Politics & Elections

NDC Registration Dispute Intensifies

The legal battle over the Nigeria Democratic Congress’s (NDC) registration continues to dominate headlines. A Federal High Court in Lokoja recently set aside its earlier judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party. This has sparked a wave of criticism from opposition figures and parties.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of attempting to use the courts to deregister the NDC, warning that this is a move toward a one-party state. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) described the court’s decision as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy, while the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) called it “judicial overreach”. The NDC has rejected the ruling and announced plans to appeal.

For its part, INEC has stated it will not take an official position on the matter until it receives and reviews the Certified True Copy of the judgment.

State Police Bill Advances

The National Assembly has passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026. The landmark legislation, which enjoyed overwhelming support in the Senate, seeks to establish a dual policing structure with both Federal and State Police Services.

The bill now moves to the state Houses of Assembly, where at least 24 states must endorse it for the amendment to take effect. However, the swift passage has drawn criticism. NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi has questioned the speed with which the bill was passed, prompting a sharp response from an aide to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who questioned Obi’s “mental capacities”.

Other Political Developments

• Osun 2026: The All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned against politicising the killing of an Accord Party member in Esa-Oke, Osun State.
• Kano State: Governor Abba Yusuf has directed all political appointees who have not yet done so to immediately register with the APC, as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. He also declared that Kano State has “no apology for supporting President Tinubu”.
• Gombe State: The APC secured a clean sweep in the local government elections, winning all 24 chairmanship seats and all 240 councillorship positions.

Security & Defense

Major Army Reshuffle

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a major strategic reshuffling of senior officers across key operational, command, and training appointments. Key appointments include Major General WM Dangana as the new GOC of 3 Division and Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE, and Major General EI Okoro as GOC of 6 Division and Commander of Operation DELTA SAFE.

Operation Kosaye Success

A joint security operation between Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands, codenamed “Operation Kosaye,” has recorded significant successes. Police operatives neutralised four kidnappers, rescued five abducted travellers, and arrested over 84 other criminal suspects. The operation, which involved more than 300 officers, has been praised for clearing criminal hideouts along the Lagos-Ogun corridor.

Bandit Attack in Sokoto

In a tragic incident, suspected bandits killed an Imam and three others, and abducted 12 residents in an attack on Illelar Dawagware village in Goronyo LGA, Sokoto State. The attackers, estimated to be about 30 in number, invaded the village on motorcycles around 12:20 am on Sunday. Residents have accused security forces of failing to respond to distress calls.

Economy & Other News

Petrol Price Reduction

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced its petrol pump price for the second time in four days, slashing it to ₦1,210 per litre from ₦1,260 per litre in Abuja. This follows a ₦50 reduction by Dangote Refinery and comes amid a drop in global crude oil prices.

Curfew Lifted in Oyo

Governor Seyi Makinde’s government has lifted the curfew imposed on 10 local government areas in Oyo State following a recent kidnapping incident in Oriire LGA.

US Military Action Claim

US President Donald Trump has asserted that American military operations were instrumental in stopping the widespread killing of Christians in Nigeria.