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Agence de Presse Ouest-Africaine

West Africa News Agency

Agence de Presse Ouest-Africaine

West Africa News Agency

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Nigeria

Tag: Nigeria

Breaking Nigeria news and analysis — politics, the economy, security and business across Abuja, Lagos and the 36 states, from West Africa News Agency.

West African Politics

Judgment Looms: The Fight to Deregister ADC, Accord, and Others Tests the Limits of Nigeria’s Electoral Law

By Kabir Isa

A Nigerian Federal High Court has cleared the path for a landmark June 5th judgment that could result in the deregistration of the ADC, Accord Party, and others for alleged constitutional breaches. The court decisively rejected all attempts to delay the proceedings or join new parties, including motions from prominent figures like Ademola Adeleke, prioritizing the urgent electoral calendar over procedural challenges. The core strategic takeaway is that the court is forcing a rapid, final resolution on the existential question of these parties

Sports & Entertainment

Beyond the Screen: The Spiritual Legacy of Alexx Ekubo in Nollywood and West African Culture

By Kabir Isa

**Executive Summary:** The untimely death of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo from metastatic kidney cancer has sparked a viral outpouring of grief, but one woman’s testimony reveals his most profound legacy: a personal, spiritual impact that transcended his on-screen fame. In her final interaction with him, the actor led her to give her life to Christ, demonstrating that his true value proposition was not his celebrity, but his role as a catalyst for faith and redemption. The core takeaway is

Business & Economy

Union Bank’s *826# USSD Code: A Lifeline for Nigeria’s Unbanked and a Test of Digital Resilience

By Kabir Isa

Union Bank’s *826# USSD code is a critical offline banking tool that enables all essential transactions—transfers, airtime, cardless withdrawals, and loans—without requiring a smartphone or internet data. The key practical takeaway is the specific transfer syntax: use *826*1*Amount*Account# for Union Bank accounts and *826*2*Amount*Account# for other banks, all secured by a 4-digit PIN. Unlike many digital-only solutions, this service is

General News

Sultanate Declares Eid-el-Adha for May 27: A Test of Unity for Nigeria’s Muslim Ummah

By Kabir Isa

The Sultan of Sokoto has officially declared May 18, 2026, as the start of Dhul Hijjah, positioning Eid-el-Adha on May 27, 2026, for Nigerian Muslims. This announcement triggers immediate preparations for the Hajj pilgrimage and the associated sacred rites, making it a critical calendar event for millions. The core takeaway is that all observances hinge on official confirmation from the Sultanate Council, not external sources. The spiritual call to action emphasizes using this holy

West African Politics

APC Primaries: Incumbency Holds, But Cracks Emerge in Nigeria’s Ruling Party

By Kabir Isa

The APC's House of Representatives primaries concluded with high turnout and a clear victory for the party's establishment, as top leaders like Speaker Tajudeen and Deputy Speaker Kalu secured their tickets, signaling a strong push for continuity. While the process was largely peaceful, it was not without friction, as protests and disputes in some areas revealed underlying internal tensions and the high stakes of candidate selection. The key takeaway is that the APC has prioritized retaining its experienced legislative leadership for the general election, betting on

Defense and Security

Oyo State’s New Violent Crime Response Unit: A Test for Subnational Security Innovation in Nigeria’s South-West

By Kabir Isa

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has launched the first Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in Nigeria’s South-West region, signaling a proactive shift toward specialized, rapid-response policing to combat violent crime. The initiative pairs the new unit with an Oversight Committee, creating a structured accountability mechanism that goes beyond typical police support. In the wake of a recent deadly abduction in Oriire LGA, Makinde emphasized that this unit is a direct, practical response to the urgent need for

West African Politics

Faith and Faction: The Clerical Endorsement of Tinubu, Bago, and Sani Musa Signals a New Phase in Niger State’s Pre-Primary Politics

By Kabir Isa

Christian leaders in Niger State have mobilized interfaith support for President Tinubu, Governor Bago, and Senator Musa ahead of the 2027 primaries, framing their re-election as a matter of divine will tied to their governance achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, and youth empowerment. The United Niger Christian Forum’s organized prayer session signals a strategic, faith-based political endorsement that transcends denominational lines to advocate for peaceful elections and national stability. The core takeaway is that these leaders are leveraging religious legitimacy to

West African Politics

APC Primary Violence in Ekiti Exposes Deeper Crisis of Internal Democracy in Nigeria’s Ruling Party

By Kabir Isa

The APC primary for Ward 10 in Ekiti State collapsed into violence and was declared inconclusive after supporters of candidate Olushola Fatoba allegedly attacked the venue with weapons to intimidate rivals, specifically targeting the camp of Tope Ogunleye (RST), who appeared to have the majority of support. The core takeaway is that internal party democracy in Nigeria remains fragile, as the threat of thuggery and intimidation is used to overturn clear voter preference when a loss seems imminent.

Women & Youths Empowerment

Tinubu’s Appointment of Laniyi: A Strategic Signal for Women’s Policy in West Africa

By Kabir Isa

President Tinubu has appointed Adedayo Laniyi as the new Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, alongside a newly constituted Governing Council led by Joan Idonije. This strategic leadership change, effective April 2026, is executed under the amended National Centre for Women Development Act of 2023, signaling a formalized governance structure for the institution. The key takeaway is that this appointment prioritizes institutional continuity and legal compliance over political expediency, setting

Business & Economy

Dangote’s FX Exit: A Warning for West Africa’s Industrial Ambitions

By Kabir Isa

Aliko Dangote’s core strategic insight is that **export-driven, dollar-generating businesses are the only sustainable hedge against Nigeria’s FX volatility**, which forced him to abandon flour and textiles. His unique value proposition to investors is a **guaranteed dollar dividend payout**—a rarity in Nigeria—backed by a business model where 80% of revenue is in dollars. This allows him to derisk foreign investment by solving the classic problem of repatriating profits, while still offering