebola preparedness, stressing prevention and a “zero case” target, with land borders and informal routes under watch. Policy & Development: NEC approved N83.2bn for anticipatory action against flooding and climate emergencies, and Tinubu commissioned an Abuja airport access road, reiterating “no citizen should be made a victim of national development.” Diplomacy: Former INEC chair Mahmood Yakubu assumed duty as Nigeria’s ambassador to Qatar. Politics & Parties: NDC asked Nigerians to ignore fake candidate lists circulating online ahead of 2027.

Judiciary & Democracy: Atiku Abubakar warned that judicial rulings must not “inflict injury on democracy” after the Court of Appeal stayed a Federal High Court order seeking the deregistration of ADC and four other parties. Election Watch (Ekiti): INEC began distributing sensitive materials for the June 20 Ekiti governorship election, while the Court of Appeal affirmed Biodun Oyebanji as APC candidate and dismissed a challenge to his candidacy. Party Discipline (NDC): NDC introduced a strict anti-defection pact requiring candidates to sign indemnity/affidavit forms to vacate seats if they defect after winning. Security & Human Cost: Kaduna worshippers abducted in April have spent 74 days with terrorists, with families alleging government inaction; Edo Governor Okpebholo vowed special courts and death warrants for kidnappers/cultists. Governance & Institutions: NBC said no station is sanctioned without several warnings, and Osun Governor Adeleke stressed that the judiciary’s integrity is key to democracy’s survival. Economy & Public Finance: FAAC shared N2.3trn in May, but VAT revenue fell by about N62.9bn. Foreign Affairs: Nigeria threatened sanctions against South African firms amid xenophobic attacks, while also saying it will evacuate Nigerians willing to leave by June 30. Health: NEC approved N83.2bn for flooding and climate emergencies; newborn and doctor shortages remain alarming, with CSOs pushing expanded health insurance for TB, HIV and malaria.

UK Court Verdict: A London court acquitted former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke of all six bribery charges, ending an 11-year UK case and prompting her to thank God and supporters. Party Politics & Elections: NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and VP pick Rabiu Kwankwaso were exempted from the party’s anti-defection oath, while Sam Amadi argued defections can’t be blocked if they fit constitutional exceptions. Governance & Security Debate: Tinubu was reported to reject opposition demands for a level playing field ahead of 2027, saying he won’t “help” opponents since he’s also a contestant; NUJ also plans a national security summit to improve media-security cooperation. Insecurity on the Ground: Gunmen killed nine and injured 11 in Kaduna during an attack on mourners, and Delta’s Oborevwori urged collective action against terrorism and kidnapping. Economy & Policy: FG denied plans for new fuel and telecom taxes after IMF recommendations; naira weakened to N1,361.5/$ as FX turnover fell, while FAAC shared N2.3trn for May 2026. Regional Security: Nigeria and Cameroon signed MoUs to deepen border and maritime security cooperation.

UK Court Acquits Diezani Alison-Madueke: A London jury cleared Nigeria’s former petroleum minister of all six bribery charges after a five-month trial, dealing a major blow to UK prosecutors. Anti-Corruption & Due Process: An El-Rufai support group hired a US advocacy firm to campaign over his ongoing ICPC trial, arguing delays undermine due process and institutional independence. Digital Governance: The FG says it has fully digitalised operations in 38 MDAs, citing GovMail and traceable workflows as key to cutting bureaucratic delays. Elections & INEC Logistics: INEC began distributing sensitive materials for the Ondo South senatorial bye-election, with BVAS tested and 673,446 voters expected across six LGAs. Judiciary & Rule of Law: Tinubu commissioned judges’ quarters, framing welfare as a foundation for judicial independence, while legal battles over party deregistration continue to shape 2027 politics. Security & Public Trust: Edo’s governor alleged criminal networks recruit from outside the state for kidnapping and robbery, urging pastors not to intercede for suspects. Media & Access: NBC launched a “Free TV” digital platform to expand HD, trusted content and opportunities for creators nationwide. Ekiti Youth Politics: Four candidates under 40 emerged for Ekiti’s governorship race, reflecting the impact of the Not Too Young To Run law.

Court Rulings & Elections: The Court of Appeal in Abuja ordered a stay of execution of a Federal High Court judgment that would have deregistered five political parties, including ADC, after the lower court was criticised for violating the hierarchy of courts. Anti-Corruption: An FCT High Court dismissed former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello’s bid to challenge the jurisdiction of the N110.4bn fraud case, clearing the way for trial to continue. Party Politics: NDC introduced an anti-defection oath/affidavit requiring candidates to vacate seats if they leave the party after winning, while Peter Obi vowed to stop campaigning if anyone proves he took even 1% of Labour Party donations. Governance & Rule of Law: Senior lawyer Jibrin Okutepa condemned the deregistration judgment as “judicial insubordination,” as debate grows over conflicting court orders. Security & Human Rights: NHRC reported 390 killed and 202 kidnapped in May 2026, alongside attacks on schools and places of worship. Cost of Living: Labour unions renewed calls for a new national minimum wage as prices bite harder, and reports highlighted cooking gas soaring from about N700/kg to over N2,500/kg since 2023. Digital & Public Service: FG began work on a national framework for Tom Brown production to tackle child malnutrition, and expanded electronic medical records deployment across health facilities. International Pressure: UK sanctions targeted a Russia-linked network including a Nigeria-based firm, Pilot Finance, over alleged sanctions evasion.

Courtroom Showdown: Peter Obi says he wants Kenneth Okonkwo to “expose” him in open court after filing a defamation suit, as opposition politics heats up ahead of 2027. Judiciary & Elections: INEC asked the Court of Appeal to stay the execution of a Federal High Court order deregistering ADC, Accord and other parties, while civil groups and legal voices push for NJC scrutiny of Justice Peter Lifu’s handling of the case. Security & Kidnapping: Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde told protesters he is in talks with kidnappers and insists abducted schoolchildren and teachers are alive; separately, five men convicted over the Catholic school kidnapping in Niger State were sentenced to 25 years. Information Integrity: Nigeria moved to clamp down on misinformation after false claims followed the school kidnapping, with arrests reported in Lagos. Governance & Accountability: Media and CSOs urged stronger media-CSO partnerships and a verified platform for election information, while Kaduna pushed open governance for primary healthcare delivery. Regional Politics: South Africa’s Ramaphosa warned against scapegoating migrants amid xenophobic unrest, as Nigeria’s reintegration efforts continue with Borno reintegrating repentant Boko Haram members. Public Health: Nigeria recorded a major malaria decline to 15.2% prevalence, signaling progress but calling for sustained funding.

Court Battles & 2027 Politics: ADC, Accord and others face deregistration after a Federal High Court order to INEC, with Atiku calling it an assault on constitutional democracy and ADC insisting it will challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal; the controversy deepens as Kenneth Okonkwo withdraws support for Atiku over the party’s choice of Rotimi Amaechi as running mate, alleging South-East marginalisation. Judiciary & Due Process: Tinubu urges judges to deliver swift, fair justice as the Court of Appeal Abuja Division building is inaugurated; meanwhile, Sadiya Umar-Farouq’s bid to vacate an arrest warrant is rejected by an FCT court. Security & Governance: Troops rescue the widow of late Gen. Rabe Abubakar from captivity in Katsina after bandit attacks; Borno says nearly 10,000 former Boko Haram fighters have been reintegrated, with 720 graduating. Economy & Policy: CBN launches the Nigeria Overnight Financing Rate to improve FX stability and price discovery; IMF says Nigeria’s debt is sustainable but warns that about half of tax revenue goes to interest, while Nigerians and groups resist IMF proposals for higher fuel and telecom taxes. Public Services & Industry: UNICEF reports 2.3m children enrolled in the Nigeria Learning Passport across 25 states; indigenous meter makers push back on World Bank-backed metering procurement to protect local participation.

Counter-Terror Justice: Nigeria began a fresh mass trial in Abuja for 600+ terrorism suspects, with the AGF leading prosecution, after earlier convictions in a prior batch. Democracy Under Strain: A Federal High Court ordered INEC to deregister ADC and four other parties for failing constitutional thresholds, triggering sharp pushback from Atiku and opposition figures. Court vs Politics: Osun Governor Adeleke condemned the deregistration judgment as an abuse of process, while ADC leaders and allies vowed to fight the ruling. Opposition Ticket Tensions: Kenneth Okonkwo rejected reports that ADC’s vice-presidential pick may come from the South-South, warning of renewed South-East marginalisation. Monetary Policy: CBN launched the Nigerian Overnight Financing Rate to improve transparency and monetary policy transmission. Electricity Industrial Policy: Indigenous meter makers (AMMON) challenged a World Bank-backed metering procurement plan, demanding enforceable guarantees for local firms. Security Reality Check: Commentaries and officials again questioned government claims of progress as senior officers continue to die in the conflict. Public Services Pressure: Lagos residents accused the Federal Housing Authority of selling public facilities in FESTAC and urged Tinubu’s intervention. Digital Rights: Citizens’ Gavel sued Telegram over alleged failure to stop non-consensual intimate content and exploitation of Nigerians. Economy & Tax Debate: Nigerians resisted IMF proposals for higher VAT and telecom/fuel levies, warning of deeper hardship. Capital Markets: United Capital bought a 5% stake in NGX, signaling renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s exchange. South Africa Migration Fallout: South Africa repatriated 2,745 foreigners in a week amid tightened anti-illegal immigration enforcement, with Nigerians among those affected.

Security & Governance: Former army chief Tukur Buratai warns that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity could soon put governors, ministers and senators at risk, after the death of Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar in bandits’ captivity. Elections & Electoral Integrity: INEC updated the Nasarawa North bye-election candidate list from four to six, adding ADC and NDC candidates ahead of June 20. Rule of Law & Media Freedom: NUJ condemns the arrest of Kogi Report editor Opeyemi Owoeye by NSCDC, threatening action over alleged harassment of journalists. Economic Policy & Finance: CBN proposes ring-fencing for closely linked banks and fintechs, while economists and think tanks push back on IMF calls for new fuel and telecom taxes. Local Development: Lagos disburses N5bn MSME loans, with economists saying it can spur enterprise growth. Regional Diplomacy: South Africa repatriates 2,745 foreigners amid tougher anti-immigrant stance, while Nigeria seeks stronger consular support for affected businesses. Public Institutions: COOU sacks lecturers and an Assistant Registrar over alleged sexual abuse, harassment and extortion. Religion & Civic Culture: Osun Muslims begin Hijrah 1448 with events explicitly aimed at violence-free elections.

Immigration & Diplomacy: South Africa says it has repatriated 2,745 foreigners in a week after President Ramaphosa vowed tougher action on illegal immigration, with Nigeria among countries whose citizens are accepting voluntary returns amid xenophobic violence. Fiscal Policy: The IMF advises Nigeria to extend VAT to fuel products and add telecom excise duties to sustain capital spending and revenue mobilisation. Security & Accountability: Former COAS Tukur Buratai warns insecurity could spread to political leaders, after the reported death of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar in captivity; NUJ South-South also flags fake military escorts and urges tighter community policing. Crime Snapshot: A security report says Zamfara leads with 98 serious incidents in seven days, including homicides, kidnappings, banditry and robbery. Elections 2027 Politics: Ekiti PDP candidate Wole Oluyede urges Oyebanji to prepare handover notes and unveils a 100-day agenda; meanwhile, Oshiomhole and NDC figures trade barbs over who can win 2027. Governance & Public Service: First Lady Tinubu urges voluntary blood donation; Anambra First Lady Soludo and Fidelity Bank empower 1,950 residents. Regional Development: Works Minister Dave Umahi says Tinubu is reviving colonial-era South-East road projects, including the Trans-Saharan Superhighway.

Defence & Security: Nigeria’s Defence Minister Christopher Musa blamed global wars (Israel-Iran, Russia-Ukraine, US) for arms supply delays and urged local defence production, while also calling for a comprehensive national database to help police track criminals. Insecurity Politics: Minister of State Bello Matawalle said opposition politicians and misinformation are inflating public fear ahead of 2027, insisting insecurity is a national issue needing unity. Arrest Warrant: ICPC secured an arrest warrant for ex-minister Uche Nnaji over alleged certificate forgery after he refused invitations. Democracy & Elections: Civil society and pro-democracy groups renewed calls for electoral reforms ahead of 2027, while fresh INEC concerns surfaced over alleged data leak and wider trust issues. Governance & Legacy: Tinubu directed FCT to allocate land for an Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre, as Obasanjo said Abdulsalami worked to free MKO Abiola before his death. Public Finance: IMF warned stablecoin use in Nigeria could threaten monetary sovereignty; meanwhile pension assets rose to N23.87tn with PFAs increasing equities and government securities. Health & Social Protection: NEPWHAN warned TB cases may spike due to stock-outs of drugs and diagnostics. Regional Flashpoints: Armed attacks in the northwest left 17 dead; Kogi imposed night travel and okada bans in parts of Kabba/Bunu to cut bandit logistics. Energy & Economy: UK’s Kemi Badenoch said Nigeria’s oil wealth hasn’t delivered electricity due to “stupid public policy,” as Nigeria’s used vehicle imports hit N250bn in Q1 despite import crackdowns.

Diplomacy & Security: Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu charged newly appointed envoys to West Africa to rebuild ECOWAS unity, defend democratic governance and tackle terrorism as regional instability deepens. Prisoner Repatriation: Nigeria secured a transfer deal with Ethiopia for nearly 100 inmates, with Odumegwu-Ojukwu telling prisoners “your country has not forsaken you.” Insecurity & Accountability: Take-It-Back condemned government and Oyo State over abducted schoolchildren and teachers held for 27 days, while Katsina Governor Radda urged bandits to surrender and promised reintegration support. High-Profile Tragedy: DHQ confirmed retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar died in captivity, adding pressure for a security architecture overhaul. Democracy & 2027 Politics: Pro-democracy groups warned of electoral and governance crisis ahead of 2027, urging urgent reforms and credible polls. Human Rights: Amnesty International said at least 1,100 people were abducted in three months (Jan–Apr 2026), with Amnesty and UN experts flagging severe abuses and heightened risks to Christian women and girls. Governance & Integrity: ICPC obtained an arrest warrant for ex-minister Uche Nnaji over alleged certificate forgery. Economy: World Bank retained Nigeria’s growth forecast at 4.1% for 2026 and 4.2% for 2027.

June 12 Politics: Pro-June 12 groups backed President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid and urged compensation for the Abiola family, while Senator Seriake Dickson met Peter Obi to calm tensions inside the NDC ahead of 2027. Democracy & Governance: Civil society and analysts warned that insecurity, poverty and weakening institutions are eroding democratic gains, as UK envoy urged stronger civil society oversight for credible, accountable 2027 polls. Security: Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang said his administration will not negotiate with terrorists, and Defence Minister Gen. Chris Musa met the IGP to deepen military-police coordination and intelligence sharing. State Police Reform: Calls intensified for the National Assembly to approve state police to curb insecurity, with Saraki warning that a legislature that cannot say “no” undermines democracy. Economy & Regulation: CBN proposed tighter rules for financial holding companies, including limits on parent involvement in lending decisions, while Nigeria’s power and metering reforms face local industry pushback over DISREP. Health: Lassa fever cases rose to 663 with 167 deaths, and stakeholders urged urgent action to close Nigeria’s cancer care gap. Human Rights & Press: NUJ condemned the NSCDC arrest of a Kogi journalist, and protests in Abuja were disrupted by teargas. International: UN Secretary-General appointed Nigeria’s Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, and Nigeria continued evacuations from South Africa amid xenophobia.

Democracy Day, June 12: President Bola Tinubu used his 2026 Democracy Day address to urge Nigerians to “criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria,” while warning bandits, kidnappers and terror financiers to surrender or face the full force of the state. Security & governance: Tinubu claimed Nigeria has neutralised over 13,000 “terrorists” in the past year and said more than 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down arms since 2023 under Operation Safe Corridor, as troops also reported the surrender of two ISWAP commanders in the Lake Chad region. Protest crackdown: Despite the public holiday, security forces fired tear gas at Democracy Day protesters in Abuja; human rights activist Omoyele Sowore said the gas was deployed at close range, while the PDP condemned the attack as a repeat of unlearnt June 12 lessons. State police push: The House of Representatives’ passage of the State Police Bill drew praise from US Congressman Riley Moore, who linked it to better protection for vulnerable communities. Elections & party politics: Peter Obi urged Nigerians to replicate June 12’s credible, transparent elections in 2027, while NDC leaders traded barbs over internal primaries and ticket arrangements. UK-Nigeria economic ties: The UK and Nigeria launched a £15m growth programme aimed at unlocking private investment and supporting digital governance reforms. Local democracy in practice: Kaduna Governor Uba Sani granted clemency to 97 inmates, and Ebonyi’s Nwifuru donated Hilux vans to security agencies. Business & logistics: CEVA Logistics and EFL Africa announced a Nigeria joint venture to expand integrated logistics services.

Democracy Day & Security: President Tinubu used his June 12 address to warn criminals to “surrender or face the full wrath of the law,” linking insecurity to the “collapse of grassroots governance” and citing major gains like reduced terror deaths and thousands of fighters laying down arms. Local Governance: He said the federal government is pushing financial autonomy for all 774 local councils to make democracy felt at the grassroots. Elections Watch: Tinubu urged INEC, parties and security agencies to ensure peaceful, credible Ekiti and Osun polls, while Osun’s APC candidate condemned violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election and Lagos IPAC boycotted a LASIEC stakeholders’ meeting over short notice and process concerns. Court & Traditional Affairs: An Osun High Court restrained the state from interfering with the selection process for the Bode Osi traditional ruler. South Africa Xenophobia: NIDCOM said 258 evacuated Nigerians committed no crime, blaming xenophobic attacks; returnees are moving into reintegration. Economy & Power: Tinubu defended reforms on infrastructure, agriculture and electricity, including the Electricity Act and steps to cut the metering deficit. Oil Output: Nigeria exceeded its OPEC quota as crude and condensate production hit an 11-month high. Legislative Security Reform: The House advanced state police establishment through constitutional amendment steps, with the Senate later clarifying due process around warrants. Justice Sector Capacity: The Senate moved to increase Federal High Court and Court of Appeal judges to tackle case backlogs. Energy/Industry Jobs: FG commissioned an automotive training centre in Zamfara and graduated 100 youths, as part of broader auto policy reforms.

State Police Push: Nigeria’s House of Representatives approved a constitutional amendment allowing states to set up their own police alongside the federal force, with the Senate and state assemblies still required—aimed at tackling insecurity and faster local response. Senate Budget Oversight: The Senate extended the 2025 capital component implementation deadline to September 30 to prevent stalled projects from procurement delays. Security on Campuses: UNN deployed soldiers and police and banned commercial motorcycles after a viral terror threat message, despite claims of no verified intelligence. Border Tensions: Cross River residents and lawmakers condemned an alleged incursion by Cameroonian troops, warning of sovereignty risks. Democracy Day Governance: FG declared June 12 a public holiday/work-free day, while groups urged renewed commitment to accountability and democratic dividends. Repatriation from South Africa: Home Affairs confirmed 586 Nigerians processed for return; 268 arrived in Lagos with more flights scheduled amid xenophobia-linked protests. Oil Sector Signal: Nigeria exceeded its OPEC crude quota in May, hitting 1.53mbpd—ending a 10-month quota drought. Party Friction Ahead of 2027: NDC leaders traded barbs over internal primaries and Obi’s role, with Aisha Yesufu and Seriake Dickson sparring publicly. Education Regulation: Rivers State plans to shut unapproved private schools from June 15.