AGP Executive Report

APC 2027 Push: Kaduna APC unanimously affirmed President Bola Tinubu as its presidential candidate, with the party’s ward-by-ward exercise monitored by INEC officials across 255 wards—Gov. Uba Sani called it a unity signal ahead of 2027. Party Primaries, Lagos Style: Tinubu cast his vote at the Ikoyi-Obalende ward primary and framed the process as “internal democracy,” while Femi Gbajabiamila and supporters pointed to turnout—including a 96-year-old mother—to argue Nigerians still back reforms. Governance in Action, Oyo Roads: Oyo State began compensating property owners affected by the Ojoo/Akinyele Road expansion, warning claimants not to pay bribes. Power Reliability, Abuja: TCN blamed an Abuja blackout (including the Presidential Villa and Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport) on faults at Apo substation and said repairs are ongoing. Security Update: Operation Hadin Kai said troops repelled an attempted ISWAP/Boko Haram infiltration on the Nigeria–Cameroon border, killing 12 terrorists. Politics Beyond APC: Senegal’s President Faye dismissed PM Sonko and dissolved government amid a deepening rift, underscoring how leadership tensions can quickly reshape governance.

APC Primaries Under Fire: Senator Ned Nwoko has asked the APC Primaries Appeal Committee to review the May 18 Delta North senatorial primary, alleging intimidation, vote buying, violence and “forged figures,” and warning he’ll seek court redress if the committee doesn’t act. Election Timelines Clash: A Supreme Court ruling has struck down parts of INEC’s 2027 election timetable, with lawyers saying it could reopen defection opportunities—while IPAC backs the decision as a win for constitutional supremacy. Party Courts, Party Discipline: An Abuja court struck out an ADC suit seeking to stop Senator Ireti Kingibe from ADC activities, saying internal discipline is the party’s business. Energy & Competition: NNPC is pushing back against Dangote Refinery’s fuel import licence challenge, warning that restricting imports could destabilise supply and prices. Sports & Security: Lagos is hosting an Ex-International Cup aimed at better welfare for former players, even as Daily Trust flags sports facilities being threatened by political rallies. Maritime Gains: Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project continues training maritime security personnel, as the Navy and NIMASA claim improved protection against piracy.

Health Push: Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health is stepping up a renewed sodium reduction drive, meeting Kano officials and partners to push states to domesticate national sodium guidelines aimed at cutting hypertension and cardiovascular disease risks. Party Politics & Primaries: APC politics stays hot—Sen. Ned Nwoko is asking the APC primaries appeal committee to review Delta North results, alleging intimidation and manipulation; in Plateau, an APC governorship aspirant claims brazen ballot irregularities in Kanke; and in Edo, a court case over an APC secretary was dismissed after a discontinuance. Governance & Ethics: ICPC leadership is urging anti-corruption education in law schools and stronger prevention systems in public agencies, while ADC presidential hopeful Hayatu-Deen challenges rivals to publicly endorse the party’s “Orange Book” ethics code. Security & Courts: Trial of ex-AGF Malami’s N8.7bn money laundering case stalled as his lawyer didn’t show up, pushing the matter to June 23. Economy & Trade: CBN says it’s using tools to encourage bank lending to SMEs, and Lagos is set for “Invest in Lagos 3.0” to pull investment into priority sectors.

Religious Freedom Diplomacy: The UK’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith, wrapped a three-day Nigeria visit in Abuja, meeting security officials and major faith leaders to push tolerance and peacebuilding. Anti-Drug Crackdown: NDLEA says it shut down Nigeria’s biggest meth lab in Ogun—an industrial operation linked to Nigerians and Mexicans—seizing 2.4 tons of chemicals worth ₦480bn and arresting cartel members. APC Primaries Heat Up: APC governorship tickets were decided in Ogun (Solomon Adeola), Gombe (Jamilu Gwamna) and Lagos (Obafemi Hamzat), while the party also faced fresh internal friction and postponements in some states. 2027 Election Timeline Shock: A Federal High Court voided parts of INEC’s 2027 timetable, easing pressure on parties over primaries and candidate replacement deadlines—prompting opposition parties to hail the ruling. Governance Tech Push: FG launched GovGuideNigeria, an AI-enabled platform (via web and WhatsApp) to help citizens access information and services across multiple languages. EU Against Disinformation: The EU started an 18-month project targeting harmful narratives in Nigeria’s North-West, aiming to strengthen democratic resilience.

Security & Human Cost: Boko Haram killed 33 fishermen and loggers in Borno in two attacks—27 fishermen near Mafa and six loggers in Dikwa—deepening displacement around Lake Chad communities. Party Primaries & Power Plays: Kano’s APC adopted Gov. Abba Yusuf as consensus candidate unopposed, while Lagos’ Hamzat emerged APC governorship candidate in Agege without opposition; elsewhere, Plateau APC aspirants petition over alleged irregularities in primaries. 2027 Presidential Politics: ADC began screening presidential aspirants in Abuja, with Peter Obi cleared by the NDC screening panel; meanwhile, Kwankwaso denied claims he’s working for Tinubu and reiterated an Obi-linked coalition plan. Education Governance: Tinubu appointed Prof. Segun Aina as the new JAMB registrar, succeeding Is-haq Oloyede, as universities and ASUU continue to warn about delayed agreement implementation. Regional Cooperation: Nigeria pushed ECOWAS cross-border collaboration to tackle terrorism and transboundary crimes. Public Services & Health: FG started paying 2025 foreign scholarship allowances to students abroad, while NEMA flagged 11 Niger LGAs as high flood-risk zones.

Boko Haram Attacks: Boko Haram killed 33 fishermen and loggers in Borno in two separate raids—27 fishermen shot near Mafa and six loggers killed in Dikwa—deepening fear around Lake Chad communities. Anti-Corruption Education: ICPC urged anti-corruption studies to be built into legal training, saying lawyers must be ethically grounded, not just technically trained. Security Sector Trust: CISLAC and HURIWA attacked Nigeria’s security architecture as collapsing under corruption and confusion, calling for top-level reforms. Drug War Escalates: NDLEA says it dismantled a Nigerian-Mexican meth syndicate, shutting a major Ogun forest lab and seizing drugs worth about ₦480bn. Ebola Preparedness: FG assured Nigerians there’s no confirmed Ebola case, while FAAN and health agencies intensified airport screening and surveillance. Elections & Democracy: INEC presented Ekiti’s updated voter register (1,059,660) and warned against vote-buying; meanwhile, ADC screened Atiku, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen ahead of 2027. Governance & Rights: A petition to police and DSS in Lagos/Ogun alleges online hate targeting Muslims after a Nollywood birth announcement, while ICPC’s handling of a detained lawyer’s access to care drew fresh court-order criticism.

Security Pressure on Tinubu: Nollywood figures Ruth Kadiri and Laide Olabanji renewed calls for action over insecurity, with Kadiri urging Tinubu to either “do something” or allow citizens self-defence as kidnappings and killings spread. Human Rights & Accountability: HURIWA demanded the sack of top security chiefs, rejecting claims that terrorists have no operational base in the South-West, while Equality Now urged stronger African laws and enforcement against sexual violence and women’s rights abuses. Anti-Corruption Follow-Through: EFCC arrested former Power Minister Saleh Mamman in Kaduna a week after a 75-year sentence for diverting funds for hydro projects—aimed at ensuring he serves time. Drugs Crackdown: NDLEA said it dismantled Nigeria’s biggest meth lab in Ogun’s Abidagba forest, seizing drugs and chemicals worth over ₦480bn and arresting Nigerian and Mexican suspects. Elections Integrity: INEC warned Ekiti parties against vote buying/trading ahead of the June 20 governorship poll, stressing arrests and prosecution. Governance Modernisation: Tinubu ordered full digitisation of MDAs, citing 38 ministries already running paperless end-to-end workflows. Politics & 2027: ADC screened aspirants (Atiku, Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen) while NDC cleared Peter Obi for its presidential primary; Kano’s government alleged Kwankwaso is working for Tinubu behind the scenes. Global/Local: Nigeria-US operations reportedly killed 175 IS fighters; meanwhile, Lewandowski confirmed he’ll face the Super Eagles in upcoming friendlies.

Counterterrorism Update: Nigeria and the US say joint airstrikes in the North-East have killed 175 ISIS fighters, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, while also hitting checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs and financing networks. Security Pressure at Home: The Oyo school abduction and teacher killing has reignited demands for stronger local security—state police and empowered regional outfits—after panic spread and rescue efforts intensified. Anti-Corruption Clampdown: EFCC has arrested ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman days after his 75-year conviction, with claims he was hiding in Kaduna. Politics & 2027: PDP screening cleared Goodluck Jonathan as a sole aspirant in a factional setup, while APC governorship primaries are heating up amid internal disputes. Tax Reform Reality Check: Nigeria’s tax take missed the Q1 target by N2.24tn as the new Nigeria Revenue Service regime beds in. Digital Governance: Nigeria Customs launched SCADS to let passengers declare baggage before arrival, aiming to cut airport congestion. Youth & Inclusion: A fresh debate is growing over whether AI will widen opportunity for Nigerian youths—or deepen inequality.

APC Primaries Fallout: Zamfara North aspirant Abdullahi Shinkafi says he’ll challenge his alleged exclusion from APC senatorial primaries in court, accusing party insiders of undermining internal democracy. Anti-Corruption: EFCC arrests convicted ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman in Kaduna, releases mugshots, and says he was detained after weeks of surveillance over N33.8bn hydropower-linked fraud. Counterterrorism: DHQ reports joint Nigeria–US airstrikes have killed 175 ISIS terrorists in the North-East, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, while also stressing no permanent terrorist bases in Nigeria’s South-West after the Oyo school attacks. Health Crisis: DR Congo Ebola figures rise to 131 suspected deaths and 513 suspected cases as Uganda records confirmed cases and the region braces for wider spread. Politics 2027: PDP screening clears Jonathan as sole presidential aspirant with a waiver, while legal fights over eligibility continue. Security & Governance: Delta community protests alleged illegal road blockades and “deve” levies linked to a monarch’s son. Sports: Super Eagles learn AFCON 2027 qualifying group opponents: Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau.

APC Primaries Under Fire: Edo’s APC primary reportedly produced two different winners and tallies, while Ondo descended into chaos as thugs allegedly stormed the secretariat mid-announcement—another sign of factional warfare and weak process control ahead of 2027. Tax Governance: FG unveiled the Tax Ombud platforms (website, toll-free line, case system) to resolve tax disputes free of charge, and also pushed tax professionalisation with a circular reaffirming CIPM’s statutory role for HR certification in federal service. Accountability Push: CSOs renewed pressure on Tinubu to assent to the Audit Service Bill, arguing it will plug audit and revenue-leakage gaps. Security & Schools: Fresh waves of school abductions and killings in Oyo and beyond kept the spotlight on state failure to protect children. Terror Fight: AFRICOM confirmed new US-Nigeria airstrikes targeting ISIS in the North-East, as DHQ said additional fighters were neutralised. Politics & 2027: ADC screened 70+ governorship aspirants, while Atiku’s reported illness and PDP/ADC internal wrangling added more uncertainty to candidate timelines. Health & Care Economy: FG plans to scale caregiver training and certification, while UNICEF warned Nigeria records extremely high maternal deaths.

School Kidnappings in Oyo: Gunmen abducted at least 39 pupils and seven teachers in Oyo State, killing one teacher and injuring security operatives during a disrupted rescue attempt after explosives were found; six suspects were arrested as Tinubu vowed federal support to rescue all victims and urged lawmakers to review laws enabling state police. Counterterrorism: In the northeast, Nigeria and the US carried out fresh airstrikes on ISIS/ISWAP targets in Borno, killing 20+ militants, as attacks on schools and kidnappings keep spreading. Health Sector Under Pressure: NARD warned of escalating assaults on doctors and demanded urgent action, threatening industrial action if government fails to act. Anti-Corruption in Court: In London, Diezani Alison-Madueke’s bribery trial nears a verdict as the jury deliberates after months of “life of luxury” allegations. 2027 Politics in Court: A Federal High Court set May 26 to rule on a suit challenging Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility, with the AGF and Jonathan seeking dismissal. Governance & Accountability: CSOs renewed pressure on Tinubu to sign the Federal Audit Service Bill, warning delays could weaken Nigeria’s anti-corruption push.

School Security Crisis: Militants struck again, with fresh reports of over 80 children missing after attacks on schools in Borno and Oyo, including the Oriire abductions where videos from captivity sparked Senate and Yoruba leaders to demand action. Counter-Terror Update: Nigeria’s military says no U.S. troops fought on the ground in the operation that killed ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, adding the U.S. role was intelligence and support—while Trump and Tinubu both confirmed the killing. Public Safety & Health: HEDA and NIHSA kick off nationwide flood sensitisation ahead of the rainy season, and Nigeria reports Ebola surveillance tightened as Congo’s outbreak worsens. Governance & Economy: FG moves to stop unapproved contract variations via new BPP guidelines, while CBN says 63% of Nigerians want interest rates cut ahead of the MPC. Power & Finance: NDPHC plans +1,500MW for Lagos, and BOI secures a $200m AfDB facility to expand SME lending. Politics: APC primaries remain volatile, with violence reported in Lagos and ongoing disputes over electoral rules and 2027 tickets.

Counterterrorism Update: Nigeria and the US say they eliminated ISIS/ISWAP commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a Lake Chad operation, even as some Nigerians question the claims and Defence HQ/Presidency push back on “conflicting statements” from earlier years. Security & Schools: Osun orders an immediate Safe School security boost after Oyo school abductions, while Oyo’s principal pleads for rescue of abducted teachers and pupils. Elections & Party Politics: CSOs in Kosofe warn against violence after an APC House primary dispute; across the country, APC primaries keep throwing up surprises—incumbents losing return tickets and new consensus candidates emerging. Governance & Economy: CPPE cautions the CBN against further monetary tightening ahead of the MPC; meanwhile, the Federal Government explains delays in budget reports by pointing to a legally defined fiscal year. Public Health: NCDC steps up Ebola surveillance after DRC outbreak and an imported case in Uganda. Human Rights: Botswana moves to repeal anti-LGBTQ laws after court battles, marking a rare rights win in the region.

Security & Diplomacy: The US and Nigeria confirmed the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS’s global second-in-command, in a joint Lake Chad Basin operation, with Trump calling it a “flawless” mission and Tinubu praising “effective collaboration,” even as lawyers and analysts warn that one strike won’t end the war. Human Security: Nigeria’s school and road tragedies keep stacking up—Amnesty flags fresh mass abductions across Borno and Oyo, while NBS road data shows 1,347 deaths and 8,575 injuries in Q1 2026, turning highways into a parallel crisis. Governance & Accountability: The Union Bank dispute is reigniting questions about CBN regulatory process and investor protection, while criticism grows over the federal habit of dismissing global reports that don’t flatter government narratives. Economy & Trade: FX volatility and hidden liabilities are blamed for debt alarmism, and oil earnings fell sharply in March despite higher crude prices; ports also face renewed friction over National Single Window delays. Politics: ADC postponed screenings to May 18 amid security concerns, while 2027 primaries continue to trigger violence and legal fights. Health: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has been declared a public health emergency of international concern, raising cross-border spillover fears.

Counter-Terrorism: The U.S. and Nigeria say they killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS’s global second-in-command, in a joint strike in Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin. Local Security: Nigeria’s military and President Tinubu framed it as “effective collaboration,” while critics like Femi Falana urged Tinubu to rely on Defence HQ briefings after earlier claims of the same man’s death. Maritime Economy: The Nigerian Navy dismantled an illegal refined petroleum depot in Rivers, seizing 410 drums (about 123,000 litres) of suspected AGO. Migration Policy: Sierra Leone agreed to receive hundreds of West Africans deported from the U.S., with the first flight due May 20. Governance & Procurement: BPP issued new guidelines on contract variations and final designs, tightening how scope and cost changes get approved. Education Accountability: In Abuja’s FCT, pupils reportedly still study under collapsing roofs despite ₦30.9bn school rehabilitation claims. Politics 2027: APC primaries keep moving—Yusuf Buhari won big in Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua, while Senate leadership denied a viral claim about threats to northerners.

Counterterrorism: US President Donald Trump says US and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s global “second-in-command,” in a joint operation in Nigeria, calling it a major blow to the group’s Africa operations. Economic Diplomacy: Tinubu tells the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali he’ll deepen reforms if re-elected, while S&P upgrades Nigeria’s rating from B- to B, citing improving macro conditions. Governance & Accountability: ADC vows a 2027 election framework that ties candidates to measurable manifesto commitments; NBA and CIFCFIN team up to fight forgery ahead of 2027. Local Governance: Benue local government workers begin a two-week strike over unpaid salaries and stalled promotions. Mobility & Trade: Nigeria starts a 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandans, and OECD pledges support for Nigeria’s reform agenda. Human Development: UNICEF warns a woman dies every seven minutes in childbirth, pushing WASH and infection-prevention support in Borno.