SBM Intelligence

Presidential campaigns have begun in Nigeria, with incumbent Bola Tinubu seeking reelection amid worsening economic and security crises that have generated voter anger. While challenged by many opposition candidates, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, analysts note that a split anti-incumbent vote could give the president an advantage. Despite his election promises, critics argue that poor implementation of massive economic reforms has led to severe national hardship.

Nigeria’s Senate approved a bill to allow states to create their own police forces to address rising insecurity. The reform aims to decentralize policing, enabling states to handle local security while the federal police manage national issues like counterterrorism. The legislation, supported by the president and bipartisan lawmakers, requires approval from two-thirds of state assemblies due to constitutional changes.