Nigeria: Politics

Domestic

Major political developments centered on Abuja this month. President Bola Tinubu met with the rival figures Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara, who are central to a political crisis in Rivers State. Separately, the anti-corruption agency ICPC conducted a raid on the Abuja residence of former governor Nasir el-Rufai. Wike, in his capacity as minister for the Federal Capital Territory, announced the cancellation of 485 land titles in Abuja following a verification process. Concurrently, the country's main labor unions planned a solidarity rally in the capital.

Internal party dynamics saw significant movement. In Kano State, the Women Affairs Commissioner defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the All Progressives Congress, a move described by some as a betrayal. The opposition People's Democratic Party grappled with questions of unity and purpose. A party chieftain stated the PDP would work to safeguard democracy ahead of the 2027 elections, while a group within the party, including its Board of Trustees and many state chairmen, declared support for a figure named Turaki, dismissing a related court ruling from Ibadan.

International

Nigeria's first lady, Remi Tinubu, received praise from Trump at a prayer breakfast event in the United States. This recognition prompted a visit by the political figure Oshiomhole to President Tinubu at the presidential villa to highlight the event. Separately, the first lady commented on US strikes, calling them a 'blessing' and welcoming collaboration with Trump. In a separate development, two prominent Nigerian political figures, Atiku Abubakar and Aisha Buhari, met in Saudi Arabia while both were in the country for the Islamic pilgrimage of Umrah.