President Bola Tinubu’s defence of sweeping economic reforms in his third anniversary address, political reactions trailing Atiku Abubakar’s emergence as the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate and the Presidency’s dismissal of his 2027 chances, are part of stories making headlines this morning.
Also in the news are Peter Obi’s ratification under a new political platform, heightened Ebola alert across multiple states, and the emergence of Aminu Gwarzo as Kano governorship candidate under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, reflecting shifting political alignments, governance debates, and health security concerns shaping national discourse ahead of 2027.
Here’s your complete morning roundup:
Third anniversary: Tough reforms ended forex, subsidy rackets, says Tinubu
Mounting economic defence, President Bola Tinubu marked his third anniversary in office by defending his administration’s sweeping reforms, insisting they have stabilised the economy and ended long-standing subsidy and forex distortions.
He said the policies were necessary to stop fiscal leakages and redirect resources to development priorities, while pointing to gains in infrastructure, education funding, housing, and investor confidence.
Tinubu said Nigeria previously faced severe structural and fiscal pressures that required urgent action. He stated, “When this administration assumed office, our nation faced profound economic and structural difficulties,” adding that subsidy payments and forex arbitrage had drained national resources. He also said, “We chose reform over ruin and decisiveness over hesitation,” stressing that leadership demanded difficult but necessary choices.
He further noted that despite public hardship caused by rising living costs, key indicators such as the stock market, government revenues, and infrastructure development show signs of recovery and stability.
Read here: https://punchng.com/third-anniversary-tough-reforms-ended-forex-subsidy-rackets-says-tinubu/
2027: Presidency waves off Atiku threat as ex-VP woos Amaechi
Fresh political dismissal, the Presidency has downplayed Atiku Abubakar’s chances ahead of 2027 following his emergence as the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, insisting the opposition lacks the structure to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
The reaction followed Atiku’s victory over Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in a primary marked by controversy and boycott from some contestants.
The Presidency, through Temitope Ajayi, said the coalition backing Atiku is driven by grievances rather than ideology or governance vision.
He said, “Atiku is welcomed. It is a familiar terrain for him,” adding that “he doesn’t pose any threat to President Tinubu’s election,” while describing the alliance as fragmented and unstable.
He further argued that unlike the 2015 opposition merger, the current coalition lacks unity and coherence, making it incapable of mounting a strong electoral challenge in 2027.
Read here: https://punchng.com/2027-presidency-waves-off-atiku-threat-as-ex-vp-woos-amaechi/
NDC ratifies Obi as presidential candidate today
Rising political alignment, the Nigeria Democratic Congress is set to ratify Peter Obi as its presidential candidate following his emergence as sole aspirant in the party’s nationwide primaries.
The exercise also includes governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly selections across the country despite logistical challenges linked to public holidays.
Party officials said results will be centrally collated and announced by the National Working Committee, stressing that no state-level body is authorised to declare outcomes independently.
Preparatory activities were adjusted due to transportation constraints affecting delegates and officials.
Party chairman Moses Cleopas said, “The primaries are still scheduled to be held nationwide on May 29, 2026,” adding that strict adherence to guidelines remains mandatory.
Read here: https://punchng.com/ndc-ratifies-obi-as-presidential-candidate-today/
Ebola emergency watch begins in Lagos, FCT, eight states
Heightened health surveillance, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has placed Lagos, the FCT, and several other states on high Ebola alert following the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain in parts of East and Central Africa.
The agency warned that regional transmission, international travel, and porous borders increase the risk of importation into Nigeria.
The NCDC reported over 1,000 suspected cases and hundreds of deaths in affected countries, noting that the strain currently has no approved vaccine or treatment.
It directed states with major entry points to activate emergency response systems and strengthen surveillance.
The agency said, “The current Bundibugyo virus outbreak has no licensed vaccines or approved targeted therapeutics,” urging early detection even when symptoms resemble malaria or other common illnesses. Lagos authorities, however, said no suspected cases have been recorded.
Read here: https://punchng.com/ebola-emergency-watch-begins-in-lagos-fct-eight-states/
Ex-deputy governor Gwarzo emerges Kano NDC gov candidate
Political consolidation move, Aminu Gwarzo has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Kano following internal consultations within the Kwankwasiyya political structure.
The announcement also confirmed Nasiru Gawuna as the party’s senatorial candidate for Kano Central ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kwankwaso said the decision was based on fairness, loyalty, and competence.
He stated, “I am delighted to announce that His Excellency, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo has been selected as our Kano NDC gubernatorial candidate,” adding that the move reflects unity within the party structure.
Both Gwarzo and Gawuna are former deputy governors with long-standing political experience in Kano, with party leaders expressing confidence in the ticket’s strength going into the polls.
Read here: https://punchng.com/ex-deputy-governor-gwarzo-emerges-kano-ndc-gov-candidate/