AGP Executive Report

Electoral Court Clash: A Federal High Court in Abuja ordered INEC to revise the 2027 election timetable, saying the commission’s dates for party membership registers and candidate substitutions don’t match the Electoral Act. Opposition Ticket Shuffle: In the same political churn, Pantami dumped the APC for a PDP governorship ticket in Gombe, while ADC’s Niger chapter named Mohammed Kpautagi as its 2027 governorship candidate. ADC Presidential Race: Atiku Abubakar took a commanding lead in the ADC presidential primary, winning 22 states and the FCT—though Rotimi Amaechi rejected the results as “concocted,” and protests threaten fresh fractures. Security Pressure in the Sahel: The week’s drumbeat continues: clashes involving JNIM and Islamic State affiliates in Niger and Mali, plus Nigerian Air Force airstrikes reported as disrupting planned attacks. Humanitarian Relief: Dangote Foundation, with Niger’s government, distributed 25,000 bags of rice to vulnerable households ahead of Eid-el-Kabir. Insecurity Watch: A US report claims about 30,000 Fulani militants are fueling Nigeria’s insecurity, deepening religious and community tensions.

Niger Security Push: The Nigerian Air Force says its Operation Fansan Yamma air component neutralised terrorists and foiled planned attacks in Niger State, hitting targets in Rafi and Mariga between May 20–23, including strikes around Tungan Bako, Kasuwan Daji, and Dogon Dawa. Eid-el-Kabir Alert: Operation Hadin Kai warns of possible Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks during Eid celebrations, urging residents to avoid big gatherings, stay vigilant, and report suspicious objects or movements. Kwara Abduction Shock: Gunmen attacked Yashikira in Baruten, burning parts of the emir’s palace and abducting at least 10 people, including the emir’s wives and children. ADC 2027 Moves (Niger): The African Democratic Congress in Niger State endorsed Atiku Abubakar as presidential candidate and declared Dr Mohammed Kpautagi its governorship candidate after primaries. Court Clears Jonathan: A Federal High Court in Abuja struck out a suit trying to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from running in 2027, fining the plaintiff N20m. Politics & Party Tension: Reports from Niger APC primaries point to manipulation claims and last-minute efforts by Governor Bago to keep unity.

Security & Counterterrorism: The Nigerian Air Force says it neutralised several terrorists and disrupted planned attacks in Niger State after intelligence-led strikes in Rafi and Mariga LGAs (May 20–23), including engagements around Tungan Bako, Kasuwan Daji and Tungunguna, with close air support to troops at Tungan Makeri. Eid-El-Kabir Alert: Operation Hadin Kai warns of possible remnant Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks during the festivities, urging residents to avoid crowded gatherings and report suspicious activity. Local Governance & Money Flow: All 774 local governments have opened accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria, a prerequisite for direct funding from the Federation Account. Politics & Credibility: Niger APC primaries are already under fire, with reports of manipulation allegations and calls for consensus or reruns as internal cracks surface. Hunger Politics: Atiku blasts Tinubu after a UN warning that nearly 35 million Nigerians may face acute hunger June–August 2026. Crime & Kidnapping: Bandits abduct 13 residents in Kebbi’s Tangaram Village after a midnight raid; police say rescue operations are ongoing.

Sahel Security: The Nigerian Air Force says it killed several terrorists and disrupted a planned attack in Niger State in May 20–23 operations, targeting fighters moving on motorcycles and on foot. Banditry Watch: In Kebbi, bandits abducted 13 residents from Tangaram Village after a midnight raid; police say rescue efforts are ongoing along the Kebbi–Zamfara border. Fact-Check: A viral video claiming Smart Adeyemi attacked Tinubu over insecurity is misleading—the clip is recycled from 2021. Niger Politics & Governance: Niger State absorbed 396 UNICEF/GAVI-funded health workers into the civil service, while the Etsu Nupe urged voters to use Continuous Voter Registration to get PVCs ahead of 2027. Eid Pressure: Rising fuel and security costs are pushing up sheep prices in Nigeria ahead of Eid al-Adha, with traders reporting sluggish sales. Benin–Niger Context: Benin’s new president Romuald Wadagni took office, with Niger’s PM attending—signals of a possible thaw after months of regional tension.

APC Presidential Collation: Nigeria’s ruling APC has begun the national collation of results confirming Bola Tinubu as its 2027 presidential candidate, with Tinubu reported to have polled 10.99m votes against Stanley Osifo’s 16,504, while party leaders dismiss viral “miscount” claims as old and unverified. Benin-Nigeria Reset: In Cotonou, Vice President Kashim Shettima backed deeper Nigeria–Benin ties at President Romuald Wadagni’s inauguration, signaling a possible thaw after months of regional strain. Niger Oil Push: Niger State is courting the Dangote Group to explore crude oil at the Bida Basin under a one-stop-shop model, keeping only a minimal stake via JV–PPP. Security Alarm: The PFN warns Nigeria’s insecurity is at “intolerable” levels, pointing to ongoing kidnappings and killings, including the latest Oyo teacher abduction. NPFL Finale: Enugu Rangers won the 2025/26 NPFL title for a record ninth time, beating Ikorodu City 2-1, while Remo Stars were relegated and Shooting Stars secured a CAF ticket.

APC 2027 Ticket Locked In: APC national chairman Nentawe Yilwatda says the presidential primary result collation was “transparent,” as Tinubu’s win over Stanley Osifo was confirmed after results were collated from all 36 states and the FCT at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre. Tinubu polled 10.99m votes; Osifo got 16,504. Party Integrity Row: Yilwatda dismissed circulating videos alleging miscounting, saying they were unverified and from older events. Mining Royalties Overhaul: The Nigeria Revenue Service pledges a more transparent, single “address” for solid-minerals royalty payments under the 2025 reforms. Migration Relief in Focus: NEMA received another 329 stranded Nigerians from Niger Republic in Kano, with food and medical checks before onward transport. Youth Party Push: The Youth Party elected new national leaders and targets 10 legislative seats in 2027. Regional Politics: In Benin, President-elect Romuald Wadagni was sworn in, while Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima reaffirmed stronger Nigeria–Benin ties. Sports: Rangers were crowned NPFL champions after beating Ikorodu City 2-1 on the final day.

Southwest Terror Alarm: A new report warns Nigeria’s “relative peace” in the South West is being punctured, arguing armed groups are exploiting forest corridors from the north into Ekiti, Oyo, Ondo and Osun—turning terrorism into a door-knocking reality, not a distant broadcast. ADC 2027 Politics: With Monday’s ADC presidential primary days away, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen urged delegates to reject “recycled politics” and back credible leadership, warning insecurity is crushing farming and food production across Benue, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa and Kogi. Migration Pressure, Relief Response: Nigeria’s NEMA says 497 stranded Nigerians were repatriated from Niger to Kano, while separate reports note 1,100 returnees arriving via Kano by road; returnees describe brutal desert journeys and Libya-linked dangers. Health Watch: Nigeria’s Immigration Service insists land borders are “not porous” amid Ebola fears from the DRC and Uganda. Humanitarian Inputs: One Acre Fund has started 2026 input distribution for 88,000 farmers in Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara and Plateau, as NEMA also delivered relief to Niger State communities hit by bandit attacks. Sahel Security Context: A separate analysis links Mali’s security crisis to wider regional warnings for Nigeria.

ADC Primary: Mohammed Hayatu-Deen urges ADC members to back a “credible” leadership choice ahead of Monday’s presidential primary, framing it as a decisive reset for Nigeria’s 2027 direction. APC Primaries: In Niger State, Prof. Yahaya Kuta congratulates Governor Umaru Bago after his APC governorship primary win; elsewhere, Kwara’s Speaker Salihu Danladi clinches the APC ticket, while Taraba’s Agbu Kefas wins the governorship primary. Migration & Returns: NEMA reports the repatriation of 497 Nigerians from Niamey to Kano, and separate updates say over 1,100 returnees have come back from Agadez via Kano—many describing brutal journeys and Libya-bound hopes that collapsed. Security: President Tinubu confirms the killing of ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a joint Nigeria–US operation, while Boko Haram attacks continue to hit bases such as the 212 Battalion FOB at Tunkushe, with soldiers injured. Politics Watch: Analysts question whether Goodluck Jonathan can win northern support in 2027, amid PDP waiver claims and elite skepticism. Regional Context: Morocco’s mass deportations target migrants as the EU deepens migration “externalization” ties.

Security Shock in Niger: Jafar Abdullahi Dabawu, an aide to Niger State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba and president of the Minna Emirate Youth Association, was stabbed to death after masked attackers invaded his home in Maitumbi, opposite a police station, as authorities promise investigations and “swift justice.” Migration Returns: Nigeria Immigration says 1,100 stranded Nigerians returned from Agadez, Niger, through Kano by road and are being processed for reintegration with families. Niger State Spending Scrutiny: Budget documents raise fresh questions after Niger planned another N1.5bn for guest-house tables and chairs—following about N1.6bn spent on similar items in 2025. APC Primaries Heat Up: Kwara’s Speaker Salihu Danladi won the APC governorship ticket; Niger’s Umaru Bago was affirmed unopposed, while Taraba’s Agbu Kefas clinched the APC ticket. France vs Africa Politics: Kenya saw anti-France protests tied to the Africa Forward Summit, reigniting debate over democracy, diplomacy, and foreign influence. Eid Supply Pressure: In Ivory Coast, Tabaski sheep prices are rising as Sahel export bans and jihadist roadblocks tighten livestock supply.

Agriculture Push: One Acre Fund Nigeria has kicked off its 2026 input delivery for 88,000 smallholder farmers in Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara and Plateau, linking fertiliser, seeds and protective gear to a credit-and-training programme aimed at boosting rainy-season yields. APC Primaries Fallout (Niger): In Niger State House of Assembly primaries, Deputy Speaker Affiniki Dauda and 15 others lost return bids, with reports of absence at affirmation and claims the party would not field women or Christians for the 27 seats. Security Shock (Minna): In Minna, Niger State, Jafar Abdullahi Dabawu—an aide to Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba and MEYA youth leader—was stabbed to death after masked attackers invaded his home opposite a police station; authorities say investigations are ongoing. Justice Delayed (Abuja): The N8.7bn Malami money-laundering trial stalled as Malami’s lawyer Joseph Daudu failed to appear, sending the case to June 23. Migration Update: Nigeria’s Immigration Service says 1,100 Nigerian returnees arrived in Kano from Agadez, Niger, by road for profiling and reintegration support. Insecurity Debate (Nigeria/US): Nigerians continue to question whether US-Nigeria military cooperation is changing realities on the ground, even as recent strikes are said to have killed senior ISIS figures.

School Insecurity Shock: A teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded after gunmen abducted staff and pupils from schools in Oyo State, renewing fears that “no part is truly safe.” Women Farmers Push: Niger State set aside N2bn for women under a new agricultural credit scheme, with tractors and input support tied to recovery from post-harvest losses. Mining Crackdown: Niger State moved to stop illegal fees in the mining sector, warning local coordinators they could be dismissed for extorting miners. Maritime Modernisation: Nigeria’s ports chief, Abubakar Dantsoho, warned Africa can’t grow with outdated ports, urging deep-sea upgrades and technology. Disinformation Fight (Nigeria NW): The EU launched an 18-month project to counter disinformation in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi and Niger. Sahel Security Context: Coverage again flags the Sahel as a jihadist gateway—while Niger hosts an AES forum on surrender, demobilisation and reintegration in Niamey. Party Politics (Niger): APC says Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago is unopposed for 2027, as PDP denies claims it blocked aspirants from buying presidential forms.

Niger APC locks in Bago: Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has been affirmed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) unopposed governorship candidate for 2027, with party officials citing his “unity” and development record after the state primary in Minna. Niger security under pressure: A reported military airstrike in Kawon Urege village (Rafi LGA) is said to have killed at least nine civilians, including vigilantes, but the military has not issued an official statement. Flood planning in Niger: NEMA has flagged 11 Niger LGAs as high flood-risk zones for 2026, urging preparedness ahead of the rainy season. APC primaries shift in Kwara: Kwara’s APC governorship primary was postponed from Thursday to Friday, May 22, with no clear reason given. PDP denies form-blocking claims: The Turaki-led PDP says presidential aspirants can still buy nomination forms, after allegations of obstruction. Ghana maritime push: Ghana’s transport ministry says it will expand ports and launch coastal water transport to ease road congestion and boost trade.

Russia-Africa Push: Russia says it will host another Russia-Africa summit in October, with officials already outlining cooperation deals—reportedly including new Mali-focused energy and development agreements—as Moscow deepens Sahel ties amid Western confrontation. Sahel Security & Rights: EU officials say they can do better in handling NW/SW conflict, while Equality Now warns African governments are failing women and girls on sexual violence and legal protection. Niger Oil Pivot: Niger’s military government signs fresh oil deals with China, relaunching Dinga Deep and Abolo-Yogou and securing a 45% stake in the West African Oil Pipeline Company after months of disputes. Counterterrorism Update: Nigeria and the US report killing 175 Islamic State fighters in joint strikes, with claims of destroying weapons and financial networks. Niger APC Primaries Fallout: In Niger State, APC primaries spark fresh religious and internal democracy complaints, with Christian aspirants alleging exclusion. Football Shock: Sunshine Stars U-19 advance in the President Federation Cup after upsetting Niger Tornadoes, while other big-name clubs fall in the Round of 64.

Counterterrorism Update: Nigeria says a joint US-Nigeria operation has killed 175 Islamic State fighters in the northeast, with AFRICOM calling it proof of deeper US capability in Africa; the strikes followed the earlier killing of ISWAP’s deputy, Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, and Nigeria also announced another senior coordinator, Abd-al Wahhab, was eliminated. Niger APC Politics: In Niger State, APC primaries are still shaking politics—Vatsa calls the process a “mockery of democracy,” while a Christian aspirants’ group alleges exclusion, even as Gov. Umaru Bago urges unity and warns winners not to “rejoice yet.” PDP Presidential Moves: The Turaki-led PDP clears Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 presidential race via a waiver, while other PDP primaries continue, including Taraba’s governorship screening. Women’s Rights Push: Equality Now urges African governments to close legal gaps on sexual violence, FGM, online safety, and women’s property rights at the ACHPR session. AFCON 2027: CAF releases full qualifiers fixtures; Nigeria is drawn in Group L with Tanzania, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau.

US-Nigeria Counterterror Push: Nigeria says a joint operation with the United States has killed 175 Islamic State fighters in the northeast, after the earlier killing of ISWAP’s senior figure Abu Bakr al-Manuki; the military adds that another leader, Abd-al Wahhab, was also eliminated and that strikes hit weapons, checkpoints and financial networks. Oyo School Crisis: In Oyo State, police say more detectives have been deployed to speed up rescue efforts for abducted teachers and students in Oriire, as panic spreads and political pressure mounts after the killing of a teacher linked to the attack. Sahel Security Alarm: US commanders told lawmakers that Africa is now the “epicenter of global terrorism,” warning of ISIS/al-Qaeda entrenchment and growing instability across Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. PDP 2027 Move: The Tanimu Turaki-led PDP faction clears former President Goodluck Jonathan for its presidential primary via a waiver, setting up a fresh opposition scramble. Lagos Governance: Lagos reaffirms data-driven SDG delivery, stressing measurable impact through inter-agency tracking. AFCON 2027 Draw: Nigeria lands in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau, with only the group winner expected to qualify given Tanzania’s host status.

PDP Power Move: Nigeria’s PDP screening committee cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s sole presidential candidate for 2027 via a waiver, after he reportedly bought the nomination form—though his public declaration is still awaited, keeping factional questions alive. Sahel Security: The US and Nigeria say joint strikes have killed 175 Islamic State fighters in recent days, with Nigeria also reporting the killing of another senior IS coordinator in the northeast. AFCON 2027 Draw: CAF’s Cairo draw set Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Group L with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, while hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will still play qualifiers. Local Governance & Safety: A truck crash into a house in Niger State killed two, sparking road blockades over compensation and highlighting how poor infrastructure turns into public anger. France vs Pan-Africanism: A fresh Macron “Pan-Africanist” reply is fueling renewed debate over France’s role as Sahel influence shifts.