Muslim Muhammad Yusuf

As Nigeria’s 2027 presidential campaign begins, voters are urged to assess candidates based on their record, the conditions experienced during the previous four years, and the practicality of their policies. Political researcher Babayo Sule advises voters to examine candidates’ performance in previous positions, question their plans for security, the economy and employment, and avoid choosing based primarily on religion, ethnicity, campaign crowds or short-term gifts and cash. The article emphasizes that elections should reward effective leadership and hold poor performance accountable.

Musicians and actors in Nigeria can influence elections by using their popularity, songs and social-media platforms to promote candidates and political messages. Political analyst Kabiru Sufi says celebrities may shape some voters’ opinions, increase a candidate’s visibility and reach young audiences, as illustrated by Davido’s campaign support for his uncle Ademola Adeleke in Osun State and Dauda Kahutu Rarara’s campaign songs for APC candidates. However, celebrity influence does not always reflect a candidate’s qualifications; endorsements may be motivated by money or personal benefit, and unverified claims can mislead followers. Public backlash may result when voters believe a celebrity is exploiting their trust or promoting an unsuitable candidate.

Southwestern Nigeria is expected to be crucial in the 2027 presidential election because its six states had nearly 18 million registered voters in 2023. The article identifies three main factors shaping the region’s choices: ethnic and regional identity, the benefits of government development projects, and the allocation of senior political positions. Lagos, Oyo and Ogun are especially influential, accounting for more than 13 million registered voters, although their 2023 results showed that the region does not always vote as a bloc. Tinubu won Oyo and Ogun, while Peter Obi narrowly won Lagos, underscoring the importance of alliances and the region’s potential to alter the national electoral outcome.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, opposition figures and other stakeholders are increasingly looking to the United States to respond to alleged threats to democratic competition. The report examines how Washington could exert influence through public statements, sanctions, arms restrictions, cyber operations, funding and election-observer groups, drawing on examples from Nigeria and other countries. Analysts say opposition groups may seek U.S. support because they lack sufficient domestic leverage, but warn that American involvement usually reflects U.S. interests and may undermine political sovereignty. Experts ultimately argue that Nigeria should strengthen its own democratic institutions and address domestic problems rather than depend on foreign intervention.

Nigeria's Defence Headquarters has expanded its surrender policy to armed groups across the country, including groups operating in the southeast, south-south and southwest. The military says those who surrender will be received in accordance with Nigerian law, international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, then handed to the relevant authorities for legal action. The policy follows intensified operations, including Operation UDO KA, which the military says has pressured some fighters to surrender. Security experts explain that surrendering fighters must be treated humanely, but surrender does not automatically absolve them of crimes. Retired Group Captain Sadik Garba argues that such programs work best after sustained military pressure has weakened armed groups, warning that a policy driven mainly by politics could appear to reward criminality or signal government weakness. Its effect on Nigeria's security situation remains uncertain.

Nigeria has launched seven locally developed traditional medicines intended to address serious health conditions including cancer, Hepatitis B, stomach ulcers, high cholesterol, hypertension and male sexual problems. The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development says it has developed more than 22 plant-based medicines since 2023, including Namdavir for Hepatitis B and Namdacid for ulcers. Officials want pharmaceutical manufacturers to help bring the products to market, but further laboratory testing, dosage standardization and regulatory approval remain necessary. NAFDAC requires traditional medicines to meet safety and quality standards and prohibits unsupported claims that they cure serious diseases. The initiative comes amid continued public reliance on traditional remedies and concerns over unverified products.

Gunmen attacked two judges in northern Nigeria within one week: Kebbi High Court judge Faruku Hassan was kidnapped, reportedly for a ₦200 million ransom, while Katsina judge Mohammed Muktar escaped when armed men stormed his court. Security expert Kabiru Adamu says the attacks may aim not only to generate ransom but also to intimidate judges, retaliate against court rulings or prevent proceedings against criminal groups. Weak security at judges’ homes and rural courts, widespread weapons, poor apprehension of criminals and limited cooperation between communities and security agencies are identified as contributing factors. Recommended measures include stronger local security, protection and surveillance at courts, better intelligence gathering, action against illegal weapons, faster prosecution, community cooperation and improved employment opportunities for young people.

Boko Haram remains active in Nigeria and neighboring countries despite territorial losses, weakened leadership and years of military operations. Analysts attribute the group’s longevity to early miscalculations by authorities, abuses committed during security crackdowns that fueled recruitment, cross‑border support networks, and alliances with groups such as ISWAP. Weak governance, porous borders, and persistent socioeconomic grievances continue to sustain the insurgency. Experts recommend improved cooperation with local communities, disruption of supply lines, strengthened border control, youth employment initiatives and more equitable governance to reduce the group’s influence and recruitment capacity.