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.

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.

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.

Presidency: Tinubu Won’t Extend Tenure Beyond 2031

The Presidency has dismissed claims by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai that President Bola Tinubu plans to extend his stay in power beyond 2031. El-Rufai had accused the Tinubu administration of drifting toward authoritarianism, likening him to Cameroon’s long-serving leader Paul Biya, and warned of threats to Nigeria’s democracy.

In response, Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga described El-Rufai’s allegations as “baseless and absurd,” insisting Tinubu remains committed to democracy and will leave office by May 28, 2031, if re-elected in 2027. Onanuga said El-Rufai’s remarks reflect frustration over his failed bid to rally opposition against Tinubu, and suggested he might need “professional counselling.”

You Need Help’ Presidency Attacks El-Rufai Over Tinubu ‘Life President Claim.

The presidency has criticised the submission by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as a desperate act of a man threatened by the rising political profile of President Bola Tinubu.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Monday, submitted that El-Rufai is hallucinating and needs help.

Onanuga’s submission comes in direct response to the former Governor’s claim that President Tinubu may become president for life if Nigerians fail to unite and remove him in 2027.

However, the presidential media aide, in a statement released late on Sunday, said El-Rufai’s declaration is another failed attempt to remove Tinubu from power.

He said Northerners and indeed Nigerians have expressed their love and support for Tinubu, in contrast to what El-Rufai and his associates want the public to believe that the region has abandoned Tinubu.

Onanuga added that Tinubu is a committed democrat who has no intention of remaining in office beyond the constitutionally allowed two years.

He dismissed El-Rufai’s speculation that Tinubu may want to become a life president as unfounded and baseless.

“Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai appears to need some help, especially given his recent unfounded claims and speculations about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is increasingly evident that El-Rufai has recognised the futility of attempts by his associates in his new party to prevent President Tinubu’s likely re-election in 2027. This plot is proving to be unattainable, a mission doomed to fail.

“After reports of the grand reception President Tinubu received in Kaduna last Friday, El-Rufai was clearly surprised by the depth of support the President continues to enjoy in the North. This stands in stark contrast to his narrative that the region has abandoned the President.

Malam Nasir EL-Rufai is the master of ambivalence. Once upon a time, he supported and led the way in paying bandits to calm them. Today, in the name of politics, he opposes it.

BREAKING: El-Rufai Petitions Police Service Commission, Demands Probe Into Kaduna Police Over Invitation For Questioning

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has petitioned the Police Service Commission (PSC), accusing the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna and some officers of “unprofessional conduct, abuse of office, and serial violations of the Police Act 2020 and regulations.”

In a petition dated September 8, 2025, and addressed to the PSC Chairman, El-Rufai demanded an immediate, impartial, and exhaustive investigation into what he described as unlawful and unconstitutional actions by the Kaduna police authorities.

“I am writing as a citizen of Nigeria and former governor of Kaduna State to lodge this complaint and demand an investigation. This will assist the Commission in discharging its constitutional functions under the law,” El-Rufai stated.

He noted that his concerns went beyond personal grievances, stressing that his petition was about protecting the future of policing in Nigeria.

“I submit this petition with a profound sense of responsibility as a citizen who has served at national and subnational levels. My motivation is concern for the Nigerian Police Force, which remains the primary law enforcement institution despite its challenges,” he added.

The former governor urged the PSC to act decisively in enforcing accountability and discipline within the Force, insisting that public trust in the police depends on strict adherence to professionalism and ethics.

The development comes days after the Kaduna State Police Command invited El-Rufai and several members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for questioning over allegations of criminal conspiracy, incitement, mischief, and causing grievous hurt.

A letter dated September 4, 2025, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (CID), Uzainu Abdullahi, had directed the ADC chairman in Kaduna to produce El-Rufai and six others at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on September 8.

Those invited include:

Bashir Sa’idu

Jafaru Sani

Ubaidullah Mohammed (“30”)

Nasiru Maikano

Aminu Abita

Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini (“Mikiya”)

Last week, SaharaReporters reported that security operatives sealed off the ADC state office in Kaduna, just hours before a scheduled solidarity visit by the party’s Northwest leadership. The office closure followed an attack on ADC members by suspected political thugs a week earlier.

Crowds in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Saturday staged a protest against former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, for bringing ex-Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Odenigbo Lecture Series organised by the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri.
~@DailyPostNGR

Viral Moment: Peter Obi & El-Rufai’s Warm Embrace Sparks Political Buzz

Former governors Peter Obi of Anambra State and Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State set social media abuzz after a video of them warmly embracing went viral.

The clip, shared on the official Peter Obi Grassroots Mobilization X handle on Saturday, September 6, 2025, captured the moment at an event in Owerri, Imo State. Obi walked up to El-Rufai, extended a handshake, and the two exchanged a brief hug — a gesture that quickly ignited reactions across the country.

The encounter drew heightened interest as both politicians are now members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), an opposition coalition positioning itself as a formidable challenger to Nigeria’s dominant political blocs.

Online reactions have been mixed:
Some Nigerians applauded the display of cordiality between the two opposition figures.
Others speculated about the political undertones of their alliance, questioning whether it signals a deeper strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.

Screenshots of these comments continue to circulate, reflecting curiosity, excitement, and skepticism about what the handshake and hug could mean for Nigeria’s political landscape.