Nigeria · 2026-W37 · Global Weekly Agenda

INEC publishes final list of 18 presidential candidates for 2027 election

First published Sun, Sep 13

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of presidential candidates for the 2027 election. The list contains 18 candidates, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. The publication marks the official start of the 2027 presidential race.1 2 3 4 5

INEC also released the final list of 122 national assembly candidates for Ondo State. The commission published the presidential and national assembly lists on the same day. The full lists were made available by the electoral body.6

The release of the candidates' list has drawn reactions, with activist Aisha Yesufu describing the 2027 election as a war. Yesufu said, "2027 Election is War, We're Fighting for Our Lives." Her comment underscores the high stakes attached to the upcoming poll.7

DSS warns of terrorist plot against Osun worship centres and markets

First published Sun, Sep 13

Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.

Nigeria's Department of State Services has alerted residents of Osun State to a terrorist plot targeting worship centres and markets. The warning covers churches and mosques in the state, according to the security alert. The DSS uncovered the plot and issued the alert to religious leaders and residents.1 2 3 4 5 6 7

The Nigerian Army separately warned of possible coordinated terrorist attacks on churches, schools and youth camps. The army alert broadened the scope beyond Osun worship centres and markets. Both warnings were issued in the same week.8

Attributed claim: The terrorist plot is linked to an effort to boycott the 2027 elections, according to a state-owned Spanish outlet. The report frames the attacks as intended to disrupt the electoral process. No other source in the cluster states this motive.3

The DSS specifically warned religious leaders in Osun about the planned attacks. The alert was communicated in Hausa and English to reach diverse audiences. Residents were urged to remain vigilant.2 4

Ondo bans unverified alcohol after suspected poisoning deaths rise to 29-30

First published Sun, Sep 13

Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.

The Ondo State government has banned the sale of unverified alcohol and substances after a suspected herbal poisoning incident in Odigbo. The government also banned the production and distribution of local alcoholic drinks in response to the deaths.1 2 3

The death toll from the suspected poisoning has risen to 29, with the government linking the deaths to consumption of a drink known as 'Monkey Tail' at naming ceremonies.3 4 2

Attributed claim: TheCable reported the death toll from the suspected alcohol poisoning in Ondo had risen to 30, one more than the figure of 29 given by Punch, Vanguard and Premium Times.5 3 4 2

The ban covers the production and distribution of local alcoholic drinks in Ondo State as authorities respond to the suspected poisoning in Odigbo.2 1

ASUU threatens nationwide strike over unpaid salaries and unmet 2025 agreement

First published Sun, Sep 13

BACKGROUND

Unpaid salaries and entitlements have repeatedly pushed Nigerian university staff towards industrial action. ASUU has previously issued 14-day ultimatums to the Imo and Anambra governors while threatening an indefinite strike, and it shut down a varsity in Imo over unpaid entitlements. Other unions have also acted: NASU and SSANU began an indefinite strike, and lecturers at a varsity in Ondo began an indefinite strike over unpaid salaries.

The pattern has extended beyond universities. More than 200 lecturers resigned at KASU as ASUU threatened an indefinite strike, and over 700 primary schools shut down when FCT teachers began an indefinite strike. Kwara law officers have also threatened a strike over unpaid entitlements. This week's news continues that sequence of ultimatums and strike notices over unpaid wages and unmet demands.

Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has threatened a fresh nationwide strike over unpaid salaries and the government's failure to honour a 2025 agreement. The union also cited unremitted deductions and unmet demands in its strike notice. It gave the federal government and states an ultimatum to address the issues.1 2 3 4 5

ASUU said economic hardship, worsening poverty and eroding workers' wages are driving its demands. The union warned it cannot predict what comes next if the government fails to act.6 7

Attributed claim: The University of Benin responded to ASUU's strike notice and unpaid salary allegations. The Nation, a pro-government outlet, reported that UNIBEN paid an allowance, not half salary, in August, disputing the union's account of unpaid wages.8 9

US delivers military equipment to Nigerian Air Force for counter-terrorism operations

First published Sun, Sep 13

The United States has delivered military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to support counter-terrorism operations. The equipment is intended to boost the NAF's capacity in fighting terrorism and banditry. The delivery is part of a deepening security partnership between the US and Nigeria.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

The equipment was handed over to the NAF, according to reports. Photos of the delivery were published by some outlets. The exact types of equipment were not specified in the headlines.6 7 8 9 10 11

The US delivery is aimed at strengthening the fight against terrorism and banditry in Nigeria. It is expected to enhance the NAF's operational capabilities. The partnership between the US and Nigeria is described as deepening.1 2 3 4 5 6