What Will 2026 Really Bring for Nigeria and the World? Azu Ishiekwene Predicts Power Shifts, Economic Strain, AI Disruption, 2027 Politics and Who Wins the World Cup

Is 2026 a year of quiet recovery—or the beginning of deeper political, economic and global turbulence? And is Nigeria already slipping into the politics of 2027?

In what he describes as possibly his final annual forecast, journalist and columnist Azu Ishiekwene delivers a sweeping, high-stakes outlook on Nigeria and the world, blending political prediction, economic analysis, technology trends and global power shifts. Known for earlier forecasts that accurately anticipated election outcomes and cabinet shake-ups, Ishiekwene argues that 2026 will be a year where politics collides head-on with harsh economic realities, leaving citizens caught between daily hardship and recycled political promises.

He warns that Nigeria’s economy will remain under pressure, with tensions growing between tight monetary policy and rising demands for fiscal expansion in a pre-election year. Could divisions inside the Ministry of Finance undermine investor confidence? And will petrol prices remain stable around ₦850 per litre, as he suggests, only if oil output rises and NNPC escapes its heavy crude obligations?

While cheaper fuel from the Dangote Refinery may offer temporary consumer relief, Ishiekwene predicts continued instability in electricity supply, pointing to a fragile transmission system that still requires massive investment. He also foresees President Bola Tinubu possibly unveiling private-sector-led reforms in power transmission involving major business players.

But is Nigeria already entering the politics of 2027 in 2026?

Ishiekwene argues that although early elections are unlikely, political realignments are accelerating. With multiple opposition governors defecting to the ruling APC, claims of a creeping one-party state are growing. Yet, he suggests the reality is more complex: a weakened opposition plagued by internal fractures, financial constraints and a lack of coherent alternatives.

Turning to the emerging African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition—uniting figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Kwankwaso—he raises a critical question: is ADC truly built to win in 2027, or merely to survive until 2031? He predicts Atiku will clinch the party’s ticket over Obi, with Obi likely offered the vice-presidential slot—potentially triggering backlash among “Obidients.” With limited grassroots reach and the enormous financial demands of a presidential campaign, Ishiekwene concludes that ADC may struggle to pose a serious challenge to the ruling party in the next election cycle.

Beyond Nigeria, he paints 2026 as a year shaped by geopolitical rivalry, especially between Donald Trump’s America and Xi Jinping’s China, and by growing global unease over U.S. trade policies, immigration enforcement and economic nationalism. Could gold and non-dollar assets accelerate as the world quietly prepares for a less dollar-centric future?

He also highlights the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, warning that 2026 will mark a shift from basic generative AI to agentic, autonomous systems capable of independent action. As AI blurs the line between reality and fabrication, he predicts rising confusion, misinformation, and ethical challenges—ushering in what he calls the “Year of the Humanoid.”

Even football is not spared his forecasting. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Ishiekwene tips Spain to win, citing tactical depth and cohesion, while acknowledging Morocco as Africa’s strongest hope.

Ultimately, the essay asks uncomfortable but urgent questions:
Is Nigeria drifting toward political dominance by one party?
Will economic reforms truly ease citizens’ burdens—or merely reshuffle the pressure?
Can a fractured opposition reorganise in time?
And in a world increasingly shaped by AI and geopolitical rivalry, where does Nigeria truly stand?

For Ishiekwene, 2026 is not just another year—it is a crossroads where technology, politics, power and survival intersect, setting the tone for Nigeria’s future well beyond the next election.

Peter Obi Set to Join ADC Ahead of 2027 Election: Date and Details Emerge

Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, is reportedly set to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Sources indicate that Obi will hold a declaration rally in Enugu State on December 31, 2025, with party structures aligning to accommodate his political base and the wider Obidient movement. Obi’s decision follows consultations with ADC leadership, including national chairman David Mark, amid growing opposition coalition efforts. While the ADC has not officially confirmed the defection, heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai have already joined the party, signaling a strengthened opposition aiming to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Year-In-Review 2025: Peter Obi, El-Rufai, Fubara And Other Nigerian Politicians Who Lost Power, Influence And Political Ground

Nigeria’s political landscape in 2025 was marked by intense power struggles, elections, defections, and shifting alliances that reshaped the fortunes of several prominent politicians. While some leaders consolidated influence, others suffered major setbacks that weakened their political standing ahead of the 2027 general elections. Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi endured a difficult year as his party failed to record meaningful victories in key bye-elections and the Anambra governorship poll, including losing his own polling unit. Labour Party’s Anambra candidate, George Moghalu, also struggled at the polls despite strong pre-election expectations. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara faced suspension, political isolation, and a forced realignment after a prolonged crisis that led to a six-month state of emergency. Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai equally lost ground as the ruling APC gained strength through defections, weakening his influence in Kaduna and nationally. The year-in-review highlights how these political losses have compelled affected politicians to reassess strategies as Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 elections.

El-Rufai Says Buhari’s Civilian Presidency Fell Short Of Expectations, Blames Powerful Inner Circle Of Relatives And Advisers For Administration’s Failures

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has said the civilian presidency of the late President Muhammadu Buhari did not meet the expectations of many of his supporters, attributing the shortcomings to the influence and failures of a powerful inner circle of relatives, advisers and officials. In a statement following the launch of a book on Buhari’s legacy, El-Rufai criticised what he described as selective storytelling, political opportunism and revisionism by former critics now praising the ex-president. While acknowledging Buhari’s flaws in office, he defended his personal integrity and urged Nigerians to allow history to judge him fairly and let him rest in peace.

El-Rufai Denies Claim That 2027 Presidency Should Go To Southern Nigeria

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has dismissed reports suggesting he said the 2027 presidency should go to the South. He clarified that only statements made on his verified social media platforms or during interviews with recognized media should be attributed to him. El-Rufai stressed the importance of verifying information amid widespread misinformation and condemned the circulation of false claims by social media platforms.

2027 Election: Former Lawmakers Ask Court to Deregister ADC Over Poor Electoral Performance

A group of former federal lawmakers under the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The group alleged that the ADC failed to meet constitutional and Electoral Act requirements, including securing 25% of votes in any state during the last presidential election or winning any legislative seat in recent bye-elections. Citing Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, they argued that the party lacks the statutory criteria to remain registered. This development comes as the ADC reportedly plans to receive new lawmakers ahead of 2027, even as coalition members like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi continue efforts to build a united opposition against President Tinubu.

2027 Election: Adeyanju Predicts Peter Obi Will Align With Tinubu, Reject Opposition Coalition

Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju claimed that Peter Obi will ultimately align with President Bola Tinubu rather than work with the ADC-led opposition coalition. In a strong criticism posted on X, Adeyanju accused the Obidient movement of being fraudulent and vowed never to support Obi. Meanwhile, Obi has publicly maintained his willingness to collaborate with the broader opposition coalition, though he has not officially joined the ADC. Political heavyweights including Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai are part of the coalition seeking to unseat Tinubu in 2027. Despite this, commentators like Primate Elijah Ayodele insist Obi’s chances in 2027 remain slim.

Kaduna Government Withholds Federal Allocations From 23 LGAs for Months, Defying Supreme Court Autonomy Ruling




Kaduna State’s 23 local government councils have reportedly gone over three months without receiving their constitutionally mandated federal allocations, despite a July 2024 Supreme Court ruling granting full financial autonomy to local governments. Sources told SaharaReporters that since Governor Uba Sani assumed office in 2023, councils have only received N10 million monthly for limited expenses, apart from salaries. Officials say the withheld funds have crippled basic administration, including payment of casual staff, security response, logistics, and community support. Some councils—particularly in insecurity-prone areas like Giwa, Birnin Gwari, Kachia, and Kagarko—are unable to conduct essential operations.

Local government insiders allege that media coverage has been muted due to political pressure and accuse the Ministry for Local Governments of diverting funds into private accounts. The financial crisis has reignited tensions between Governor Uba Sani and former governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently accused Sani of mismanaging resources and diverting public funds. However, a Kaduna State House of Assembly report also indicts El-Rufai’s own administration for large-scale financial mismanagement, irregular contracts, and misuse of both domestic and foreign loans between 2015 and 2023. Councils now await the restoration of federal allocations to function according to the Supreme Court’s directive.

While commending Hon. Bello El-Rufai for condemning the cruel & unusual penalty slammed on MAZI NNAMDI KANU, let it be clear that #MNK is not a terrorist simply because the court labeled him as one. Mandela was also labeled a terrorist but he triumphed. MNK shall also triumph.

“Beyond recruitment, we urgently need to increase the basic salary and welfare of police officers and soldiers, and we must find the money to do so” — Hon. Bello El-Rufai (Kaduna North)

WATCH: El-Rufai’s Son Condemns Disparities In Terrorism Sentencing, Questions Why Boko Haram Convict Got 20 Years While Nnamdi Kanu Faces Life

El-Rufai Obtains ADC Membership Card In Kaduna

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after collecting his membership card in Kaduna. He said the ADC offers Nigerians a credible alternative to the ruling APC, which he criticised for incompetence. El-Rufai urged youths to register with the party ahead of the 2027 elections. His move comes just three days after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also joined the ADC. The party, now led by interim chairman David Mark and secretary Rauf Aregbesola, is positioning itself as the main coalition to challenge the APC in 2027.

"Let heads roll, save Nigeria"- Okon of Lagos urges President Tinubu to prosecute Sheikh Gumi.

Popular Nollywood actor, Imeh Bishop Umoh, popularly known as Okon of Lagos, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to prosecute Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi for terrorism.

Gumi has been known to push for negotiation with terrorists in their hide outs and also defending their actions.

Speaking via an open letter addressed to the president, Umoh asserted that Gumi is a well known banditry apologist and should be prosecuted if found guilty of terrorism.

Lamenting on the situation in the country, Umoh insisted that no responsible government negotiates with terrorists.

The actor wrote on Instagram: “Sheikh Gumi is a proven banditry apologist. It’s visible to the blind and audible to the deaf that there is a huge deficiency, if not a total lack of courage to arrest, investigate and subsequently prosecute and convict Sheikh Gumi if found culpable for terrorism.

“According to El-Rufai, the only repentant terrorist is a dead one and I totally agree. Keel them all! Save Nigeria!!

“No responsible government negotiates with terrorists!!!”

He added: “Yes there may be political pressures from sacred cows, but at this point does it matter? Let sacred cows be touched. Let heads roll. That’s not too much ado for our roads and farmlands to be safe again, our communities livable, as well as our churches and sacred worship centers, safe like before

“Our country is near gone. Let’s save what’s remaining of this already existing ruins and restore her back to glory. Mr. President Sir, I know you can. I hope you will.”

Wike vs Soldiers: Ordinary President hails Lieutenant Yerima.

The host of Brekete Family, a Human Rights Radio and Television programme, Ahmed Isah, popularly known as “Ordinary President,” has hailed Naval officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, for his conduct during a confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, and FCT Administration officials.

He spoke while calling on Wike or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to apologize over the Minister’s abusive language on Lt. Yerima.

Speaking on the Brekete Family programme on Wednesday, Ordinary President said: “Nigerians, in case we are deceiving ourselves, it’s not democracy that is holding this country [Nigeria] together.

“If the military decides to remove its hands from the matter that concerns this country, all of us are finished. I am not supporting the military to intimidate people, and I will not support the military being disrespected.

“What happened yesterday, that soldier that stood there [Lt. Yerima was representing Tinubu and Nigerians, and Wike disrespected him, and the people around Wike cannot advise him.

“I was expecting Wike to tender an apology since yesterday, and up till now, he has not apologized. This Lieutenant Yerima is the true reflection of the discipline our Nigerian military has. Let’s appreciate him.

“He respectfully neutralized the situation. Lieutenant Yerima, we are proud of you; you made the military proud and Nigerians proud. We are waiting for Wike to tender an unreserved apology.

“If Wike doesn’t apologize, Tinubu must apologize on his behave. We demand that you apologize. This is getting too much; people around him should advise him. Go and see El-Rufai, where is El-Rufai today?”

Obasanjo Finally Reveals Why He Rejected El-Rufai as His Successor in 2007.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has opened up on why he refused to choose former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as his preferred successor when he was leaving office in 2007.

Speaking at the second edition of the Ajibosin Platform Annual Symposium held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo disclosed that El-Rufai was one of his trusted aides during his administration.

However, he turned down the suggestion to make him president because he believed the former FCT Minister was “not yet mature enough” to handle Nigeria’s leadership at the time.

According to Obasanjo, the idea was pushed to him towards the end of his administration, but he refused to yield, insisting that El-Rufai still had a lot to learn before being ready for such responsibility.

The former president made the revelation while reacting to a speech by former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, who delivered the keynote address at the event.

Chidoka had recalled how El-Rufai introduced him to Obasanjo at age 34; a meeting that later led to his appointment as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Interrupting Chidoka’s remarks, Obasanjo said with a smile, “Let him tell you. He didn’t mention that when I was leaving government, he was pushing that his friend, El-Rufai, should be brought in as my successor.” Turning to Chidoka, he added jokingly, “No be so?” to which Chidoka nodded in agreement.

Obasanjo continued, “I did not yield to the pressure. Later, he asked why I didn’t agree, and I told him El-Rufai needed to mature. Many years later, after seeing his performance, he came back to me and said, ‘You were absolutely correct — El-Rufai needed to mature.’”

Olubadan Ladoja Bows Out of Politics, Declares Himself Leader for All

The newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has announced his complete withdrawal from partisan politics, pledging to serve as a father to all.

The declaration came on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, during a visit to his Ibadan palace by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, alongside ex-Senate President Iyorchia Ayu, former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Liyel Imoke, among other dignitaries.

Atiku, who missed the coronation four days earlier due to “protocol issues,” tendered an apology, clarifying it was not an act of disregard.

Responding, Oba Ladoja left no room for doubt:
“I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. I belong to everybody now.”

The monarch emphasized that while he shared political history with many of his guests, his new role demands neutrality, justice, and fairness. He vowed to rule with equity and called for support in serving Ibadan, Oyo State, and beyond.

The meeting ended warmly, marking a new chapter in Oba Ladoja’s journey—from politician to revered traditional ruler.

How N2bn loan allegation stopped Buhari from appointing Audu Ogbeh SGF – El-Rufai.

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday night revealed how a false bank-loan allegation derailed former President Muhammadu Buhari’s initial plan to appoint Chief Audu Ogbeh as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.

Speaking during a Night of Tribute held at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, ICC, in Abuja, El-Rufai narrated a behind-the-scenes encounter shortly after the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the 2015 presidential election.

According to him, a close friend who had worked for the party’s victory sought his help to secure the SGF position.

El-Rufai said he approached Buhari, then president-elect, who explained that he intended to pick a Christian from the Middle Belt for the top job and asked El-Rufai to relay the decision.

El-Rufai recounted that Buhari later confided he had settled on Audu Ogbeh, describing him as his only choice for the post.

However, the plan changed when some individuals around the president allegedly claimed that Ogbeh owed banks as much as N2 billion from his agricultural ventures and would be distracted by personal debts.

“The next time the president called me, he said some things had come up and he was appointing someone else as SGF,” El-Rufai told the audience.

“After the announcement, I found out he had been told Chief Ogbeh owed a huge loan and would focus on repaying it instead of the job.

El-Rufai Warns Tinubu Could Become ‘Nigeria’s Paul Biya’

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has warned that President Bola Tinubu risks becoming “Nigeria’s Paul Biya” if not voted out in the 2027 elections. Hosting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai accused the APC-led government of centralizing power, undermining federalism, and posing a greater threat to democracy than past military regimes.

He described Tinubu’s administration as “a disgrace to democratic ideals,” cautioning that failure to act decisively in 2027 could entrench authoritarian rule similar to Biya’s decades-long stay in power in Cameroon.

El-Rufai: Tinubu Govt Worse Than Military Regimes

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has described President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a bigger threat to democracy than past military governments. Speaking during a solidarity visit from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai labeled the government “a disgrace to the principles of democracy,” accusing it of authoritarian tendencies and centralizing power at the expense of federalism.

He compared Tinubu to Cameroon’s Paul Biya and warned that unless stopped in 2027, Tinubu could entrench himself in power. El-Rufai added that even past military leaders, including Buhari, were more tolerant of opposition than the current administration.

Atiku commended El-Rufai’s boldness and urged opposition leaders to unite in order to democratically unseat Tinubu in the 2027 elections.