MEZIESBLOG

2027 Race Heats Up as NDC Zoning, EFCC Manhunt, and Insecurity Fears Dominate Headlines

LAGOS, Nigeria – A sea of political maneuvering flooded Nigerian newspapers on Sunday, May 10, 2026, as the nation’s opposition parties revealed bold strategies for the 2027 general elections. The headlines were dominated by the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), which formally zoned its presidential ticket exclusively to the South for a single four-year term, while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared a former minister wanted for alleged corruption. Meanwhile, stories of worsening insecurity across states like Kwara, Osun, and Yobe offered a stark reminder of the security challenges confronting the nation.

Politics: NDC Zoning Shakes Up 2027 Presidential Race

The most potent political story of the day, reported across major outlets such as The Sun Nigeria, Ripples Nigeria, and Vanguard, centered on the National Convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), which took place on Saturday in Abuja.

In a major move to clear the path for its presidential primary, the NDC officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, with the Vice Presidential slot going to the North. In a decision that was approved by delegates via a motion moved by Hon. Victor Ogene, it was also resolved that after a single four-year term in the South, the ticket would automatically return to the North in 2031.

Speaking at the convention, former Anambra State Governor and newly defected NDC member, Mr. Peter Obi, welcomed the zoning arrangement as a principled move to build a new Nigeria. He warned against what he described as attempts to weaken opposition politics and turn the nation into a one-party state. Also backing the decision, former Kano Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, who also recently joined the NDC, described the zoning as a courageous step towards national healing and inclusion.

However, not everyone celebrated the NDC’s emergence. The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, threw a sharp jab at the party, mocking the NDC for not having a manifesto on its website. In a similar vein, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alleged that the NDC was created by President Tinubu to intentionally destroy the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Politics: ADC Attracts Heavyweights as EFCC Hunts Former Minister

On the side of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the political heat was equally intense. Ripples Nigeria and New Telegraph reported that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and renowned economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen have all obtained the ADC’s expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2027 presidency. In what appears to be a strategic consultation, Hayatu-Deen also held a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday, discussing Nigeria’s political climate and the 2027 build-up.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also found itself in damage control mode. The party issued a statement on Saturday, warning members of the public to disregard campaign posters circulating on social media that depict former President Goodluck Jonathan as a 2027 presidential candidate. PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong said the posters are “fake” and that Jonathan remains a committed member of the party.

Outside of the race for Aso Rock, the EFCC declared a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations of abuse of office and the misappropriation of over $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million linked to a social programme. In a notice released on Saturday, the Commission urged anyone with information about her whereabouts to report to any EFCC office nationwide.

Security: Troops Neutralize 50 Terrorists, Killings and Kidnappings Persist

The security situation across Nigeria remained dire, with fresh reports of military success against ISWAP, as well as disturbing killings and abductions in various states.

The Nigerian Army announced that troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled a large-scale attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on the Headquarters of 27 Brigade in Buni Gari, Yobe State. In a statement released on Saturday, the Army confirmed that at least 50 terrorists were neutralized during the early morning attack. While two soldiers paid the supreme price, the military said no part of the formation was breached, and a cache of arms was recovered from the fleeing terrorists.

Conversely, The Sun Newspaper published a detailed and alarming analysis titled “Kwara and the burning coals of insecurity,” describing how what was once one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states has seen a terrifying spike in terror attacks. The report noted that “trickles of insecurity have since flashed into floods that have left men, women, and children on the brink,” questioning what the government is doing about the sudden surge.

In other security developments:

• Troops of Operation UDO KA foiled a suspected attack by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on the Inez I-beam community in Enugu State.
• Gunmen killed one Kolade Eluyera in Ikire, Osun State.
• Kebbi Police arrested a 25-year-old Idrisu Musa for allegedly killing his elder brother and his brother’s wife with a cutlass while they slept.
• In Kaduna, suspected bandits reportedly released a pregnant woman, a nursing mother, and four children after spending about 50 days in captivity.

Economy & Accountability: Customs Investigates Extortion, NGX Gains

The Nigeria Customs Service began disciplinary action on Sunday following a viral video showing an officer allegedly demanding a N200,000 bribe from a motorist on the Lagos-Benin Expressway. The Federal Operations Unit confirmed the video led to immediate action, with the officer handed over to the Customs Police Unit for a proper investigation. The service warned it would not tolerate any behavior that spoils its image.

On the economic front, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX) closed the week on a positive note. Ripples Nigeria reported that bullish sentiments persisted as investors gained a combined N1.1 trillion, indicating sustained confidence in the equity market despite the tense political climate.

Sports & Entertainment: Falconets Qualify for World Cup, AMVCA Holds

Nigerians had reason to smile on the sports and culture front.

The national U-20 women’s football team, the Falconets, qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. According to reports, despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Malawi in the second leg of their final qualifying fixture, Nigeria advanced 3-2 on aggregate, thanks to a crucial first-leg advantage.

In Nollywood, the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) concluded on Saturday at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. Uzor Arukwe and Linda Ejiofor received the Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress awards, respectively. Veteran actors Patience Ozokwor, Joke Silva, Nkem Owoh, and Afeez Oyetoro were also honoured with the AMVCA Icon Award.