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.

Nass Releases the Four Ceetified Tax Acts to Public
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‎The National Assembly has released the four tax reform Acts duly signed into law by President Bola Tinubu for public record, verification and reference.
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‎House Spokesman Akin Rotimi says the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker, House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, directed the immediate release of the Certified True Copies of the Acts, including the endorsement and assent pages signed by the President.
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‎Rotimi says this is to dispel public concerns and allegations regarding purported alterations and the circulation of unauthorised and misleading versions of the laws.
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‎The four Acts released are:
‎• The Nigeria Tax Act, 2025
‎• The Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025
‎• The National Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025
‎• The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, 2025.
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‎Rotimi further notes that parliament would remain vigilant and proactive in defending the integrity of its work, clarifying that the only authentic and authoritative versions of the four tax Acts are those certified and released by the National Assembly.

Tinubu Appoints EFCC Lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, as Director of Public Prosecutions to Strengthen Federal Government’s Legal and Anti-Corruption Strategy

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of seasoned anti-corruption lawyer, Mr Rotimi Iseoluwa Oyedepo, SAN, as the new Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Federal Ministry of Justice. The appointment, announced on December 30, 2025, involves Oyedepo’s transfer of service from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the mainstream Federal Civil Service in what the government described as a decision made in the public interest. Oyedepo will replace Mr Abubakar Babadoko, who is set to retire after completing the mandatory eight-year tenure as a director on December 31, 2025. A law graduate of the University of Ilorin and alumnus of the Nigerian Law School, Oyedepo brings over 15 years of experience in prosecuting complex economic and financial crimes at the EFCC, where he also served as Head of the Monitoring Unit. He was part of the Federal Government’s legal team in the landmark P&ID arbitration case. The Presidency said his appointment is expected to reduce reliance on external legal counsel, strengthen prosecution capacity, and ensure greater consistency in the government’s legal strategies, particularly in high-profile corruption cases.

Nollywood actor, Rotimi Salami releases an official announcement from his Late bestie, Allwell Ademola's family

Ogun Police Arrest Eight Yoruba Nation Agitators for ‘Unlawful Assembly’ in Sango-Ota

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested eight individuals linked to the group “Democratic Republic of the Yoruba” for allegedly engaging in unlawful assembly, obstructing traffic, and assaulting police officers in Sango-Ota. The arrests followed incidents at Temidire Junction and the Sango-Ota under-bridge, where the group reportedly barricaded roads, set bonfires, and disrupted public order.
Police recovered a Toyota Dyna vehicle used by the group, public address speakers, flags, shirts, banners, and a manifesto connected to the agitation. The suspects—identified as Adewale Sosanya, Opeyemi Oladotun, Zara Gabriel, Ajoke Gabriel, Adewale Adebomojo, Yusuf Tanimowo, Olurotimi Ademola, and Toyin Gabriel—are under investigation and will be charged to court once the probe concludes.
The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, warning that any acts breaching public peace or assaults on officers will face decisive action. Residents were urged to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities promptly.

Ex-Ondo Governor Akeredolu’s Convoy Staff Demand Unpaid Allowances Nearly Two Years After His Passing

Over 50 security and support personnel from the convoy of the late Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu have appealed to the state government for payment of outstanding Duty Tour Allowances (DTA) nearly two years after his tenure. The affected workers, including DSS operatives, police officers, Amotekun personnel, and official drivers, claim they served diligently during official assignments, including the governor’s medical trips, yet remain unpaid. They cite ethical and biblical principles, urging the government to investigate the pending allowances and ensure justice for those who served, some of whom passed away without receiving compensation.

#OluwarotimiAkeredolu
#UnpaidAllowances
#OndoStateWorkersRights

HEDA Urges Former AGF Abubakar Malami to Face Corruption Allegations Instead of Claiming EFCC Bias

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has called on former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to submit to investigations and address allegations of corruption and abuse of office. HEDA criticized Malami for accusing the EFCC of bias and political persecution, calling it a distraction from substantive issues. The civil society organization highlighted the continued secrecy of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry report, which raises doubts about its credibility. HEDA noted that key individuals targeted by the panel, including Ibrahim Magu, Rotimi Oyedepo, and current EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, have since advanced professionally, reinforcing concerns that the panel was politically motivated. HEDA stressed that accountability should take precedence over personal grievances and political considerations.

High Court Orders Attachment of Ondo Govt Funds to Pay ₦30m Compensation to Amputee Shot by Amotekun Operatives

An Ondo State High Court in Akure has ordered the attachment of Ondo State Government funds across multiple commercial banks to enforce payment of a ₦30 million judgment debt to Mr. Oluwasegun Oluwarotimi, a commercial motorcyclist shot by Amotekun operatives in 2021. The injury later resulted in the amputation of his leg. Justice Omolara Adejumo granted the garnishee order after the state government failed to comply with the court’s 2023 judgment, which was upheld after the Court of Appeal struck out the government’s appeal. The ruling directs banks holding state funds to attach and remit the judgment sum, reinforcing accountability for human rights violations by state-backed security agencies.

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.

Former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has departed Abuja for Port Harcourt today.

Senator Oshiomhole blasts Rotimi Amaechi, says he shut down Rivers' judiciary for two years because he wanted to appoint his favourite as Chief Judge of Rivers State and didn't have his way.

You Go Explain Tire, Evidence Boku—Farotimi On Wike Saying He Never Called Naval Officer A Fool.

In a recent statement via his official X account, public affairs commentator and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has reacted to the latest controversy surrounding the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The minister has denied ever calling a naval officer “a fool,” even though a video circulating online appears to show him making the statement.

"You go explain tire, evidence boku," he wrote.

In his post, Farotimi mocked the denial and suggested that evidence was already widespread.

I’m Not Happy With Wike’s Professionalism;Imagine If Courage Had Pushed Him To Slap The Officer-Dele Farotimi.

Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist Dele Farotimi has expressed disappointment over Governor Nyesom Wike’s conduct during a recent clash with a naval officer in Abuja concerning a land dispute.

Farotimi made his remarks while responding to an online user who suggested that Wike might have faced the consequences of his own alleged tendencies to oppress, implying that the FCT Minister’s resistance was a form of justified backlash.

The incident, which occurred on November 11, 2025, saw the FCT Minister confront Naval Officer Lieutenant David Yerima in Abuja's Gaduwa District over a disputed land plot that was illegally allocated to a former naval chief. Wike's team attempted demolition while officers blocked access, leading to a tense standoff captured in viral videos.

In a post on his official X handle, Farotimi sarcastically criticized Wike for maintaining professionalism during the encounter. He hinted that the situation could have turned much more dramatic if Wike had acted on impulse, noting the restraint shown in the face of provocation.

According to Dele Farotimi on his official X account:

"Me that is not too happy at his professionalism, imagine if Wike’s Dutch courage had pushed him to slap the officer."

Who Swear For Us - Farotimi Slams Senate Bill That Repentant Terrorists To Enjoy Foreign Education.

Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has expressed outrage over a resurfaced front-page newspaper report indicating that the Nigerian Senate once considered a bill to sponsor “repentant terrorists” for foreign education.

Reacting via his X account (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, October 26, 2025, Farotimi questioned the country’s moral and political direction, writing, “Who swears for us? How do you say it is well with such a country?”

His post came after renewed public debate over the controversial headline, which first appeared on the front page of Punch Newspaper, reading, “Repentant terrorists to enjoy foreign education — Senate Bill.”

Farotimi continued, “How do you as an individual justify this to your own conscience? How did a society become so acculturated to insanity and abominations that this was the front page of a national newspaper, and there was nary a bleat?”

His remarks reflected deep frustration over what he described as widespread public silence on issues threatening national integrity.

The post that triggered his reaction had been made by a social media user who wrote, “The sort of front page news we see in Nigeria. This was around February of 2020 — a Nigerian Senate bill proposed granting foreign education to ‘repentant terrorists.’ If something like this was presented to the legislative arm of the Nigerian government in 2020, imagine what must have been executed without going through the legislature in 2025.”

Farotimi, in his response, further condemned the lack of accountability, adding, “How did a country’s senate get away with such an act of national security compromise? How do you divorce the APC and its supporters from charges of terrorism and subversion of national security interests? Ask questions.”

Reactions As Dele Farotimi Warns Egbetokun: Nothing Must Happen To Yele, He Went To Custody Healthy.

Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has stirred widespread reactions on social media following a post shared on his official X account (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

In the strongly worded message, Farotimi expressed concern over the detention of activist Omoyele Sowore, warning authorities against any harm coming to him while in custody.

He wrote, “Let me be clear… nothing must happen to Yele. He went into custody healthy, a victim of an intolerant fascist state, and absolutely nothing must happen to him. Egbetokun! You have been warned.”

His post quickly drew attention from users who echoed his fears about rising political repression and the shrinking space for dissenting voices in the country.

One user reacted by calling out the silence of elder statesmen, saying, “This is the right time for Prof Wole Soyinka to talk about fascist, but it’s very unfortunate that he has lost his voice.”

Another comment reinforced Farotimi’s warning to the police chief, stating, “Egbetokun! You have been seriously warned. Nothing unpleasant must happen to Yele.”

A different user lamented the nation’s current state, writing, “Yes o, we’re fast drifting into a police state, a failed one.”

Judgment creditor petitions CJN, accuses SAN of misconduct.

A judgment creditor, Mr Kunle Rotimi, has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, accusing a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) of alleged professional misconduct and deliberately obstructing justice in his long-running case against the National Universities Commission (NUC).

In a letter dated October 2, 2025, addressed to the CJN and copied to the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Rotimi alleged that the SAN who represents the NUC had filed “frivolous motions” and “false affidavits” to delay enforcement of final court judgments delivered in his favour.

According to Rotimi, his legal battle with the NUC dates to 1996, culminating in victories at both the National Industrial Court (July 6, 2020) and the Court of Appeal (June 28, 2024).

He accused the Commission of failing to comply with the appellate court’s orders more than 16 months after the final judgment.

Rotimi claimed that, despite serving Form 48 and Form 49 (the statutory notices for contempt proceedings) on five principal officers of the NUC, the Commission, through the SAN, he has been

“wilfully obstructing” justice by filing motions aimed at frustrating contempt proceedings.

“He has filed motions in defence of criminal contempt and impunity against the Constitution, which mandates obedience to court orders,” Rotimi wrote.

He further alleged that two affidavits filed by the SAN in April 2025 contained “perjury and forgery” by claiming that some NUC officials were no longer in the Commission’s employment and that the judgment had been fully complied with—claims Rotimi described as “false and misleading.”

“Unite or Perish!” — Dele Farotimi Urges Nigerians to Oust APC and Rebuild the Nation


Prominent human rights lawyer and political commentator Dele Farotimi has issued a passionate call for Nigerians to unite and take decisive action to rescue the country from what he describes as the “destructive rule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

In a post shared on his verified X (Twitter) account, Farotimi warned that the APC government has brought nothing but corruption, insecurity, and economic suffering to the people, insisting that the only way forward is collective resistance and national unity.

He wrote:

“If Nigerians do not unite to get rid of the APC and rebuild their nation for their own good, the APC will keep doing what it does best — kill, steal, and destroy. Imagine the outrageous figures Professor Umahi is quoting.”



Farotimi accused the ruling party of betraying its campaign promises, enriching the elite while leaving millions of Nigerians impoverished. He described recent government spending revelations — reportedly cited by Minister of Works David Umahi — as “shameful and obscene,” saying they reflect how detached the political class has become from the real struggles of ordinary citizens

“The Most Honorable in Tinubu’s Cabinet” — Dele Farotimi Hails Uche Nnaji’s Resignation, Sparks Online Reactions


Human rights activist and outspoken political commentator, Dele Farotimi, has set social media abuzz after describing Uche Nnaji, the recently resigned Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, as “the most honorable” member of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet.

Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Farotimi wrote:

“I don’t know him, and I no send am. But this guy is more honorable than every other person in the cabinet from which he has ‘honorably’ resigned. When is the aspiring Hitler of Obiakpor resigning, and would the honorable president be following suit?”


Farotimi’s post came shortly after reports confirmed that Nnaji tendered his resignation, reportedly citing integrity concerns and internal disagreements within the administration.

His statement quickly went viral, drawing thousands of reactions from Nigerians online — some applauding Nnaji’s courage, others interpreting Farotimi’s remarks as a veiled criticism of the current government.

One user commented:

“100%. WW is an SPV. Most people didn’t even know who the minister was because he hasn’t promoted innovation for nearly 1000 days. At least WW is commissioning roads. His time is almost up too.”


Another user alleged political pressure behind Nnaji’s exit, claiming:

“Emilokan ordered him to resign or be sacked. Two forgers can’t stay in the same boat.”


Others questioned the credibility of the administration’s vetting process, pointing fingers at the Department of State Services (DSS) for missing key details during Nnaji’s appointment.

“They’re still defending the coastal road. When they’re done, we’ll know what truly happened. The DSS was supposed to vet him — how did they miss this? We’re in serious trouble. Still, congratulations to him for leaving,” another user wrote.

Nnaji’s resignation and Farotimi’s fiery reaction have reignited public discussions about integrity, transparency, and accountability in the Nigerian government.

I Don't Know Him But This Guy Is More Honourable Than Every Other Person In Cabinet- Farotimi.

Nigerian activist and author, Dele Farotimi has described the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji as the most honourable individual in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This statement was contained in a post that he shared on his official X handle on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

His statement is coming after Channels TV announced that Uche Nnaji has resigned from his position as the MInister of Innovation, Science and Technology over issues surrounding his certificates.

The report further stated that a painstaking two-year investigation that was carried out has shown that Nnaji allegedly forged the credentials that he submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation.

However, Dele Farotimi has now stated that Uche Nnaji is an honourable person for resigning from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Here is what Dele Farotimi wrote on his official X handle;

"I don't know him and I don't send him but this guy is more honourable than every other person in the cabinet from which he has honourably resigned".