Good morning. As Nigeria navigates a critical election season, today’s headlines are dominated by a major declaration for the 2027 presidency, escalating debates over the nation’s borrowing spree, and significant security and economic developments. Here is your complete roundup of the top news from Nigerian newspapers this morning.
🔴 Top Headlines
- 2027: Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde declares presidential ambition under a new PDP-APM alliance, launching the “Reset Nigeria Movement.”
- ADC labels Tinubu’s economy a ‘Ponzi scheme’ as the government seeks another $1.25bn World Bank loan amid rising debt.
- Nigeria to deploy AI and anti-drone technology in a major military overhaul to combat insecurity.
- President Tinubu projects nearly $20bn FDI for 2026 and welcomes a fresh $600m port investment from APM Terminals.
- World Bank restricts Instagram comments after Nigerians flood its page with pleas to halt further lending to the FG.
- Nigeria secures rights to host 2026 CAF Awards and General Assembly, ending Morocco’s four-year run.
- Lassa fever death toll rises to 191, with five states accounting for 84% of confirmed cases.
📌 Politics
Seyi Makinde Declares for 2027 Presidential Race
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday formally entered the 2027 presidential race, making his declaration at a mega-rally held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan. The announcement was made in the presence of a mammoth crowd under a newly forged alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). Speaking at the rally, Makinde said: “The time to reset Nigeria is now. Therefore, today, I, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, announce my candidacy for the position of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The governor argued that the country’s situation has “continued to deteriorate, putting the majority of Nigerians on survival mode on a daily basis,” adding that government officials responsible for citizens’ welfare have abdicated their duties. He unveiled the “Reset Nigeria Movement” alongside a dedicated campaign website, outlining an agenda focused on economic growth, job creation, education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and security. Makinde declared: “So today in Ibadan, the first grand alliance is formed. The alliance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). This handshake will allow us to field candidates from the presidency to state assemblies, and everything in between.”
APC Primaries and Tinubu’s Call for Peace
As the All Progressives Congress begins its nationwide primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, President Bola Tinubu has urged party members to avoid “do-or-die politics.” In a personally signed statement, Tinubu described the commencement of the primaries as a historic moment for the party, noting that the APC was founded on the principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and party unity. The party, however, announced a shift in the House of Representatives primary, moving the date from Friday, May 15 to Saturday, May 16, while other primary dates remain unchanged.
Meanwhile, the APC primary process has hit turbulence in some states. In Nasarawa State, four aspirants are now in the race after the party dumped the consensus arrangement. In Niger State, Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s push for consensus has reportedly “hit the rock,” leading to an uneasy calm within the party’s chapter. In Oyo State, APC members in the Oluyole Federal Constituency staged a protest against the alleged imposition of a candidate ahead of the House of Representatives primary election, storming the party secretariat in large numbers to formally register their displeasure.
Atiku, Amaechi Submit ADC Nomination Forms
On Thursday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar submitted his presidential nomination forms at the national secretariat of the African Democratic Congress in Abuja. Similarly, a former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, also submitted his forms. A United States-based lobbying firm disclosed that representatives of Atiku met with those of US Congressman Riley Moore to discuss election integrity and security challenges in Nigeria.
Ex-Gov Mimiko Joins APC
A former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, officially joined the All Progressives Congress on Thursday, praising President Tinubu’s reforms. Mimiko’s defection is seen as a significant boost for the APC in the South-West region ahead of the 2027 elections.
📌 Economy & Finance
ADC Accuses FG of Running ‘Ponzi Economy’
The African Democratic Congress has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of running a “Ponzi economy” after the Federal Government moved to secure another $1.25 billion loan from the World Bank despite Nigeria’s growing public debt, estimated at about N159.28 trillion.
In a strongly-worded statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said: “This is why the ADC says the Tinubu administration is running a Ponzi economy, where new loans are constantly being taken to service old debts and cover fiscal failures, while ordinary Nigerians are left to carry the burden.” The party warned that Nigeria’s rising debt profile has failed to produce noticeable improvements in critical sectors, adding: “Today, Nigeria’s total public debt has risen to about N159.28 trillion, yet food prices continue to rise daily, electricity tariffs are increasing, the naira remains weak, businesses are shutting down, insecurity is spreading, and millions of young Nigerians remain unemployed.”
The ADC also noted that President Tinubu himself has declared that Nigeria will spend about $11.6 billion (over N15 trillion) on debt servicing alone in 2026, money that should have gone into roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
World Bank Restricts Instagram Comments Amid Loan Backlash
The World Bank has restricted comments on its Instagram page following an outpouring of pleas from Nigerians urging the financial institution to stop approving loan requests by the Tinubu administration. Screenshots circulating on social media show hundreds of comments highlighting the harsh economic realities facing ordinary citizens — sky-high inflation, fuel subsidy removal pains, rising insecurity, mass unemployment, and collapsing infrastructure.
One social media user wrote: “Dear @WorldBankGroup, why did you lock your comments section on Instagram? Nigerians are telling you to stop giving our Criminal Leaders Billions in Loans that only gets Stolen.”
Tinubu: Nigeria to Attract Nearly $20bn FDI in 2026
Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, President Bola Tinubu projected that Nigeria will attract close to $20 billion in foreign direct investment in 2026, attributing the outlook to ongoing macroeconomic reforms, regulatory simplification, and improved investor confidence. The president described Nigeria as being repositioned for greater competitiveness through ongoing economic reforms and infrastructure modernisation.
APM Terminals Pledges $600m Investment
In a major boost for Nigeria’s maritime sector, world-class port operator APM Terminals has pledged a $600 million investment in Nigeria’s maritime sector. The Regional President for APM Terminals Africa-Europe, Igor van den Essen, announced the investment during a meeting with President Tinubu on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum. The funds will be deployed in Apapa port modernisation, logistics infrastructure, and long-term private-sector investment in the maritime sector.
NGX: Investors Lose N383bn
The Nigerian equities market shed N383 billion by the close of trading on Thursday, halting its recent bullish run. Learn Africa and Fidson topped the losers’ chart as investors took profits off the table.
📌 Security
Nigeria to Deploy AI, Anti-Drone Technology
In a major overhaul of the nation’s defence architecture, the Federal Government announced plans to deploy artificial intelligence-powered surveillance systems and advanced anti-drone technology to combat insecurity. The move is aimed at strengthening border security, protecting urban centres, and improving responses to emerging threats across the country. The system will use smart algorithms to spot threats in real time and deploy anti-drone tech to intercept and neutralize unmanned aerial attacks.
IGP: 2,000 Police Stations Not Enough for 200m Nigerians
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has warned that the Nigeria Police Force currently operates only about 2,000 police stations nationwide, a figure grossly inadequate to serve a population of more than 200 million people. Speaking at Infrastructure Dialogue 2026 in Abuja, Disu backed the call by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission for the establishment of 3,000 new police stations, 1,000 new prisons, and 170 new barracks, stressing the need for public-private partnerships and sustainable financing models.
Bandits Kill Three in Kano, Couple Killed in Plateau
Gunmen attacked the Yankamaye community in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State, killing three residents and injuring many others. Residents of Yankamaye and neighbouring communities have experienced several bandit attacks in recent years.
Meanwhile, a young couple — Mr Iliya Gyang (30) and his pregnant wife, Mrs Grace Iliya (25) — were killed in Angwan Ishaku, Barkin Ladi Local Council of Plateau State. Community leaders have called for intensified efforts to combat banditry and improve security presence in vulnerable communities.
Oyo Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper at the point of collecting a N10 million ransom demanded from the family of a victim in Otefon Village, Atiba Local Government Area of the state. The victim, Alhaji Bagudu, was reportedly abducted from his residence in Ilowa Village and held hostage.
📌 Health
Lassa Fever Death Toll Rises to 191
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has reported that the death toll from the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak has risen to 191, with 84 per cent of confirmed infections concentrated in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states. The case fatality rate currently stands at 24.6 per cent, higher than the 19.2 per cent reported during the same period last year.
FG Inaugurates ‘My Family Companion’ for Family Health Awareness
On World Family Day, the Minister of Youth Development inaugurated “My Family Companion” to support Nigeria’s policy direction on family wellbeing, alongside a national reading relay initiative in Abuja. The minister said the choice of May 15 is because it is a date globally recognized for Families.
📌 Education
NUT Opposes UTME Waiver for NCE Admission
The Nigeria Union of Teachers has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s decision to waive the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination for Nigeria Certificate in Education applicants. NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, expressed concern over the policy, questioning the adequacy of infrastructure and laboratories needed to support effective teaching and learning in schools.
Learner Identity Number to Curb Exam Malpractice
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has announced that the proposed National Learner Identity Number will curb examination malpractice and strengthen monitoring of students across Nigeria’s education system.
📌 Technology
FG to Deploy ‘AI Shield’ to Tackle Insecurity
The Federal Government announced it is set to deploy an artificial intelligence-powered security system known as the Multi-domain Hybrid Intelligence Shield (HIS) to strengthen efforts against terrorism, piracy and illegal mining across the country. The HIS project is being developed in partnership with MARSS UK Ltd and MPS Mikopowers Ltd and marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s defence technology push.
📌 Entertainment
Mo Abudu Warns Public Over Fake AI Video
Nigerian media mogul Mo Abudu has warned the public against a fake AI-generated video circulating online that falsely claims she launched a scheme promising Nigerians over ₦700,000 daily earnings. In a post shared on Instagram, the founder of EbonyLife Group identified a Facebook page called “Naija Capital Growth” as the source of the edited video, explaining that both her voice and the message in the video were artificially altered using deepfake technology. She shared the original version of the interview — recorded during the Forbes 30/50 Summit in Abu Dhabi in March 2023 — and stressed that she has never asked the public for money.
Sandra Edoho Breaks Silence on Marriage Crash
Sandra Edoho publicly addressed the collapse of her marriage to TV host Frank Edoho for the first time since news of their separation became public. In an Instagram post, Sandra accused Frank of infidelity during their marriage and alleged that he depended heavily on her financially despite his extravagant lifestyle.
📌 Sports
Nigeria to Host 2026 CAF Awards and General Assembly
President Bola Tinubu has approved Nigeria’s bid to host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly as well as the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony, marking the return of Africa’s biggest football awards to the country for the first time since 2017. The decision ends Morocco’s four-year run as host and restores the event often described as the “Oscars of African football” to Nigerian soil. Hosting the CAF events is expected to boost Nigeria’s sports tourism profile and further position the country as a key destination for major continental sporting events.
Nigeria Hits 99.2% of OPEC Quota
Nigeria recorded a major boost in crude oil production in April 2026, achieving 99.2 per cent of its 1.5 million barrels per day production quota approved by OPEC, due to intense surveillance of the Trans Niger Pipelines and Eastern Gas Network facilities.
📌 International Relations
Nigeria and Germany Seal €65 Million Development Pact
Nigeria and Germany have signed a €65 million development cooperation agreement, reinforcing strategic reforms and development partnerships between the two countries. The pact covers multiple sectors including energy, infrastructure, and economic development.
President Tinubu Meets with President Kagame
President Bola Tinubu and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda have resolved to activate mechanisms to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda, further strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between Africa’s two influential nations.
📌 Other Top Stories
- Court orders final forfeiture of N1.9bn, N288m cash, duplex linked to former AGoF — The Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the final forfeiture of assets linked to a former acting accountant-general of the federation, Anamekwe Nwabuoku.
- SEC cautions Nigerians against fake online investment schemes — The Securities and Exchange Commission warned Nigerians against investing in unregistered online investment schemes.
- NSCDC arrests suspected rail track vandal in Kano — A 22-year-old suspect was detained over the alleged vandalism of a rail track in Kano State.
- FG targets 1.5m NCE candidates’ admission with UTME waiver — The Federal Government aims to streamline admission for millions of NCE candidates following the policy change.
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