2027 CAMPAIGNS BEGIN: TINUBU FACES BIGGEST POLITICAL TEST YET AS OPPOSITION GATHERS STRENGTH

President Bola Tinubu and opposition leaders enter a crucial phase as Nigeria's 2027 election campaigns officially begin.
Designed by ZpotHub News 

ABUJA — The drums have started beating.

After months of quiet talks, backroom deals, and "let's wait and see" politics, Nigeria has officially entered campaign season for the 2027 general elections. And right in the center of it all is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Three years into his first term, Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress are now asking Nigerians for 4 more years. But this time, it will not be as easy as 2023.

The opposition is not sleeping. The economy is shouting. Insecurity is still knocking. And millions of young Nigerians are watching with their PVCs in one hand and their phones in the other.

This is not just another election cycle. This is a referendum on Tinubu's reforms.

TINUBU GOES FOR ROUND 2

Let's call it what it is. President Tinubu wants a second term.

Under the APC banner, he is making the case that the tough decisions he made in 2023 were not to punish Nigerians, but to save the country in the long run.

His team keeps pointing to 2 big moves: the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market.

According to the government, those 2 policies stopped the bleeding. They say subsidy was draining billions that should have gone to roads, schools, and hospitals. They say the old FX system was creating a playground for a few big boys while businesses suffered.

And yes, to be fair, government revenue has gone up. States are getting more allocation. Some infrastructure projects have started moving.

But here is the other side of the story that every market woman in Mile 12 and every bike man in Kano will tell you:

Life got harder. Fast.

Fuel went from 185 naira to over 900 naira in some places. Food prices doubled. Transport became a problem. School fees went up. And salaries? They did not move at the same speed.

Reports this week say Tinubu's re-election bid will test whether Nigerians believe the pain was worth it.

The next 18 months of campaigning will be the APC's chance to answer that question. Their message will be simple: "We took the bitter medicine. Now let us finish the treatment so you can get better."

Whether voters buy that story is the whole game.

THE OPPOSITION: CAN THEY FINALLY GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER?

If the APC has one job, the opposition has a harder one.

They don't just have to say "Tinubu must go." They have to say "And here is a better plan."

And that is where things get interesting.

The names you have heard before are all back on the table.

YOU CAN ALSO LIKE: 2027 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: ATIKU, PETER OBI, MAKINDE AND OPPOSITION LEADERS INTENSIFY TALKS AGAINST TINUBU ‎

Peter Obi of the Labour Party. The man who shook the 2023 election and proved that the youth vote is real. He is still very popular online and in the Southeast and parts of the Middle Belt.

Atiku Abubakar of the PDP. A veteran of presidential contests. He has structure, money, and experience. But the question of "is it his turn again?" keeps coming up.

Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP. He owns Kano and has serious influence in the North. He proved in 2023 that he cannot be ignored.

A fresh analysis published this Thursday morning asked the big question: Can these men put ego aside?

Because the math is simple. If Obi, Atiku, Kwankwaso, and others run separately again, they split the anti-APC vote. And Tinubu walks back in.

But if they form a coalition, a real one, not just press statements, then 2027 becomes a proper fight.

The challenge for them is not policy. It is trust. Can they trust each other enough to pick one candidate and stick with it? Can they convince Nigerians that it is not just about power, but about a new direction?

That is the test. And Nigerians are watching.

DAVID MARK DRAWS THE LINE: NO RIGGING

While politicians were busy strategizing, a strong warning came from the African Democratic Congress.

The party's National Chairman, Senator David Mark, came out on Thursday and said something many people have been thinking: The 2027 election must be free and fair. Period.

He warned against using state institutions to tilt the election. He said the credibility of INEC and security agencies is non-negotiable.

This matters because elections in Nigeria are rarely won on campaign grounds alone. They are also won in collation centers, in voter registration, and in how much the playing field is level.

The opposition has been saying this for months. They want to make sure that before the first ballot is cast, Nigerians believe the process will be fair.

If people do not believe their vote will count, they will not come out. And low turnout always favors the party in power.

So expect "electoral integrity" to be one of the biggest talking points of this campaign.

THE ECONOMY: THIS ELECTION WILL BE WON AND LOST ON GARRI AND FUEL

If you ask any Nigerian "what do you care about in 2027?", 8 out of 10 will say "money and food."

That is why the economy will dominate every rally, every debate, and every WhatsApp broadcast.

The Tinubu administration's argument is straightforward: "We inherited a broken system. Subsidy was a scam. Multiple FX rates were a scam. We had to fix it. It hurts now, but it will be better later."

They will point to increased FAAC allocations to states. They will talk about student loans. They will talk about new investments.

The opposition's argument will be: "We agree reforms were needed. But why is there no palliative that works? Why are food prices still rising? Why are people hungrier than 2023?"

This is the political calculation APC faces. Can they convince a mother in Ibadan who cannot buy a bag of rice that "just wait 2 more years" is a good enough answer?

Inflation, unemployment, and purchasing power will be on every poster. Every party will promise to "bring down food prices." The party that sounds most believable will get the vote.

SECURITY: THE ISSUE THAT WON'T GO AWAY

Beyond the economy, there is fear.

Terrorism in the Northeast. Banditry in the Northwest. Kidnapping on major highways. Herdsmen-farmer clashes in the Middle Belt. Sit-at-home in the Southeast.

Security is still one of the top 3 issues for 2027 voters. And it is personal.

If you live in a community where people are being kidnapped weekly, you do not care about FX unification. You care about "will my children be safe going to school?"

The APC will campaign on "we've made progress, give us time to finish the job." 

The opposition will campaign on "you've had 3 years, where is the result?"

For voters in Zamfara, Benue, Kaduna, and parts of Imo, this issue alone will decide their vote. Expect campaign promises on policing, community security, and military funding to get very loud.

THE YOUTH FACTOR: TIKTOK, TWITTER, AND THE PVC

We need to talk about young people.

Nigeria is a young country. Over 60 percent of voters are under 35. And they do not watch NTA. They are on TikTok, X, Instagram, and in WhatsApp groups.

In 2023, Peter Obi showed what happens when you connect with them. In 2027, every party will try to copy that playbook.

But young Nigerians in 2027 are not just looking for vibes. They want jobs. They want to know about tech, entrepreneurship, and NYSC reforms. They want to know if they can get a loan to start a business without knowing "someone."

If your campaign does not speak to unemployment and digital jobs, you have already lost a huge block of voters.

Expect to see a lot of "youth town halls," influencers being paid, and promises about the creative economy. The party that treats young people like real stakeholders, not just rally crowd-fillers, will have an advantage.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: THE ROAD TO 2027

So the campaigns have begun. What does that actually look like?

First, rallies will get bigger. Expect APC to start with Southwest and North Central. Expect the opposition to start where they are strong.

Second, money will move. This is when donors decide who to back. This is when billboards go up.

Third, defections will happen. Some governors and lawmakers will jump ship. Watch the news closely from now till December.

Fourth, media wars will start. TV, radio, and especially social media. Fake news, fact-checking, and propaganda will be everywhere.

Fifth, INEC will start the serious work. Voter registration updates, PVC collection, and timelines for primaries.

The biggest plot twist to watch: Coalition talks. If Obi, Atiku, and Kwankwaso sit in one room and come out with one name, the entire race changes overnight.

If they do not, APC's job becomes much easier.

THE BIG QUESTION FOR VOTERS

At the end of the day, 2027 comes down to 2 questions:

For Tinubu and APC: "Do you trust us to finish what we started? Was the pain worth it?"

For the Opposition: "If not them, then who? And can we trust you to do better?"

The next year will be full of promises. Roads, jobs, power, security. You have heard them before.

But this time, voters have 3 years of experience to judge with. They are not starting from zero.

FINAL THOUGHT

The 2027 election is still months away. But make no mistake, the battle has started now.

For President Tinubu, it is about legacy. Can he turn "bold reforms" into "better life" before Nigerians go back to the polls?

For the opposition, it is about unity. Can they stop fighting each other long enough to fight the APC?

And for you and me, it is about our daily lives. Food, fuel, safety, and the future.

Campaign season is here. The noise will get louder. The promises will get bigger.

Your job as a voter is to listen carefully, ask questions, and remember that in 2027, your vote is your voice.

Let us see how this plays out.

By Solomon Emmanuel | ZpotHub News

Reporting from Abuja

2027 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS START TODAY AS TINUBU, OBI, ATIKU, SOWORE ENTER THE RING

Political parties and candidates begin official campaigns for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.

ABUJA — FROM TODAY 19TH AUGUST 2026,POLITICAL POSTERS, RALLIES AND PROMISES WILL TAKE OVER AS NIGERIA OFFICIALLY BEGINS 2027 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS

ABUJA — It is official. The music trucks can start playing. The posters can go up. The long speeches can begin.

Today, Wednesday August 19, 2026, Nigeria enters the 2027 campaign season.

From this morning, candidates running for President and National Assembly can legally start telling you why you should vote for them. 

This is not consultations again. This is not backroom meetings. This is the real thing. 

And everyone is ready. 

President Bola Tinubu and the APC are dusting their campaign buses. Peter Obi and his team are planning town halls. Atiku Abubakar is meeting with governors and party men. Omoyele Sowore is already on social media firing shots. 

For the next several months, Nigeria will be loud. Very loud.

Let me break down what starts today, who is running, what they will likely campaign on, and what you should watch out for.

TODAY IS DAY ONE ACCORDING TO INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, released the timetable a while ago. 

According to that timetable, campaigns for President and National Assembly start today, August 19, 2026.

What does that mean. It means candidates can now hold rallies. They can buy TV and radio ads. They can print billboards. They can go from state to state telling you their plans.

But hold on. Not every election starts today.

Campaigns for Governorship and State House of Assembly will start later. That one is September 9, 2026. 

So for now, all the noise you will hear is about Aso Rock and the National Assembly. Governors and state lawmakers will join the party next month.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, used the opportunity to remind politicians of one thing. Keep it clean. 

He said this campaign should be about ideas. Talk about the economy. Talk about security. Talk about schools and hospitals. Stop the insults. Stop the tribal talk.

Whether they will listen is another story.

TINUBU IS COMING AS THE INCUMBENT

President Bola Tinubu will be running for a second term. That is no longer speculation. 

And he is coming with the APC machine behind him.

What will he campaign on. Simple. His record.

Expect to hear a lot about "Renewed Hope." Expect them to talk about the reforms. The removal of fuel subsidy. The unification of exchange rate. The tax reforms. The student loan. The roads and infrastructure projects.

The message will be, "Give us 4 more years to finish the job. The pain is part of the process. The results are coming."

That is the pitch.

But the opposition will have their own pitch too. And it will be loud.

YOU CAN ALSO LIKE THIS: TINUBU, OBI, SOWORE AND OTHER LEADERS SIGN 2027 PEACE ACCORD AS CAMPAIGNS BEGIN

They will talk about food prices. They will talk about inflation. They will talk about unemployment. They will talk about insecurity in some parts of the country.

So 2027 will basically be a referendum on Tinubu’s first term. 

Do Nigerians feel life is better. Do they believe things will get better with 4 more years. Or do they want a change.

That is the question every voter will answer at the ballot.

THE OPPOSITION FIELD IS GETTING CROWDED

If you think 2023 was competitive, wait for 2027.

Peter Obi is still in the picture. After his strong showing in 2023, he remains the face of a lot of young, first-time voters. People who want something different. 

Obi will likely campaign on cutting the cost of governance. On moving Nigeria from consumption to production. On fixing education and health. He has been saying it for 3 years now. Expect the same message, but louder.

Then there is Atiku Abubakar. The former Vice President is not new to this. He has run before. And he is currently working behind the scenes to build a strong opposition coalition. 

The big question for Atiku and Obi is, will they work together. Or will they run separately again. If they run separately, APC will have an advantage. If they unite, 2027 becomes a real fight.

Don’t forget Omoyele Sowore. He is already in campaign mode. He will be talking about revolution. About a new system. About arresting corrupt politicians. His crowd is smaller but very vocal online.

Other parties like SDP, NNPP, YPP are also moving. They are meeting in states. They are trying to build structures. 

So the field is not empty. 

PEACE ACCORD WAS SIGNED JUST YESTERDAY

Funny timing. Just one day before campaigns started, all the big names gathered in Abuja to sign a peace accord.

President Tinubu was represented by SGF George Akume. Peter Obi was there. Sowore was there. Party chairmen were there.

They all signed a paper promising peaceful campaigns. No violence. No hate speech. No attacking opponents.

Sowore used the moment to ask a hard question. "What is the point of signing if nobody gets punished when they break it."

And he has a point. Because just last week in Osun, we saw vote buying. We saw rice sharing. Police arrested a lawmaker with over 200 PVCs. Over 140 people were arrested.

So Nigerians are watching. Signing is one thing. Doing it is another.

The National Peace Committee, led by General Abdulsalami, said they will monitor. INEC said they will be firm. Police said they will be neutral.

We will see.

WHAT INEC AND POLICE ARE PROMISING

INEC says it will be impartial. "We will not favor anyone," Amupitan said. 

They are also promising that votes will count. That BVAS will work. That results will be uploaded.

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, also spoke. He said there will be more security at rallies and collation centers. He said police will not take sides.

That is good to hear. But Nigerians have heard promises before.

The test will come when two rival parties clash at a rally. The test will come when a big politician is caught buying votes. Will anyone be arrested. Will anyone be disqualified.

That is what people want to see.

WHAT NIGERIANS ACTUALLY WANT TO HEAR

Forget the rallies for a second. Forget the music.

What do people really want from this campaign.

They want answers.

Mama in the market wants to know, how will you reduce the price of rice and beans. 

The okada man wants to know, how will you create jobs so his children don’t depend on him forever.

The student wants to know, how will you fix ASUU strikes and make school affordable.

The business owner wants to know, how will you fix electricity so she doesn’t spend 200k on diesel every month.

The farmer in Benue wants to know, how will you stop bandits and let him go to his farm in peace.

These are the real issues.

If a candidate spends 30 minutes at a rally insulting the other person and 2 minutes talking about policy, people will notice.

Young Nigerians especially are tired of vibes. They want data. They want plans. They want to know how.

THE MONEY PROBLEM WILL COME UP

Let’s talk about it. Vote buying.

We saw it in Osun. We saw it in 2023. 

Politicians share money. They share rice. They share wrappers. And people collect it because times are hard.

But here is the truth. That 5k will finish in 2 days. But bad governance will last 4 years.

This campaign season, voters have a choice. Collect the money and still vote your conscience. Or reject it completely.

Civil society groups will be watching. INEC said they will arrest people. But it starts with you and me saying no.

WHAT THE NEXT FEW MONTHS WILL LOOK LIKE

From today, expect the following.

More rallies. Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Abuja. Big stages. Big sound. Celebrities will show up.

More defections. People will jump from one party to another. "I am leaving because of principle." We know how it goes.

More alliances. Meetings in Abuja hotels at 2am. "Let’s work together to defeat them."

More policy papers. Candidates will start releasing manifestos. Some will be 100 pages. Nobody will read all. But the summary will be everywhere.

More social media fights. Twitter, TikTok, Facebook will be war zones. Fake news will fly. Fact-checkers will be busy.

And more promises. "I will do this in 100 days." "I will create 10 million jobs." "I will end insecurity."

Your job as a voter is to ask, how.

WHY 2027 MATTERS SO MUCH

This is not just another election.

Nigeria is at a turning point. The reforms of the last 3 years have been painful. But the government says they are necessary for long term growth.

Do we continue with the current direction. Or do we change course.

Do we focus on production. Or do we keep importing everything.

Do we invest in education and health. Or do we keep borrowing.

These are the big questions.

2027 is where Nigerians decide.

A WORD TO THE POLITICIANS

You are asking for our votes. 

So talk to us like adults.

Don’t come and dance and leave. Tell us your plan.

Don’t use our tribe and religion to divide us. We live together. We suffer together.

Don’t send thugs to attack people. If you win by force, you will govern by fear.

And please, don’t die in office and leave us with problems. Take care of your health.

A WORD TO THE VOTERS

Your PVC is your power.

Don’t sell it.

Don’t sit at home and complain later.

Go and register if you haven’t. Go and vote. Go and protect your vote.

And after you vote, hold them accountable. Election day is not the end. It is the beginning.

THE CAMPAIGN HAS BEGUN

So here we are. August 19, 2026.

The gates are open.

Tinubu is running. Obi is running. Atiku is positioning. Sowore is running. Others are coming.

The next few months will be noisy. It will be messy sometimes. It will be interesting.

But at the end of it all, one person will be sworn in on May 29, 2027.

The question is, who deserves your vote.

Listen to them. Question them. Follow the money. Follow the track record.

And choose wisely.

Because this country is ours. Not theirs.

By Solomon Emmanuel | Zpothub News

TINUBU, OBI, SOWORE AND OTHER LEADERS SIGN 2027 PEACE ACCORD AS CAMPAIGNS BEGIN

ABUJA — The campaigns for 2027 have not even started properly, but the signatures are already on the table.

On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Nigeria’s political big names gathered at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. The reason was not a rally. It was not a debate. It was to sign the first National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections.

President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, Omoyele Sowore, party chairmen and candidates from different parties all signed. The message was clear. Let the 2027 elections be peaceful, issue-based and free of violence.

The timing was deliberate. INEC had already announced that campaigns for President and National Assembly will start on Wednesday, August 19. So this meeting was the last warning before posters, rallies and political fights take over the country.

Let me walk you through what happened inside that hall, who said what, and what it means for you and me.

THE SCENE IN ABUJA WAS TENSE BUT CALM

By 3pm, the area around the International Conference Centre was busy. Security operatives were everywhere. Party members wore their caps and t-shirts. You could see APC green, Labour Party red and white, and other party colors.

The event was organized by the National Peace Committee. The committee is chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar. Since 2015, they have been the ones bringing politicians together to sign peace deals before elections.

This year was not going to be different. The hall was filled. INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan was seated at the high table. The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu was also there. Ambassadors from the European Union and Switzerland came to observe. Civil society groups were present too.

Everyone understood the assignment. The 2027 election will be tough and competitive. So getting commitments early made sense.

TINUBU DID NOT COME BUT SENT SGF TO SIGN

President Bola Tinubu was not physically present at the event. Instead, he sent Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Akume walked up, signed on behalf of the President and then delivered a message from Aso Rock.

In the message, Tinubu said Nigeria is bigger than any personal ambition. He urged politicians to put the country first during the campaign period. He also stressed the need to respect democratic institutions like INEC, the courts and the police.

RELATED: You May Also Like 2027 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: TINUBU, OBI, ATIKU AND THE RACE TO DEFINE NIGERIA’S FUTURE

Akume told the audience that the President believes in peaceful competition. He said Nigerians should be allowed to vote for leaders of their choice without fear or intimidation.

For APC supporters, this was enough proof that the President is committed to peace. For others, they asked why he did not come himself. But the truth is, sitting Presidents rarely attend these events in person. What matters is that he signed and his government is on record.

PETER OBI SIGNED AND SPOKE ABOUT OSUN

When Peter Obi entered the hall, there was loud clapping. He is still one of the most popular opposition figures in the country.

Obi signed the accord and then took the microphone. He did not waste time with long grammar.

He started by remembering those who died during the Osun governorship election on August 15. He said it is painful that people can lose their lives because of politics. He called it unacceptable.

After that, he moved to the main point. He asked politicians to focus on issues. He said tell Nigerians how you will fix the economy. Tell them how you will fix hospitals. Tell them how you will fix schools. Stop the insults. Stop tribal talk. Stop religious division.

Obi also thanked the National Peace Committee but reminded them that signing is easy. Keeping the promise is the hard part.

His speech connected with many people in the room because that is the message he has been preaching since 2023. Campaigns should be about solutions, not insults.

SOWORE SIGNED BUT CALLED IT A RITUAL

Omoyele Sowore also signed. But he did not sound like someone who believed the process would work.

When it was his turn to speak, he told the gathering that this peace accord feels like a ritual. He said we have done this before and nothing changed.

He asked direct questions. Did the last accord stop ballot box snatching. Did it stop political thugs. Did it stop the violence we saw in Osun last week.

The hall became quiet.

Sowore said what Nigeria needs is a justice accord, not just a peace accord. He said there must be real consequences. He suggested that any politician or party that breaks the agreement should be arrested and disqualified immediately.

He used Osun as an example again. He mentioned vote buying and a lawmaker that was caught with over 200 PVCs. He said until people face punishment, politicians will keep misbehaving.

Whether you agree with Sowore or not, he voiced the frustration of many Nigerians. A paper without enforcement means nothing.

OTHER PARTIES AND STAKEHOLDERS WERE PRESENT

The event was not only about Tinubu, Obi and Sowore. Representatives of many political parties were there.

Labour Party, Democratic Leadership Alliance, National Democratic Party, National Rescue Movement, Social Democratic Party, Youth Party, Young Progressives Party and Zenith Labour Party were all represented. Their officials came forward one by one to sign.

Party chairmen also signed and posed for photos. It looked ceremonial, but the commitment was serious.

INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan spoke and said the commission will be firm. He said INEC will protect voters and ensure that votes count.

The IGP, Olatunji Disu promised more police presence at rallies and collation centers. He said the police will remain neutral.

The EU Ambassador, Gautier Mignot and Swiss Ambassador, Patrick Egloff also gave goodwill messages. They urged Nigeria to conduct peaceful elections and set an example for Africa.

WHAT THE PEACE ACCORD CONTAINS

People keep hearing peace accord, but what is inside it. Here are the key points that all the signatories agreed to.

First, campaigns must be issue-based. No tribal attacks. No religious insults. Candidates should talk about jobs, security, education and health.

Second, zero tolerance for violence. No thugs. No attacking opponents. No destroying billboards or offices.

Third, respect for INEC and other institutions. If you have a complaint, go to court. Do not attack INEC offices.

Fourth, no hate speech and no fake news. Do not spread lies on social media to cause division.

Fifth, protect voters. Candidates must tell their supporters not to intimidate voters and not to buy votes.

It all sounds good. The challenge will be enforcement.

WHY THE ACCORD CAME NOW

You cannot talk about this accord without mentioning Osun.

Just three days before this signing, Osun State held its governorship election. Governor Ademola Adeleke won. But the process had problems.

There were reports of vote buying. People were sharing rice and cash. Police arrested a lawmaker with more than 200 PVCs. Over 140 people were arrested for alleged vote buying. In some places, thugs chased voters away.

That is why Peter Obi mentioned Osun in his speech. That is why Sowore questioned the value of the accord.

Nigerians are tired of violence during elections. The National Peace Committee knows this. That is why they moved quickly to get signatures before campaigns begin.

THE REAL TEST STARTS TODAY

Wednesday, August 19 is day one of campaigns. From today, things will change.

Billboards will go up. Rallies will start. Debates will happen on TV. Arguments will take over social media.

The peace accord will now be tested in real life.

Will supporters of different parties clash at rallies. Will a candidate post a tribal video to get attention. Will security agencies arrest anyone who breaks the rules.

General Abdulsalami said the committee will be monitoring. He said they will speak out if anyone violates the agreement.

But as Sowore said, speaking is not enough. Nigerians want to see action and punishment.

WHAT 2027 POLITICS LOOKS LIKE

Let us be honest about what is coming.

President Tinubu will be running for a second term. He will likely campaign on his Renewed Hope agenda. He will talk about roads, economic reforms and the results of subsidy removal.

Peter Obi is expected to run again. He will likely campaign on reducing the cost of governance and moving Nigeria from consumption to production.

Other parties are also getting ready. SDP, NNPP, YPP and others are building structures in different states.

Many analysts believe 2027 will be the most competitive election since 2015. That is why peace matters so much. If the process is violent, the country will suffer. But if it is peaceful, it could be a turning point where Nigerians vote based on ideas.

HOW NIGERIANS ARE REACTING

Since the signing, people have been talking online.

Some people are saying it is a good step. They say Nigeria needs peace.

Others are saying it is just for the cameras. They say politicians will forget after one week.

One person wrote that Obi is right, no one should die because of politics.

Another person wrote that Sowore is right, we need justice not just promises.

The truth is, Nigerians are hopeful but they are also skeptical. And they have every right to be.

FROM SIGNATURE TO ACTION

Tuesday’s signing was important. Seeing Tinubu, Obi, Sowore and others sign the same document sends a message.

But a signature is just ink on paper. The real peace accord will be written in the coming months.

It will be written in the kind of language politicians use at rallies. It will be written in how police handle crowds. It will be written in how voters resist money for votes.

The National Peace Committee has done its part. INEC has said it will do its part. The police have made promises.

Now it is left for the politicians. And it is also left for us, the citizens.

Do not sell your vote. Do not fight your neighbor because of party. Report any act of violence.

At the end of the day, no politician is worth a human life.

The 2027 campaign has started. Let it be about ideas. Let it be peaceful.

By Solomon Emmanuel | Zpothub News

OSUN DECIDES 2026: VOTING UNDERWAY AS VOTERS TURN OUT ACROSS THE STATE - LIVE UPDATES

 

 

UPDATE 11:15 AM: VOTING ONGOING STATEWIDE

It’s 11:15 AM right now in Osogbo and Osun is busy. 

Not the usual Saturday market busy. Election busy. 

People are standing in queues. Party agents are checking registers. Security men are walking around. And INEC officials are shouting "get in line" at polling units across the state.

After all the noise, all the rallies, all the money that was spent in the last 3 weeks, today is the day Osun people will decide.

Let’s take it step by step.

Voting has started across the state

INEC confirmed this morning that the governorship election is happening in all 30 local government areas of Osun. 

That’s 332 wards. 3,763 polling units. 

According to INEC, 2,339,233 people registered to vote in Osun. Out of that number, 1,906,391 people collected their PVCs. 

So the question today is: how many of those 1.9 million people will actually come out?

From what we are seeing on ground, the answer is "a lot."

Early turnout in Osogbo, Ede and Ilesa

I’ve been speaking to our ZPOTHUB correspondents in the field since 7:30am.

In Osogbo, the state capital, people were already at polling units before 8am. At Ward 5, Unit 12 in Oja Oba area, voters were sitting on benches waiting for INEC officials to set up. 

By 8:30am when voting started, the line was already long. Civil servants, market women, students. Everybody came out early.

In Ede, Governor Adeleke’s hometown, turnout is also heavy. People there are saying "we must protect our vote." Party agents from Accord are everywhere with tags. APC agents are also there. 

In Ilesa, it’s the same story. People checked their names on the voter register pasted on the wall, then joined the queue. Some elderly people came with chairs. Some came with umbrellas because of the sun.

The mood is calm for now. People are talking, laughing, arguing small about politics, but no fight.

Heavy security everywhere

If there’s one thing you will notice today, it’s security.

Police. Army. DSS. NSCDC. Amotekun. They are everywhere.

Before the election, there were rumors. "There will be violence." "They will snatch ballot boxes." So the IGP deployed 20,000 officers to Osun.

At every major junction in Osogbo, you’ll see a police van. At polling units, 4-5 officers are standing. 

RELATED: Read Updates on OSUN DECIDES TODAY: TINUBU, ADELEKE, APC AND OPPOSITION FACE MAJOR POLITICAL TEST

The idea is simple: let people vote in peace.

So far, no report of violence. Our reporters in Ife, Iwo, Ikirun, and Ejigbo all say it’s peaceful. 

But security agencies are not taking chances. They said they will be on ground until the last result is announced.

Ballot papers were reprinted to include SDP

Here’s something important that happened just before today.

INEC had to reprint ballot papers and result sheets. 

Why? Court order. 

The court said SDP candidate Francis Ajala and his running mate Faseke Oladipo must be on the ballot. 

So INEC added them. That means today, 15 parties are contesting in Osun, not 14.

If you go to vote today, check your ballot well. SDP is there.

For ZPOTHUB, this matters because SDP and other small parties can decide this election if the race is close. In 2023 we saw it happen in other states.

No winner yet. Don’t believe social media

It’s 11:08 AM. Voting is still ongoing. 

Let me say this clearly: nobody has won yet.

I’ve seen posts on Facebook and X already saying "Adeleke has won" or "APC has taken Osun." Ignore them.

Voting and accreditation are still happening. Results have not been collated. 

For ZPOTHUB, our rule today is simple: we will only report results that come from INEC or from official collation centers. Not rumors. Not screenshots.

If anyone tells you they have "the real result" from a polling unit, ask them: "who signed the result sheet?" If there’s no signature and no INEC stamp, it’s not real.

We’ll bring you verified updates as they come.

What we are watching for between now and 6pm

This is going to be a long day. Here’s what ZPOTHUB will track for you:

Turnout reports

We want to know which LGA has the highest turnout. Is it Ede? Is it Osogbo? Is it Ilesa? High turnout usually means people are angry or excited. Either way, it changes results.

Accreditation and voting problems

BVAS is supposed to work today. But we know Nigeria. Sometimes BVAS fails. Sometimes network fails. Our reporters will tell us if people are being disenfranchised anywhere.

Security incidents

So far it’s calm. But we are watching. If there’s ballot snatching or thuggery in any area, we’ll report it immediately.

Where candidates vote

Governor Adeleke is expected to vote in Ede later today. The APC candidate will vote in his LGA. When they vote, we’ll bring you photos and quotes.

INEC statements

INEC REC for Osun will address journalists at some point. We’ll listen and tell you what they said.

Counting and collation

Voting ends by 2:30pm in most places. Then counting starts at the polling unit. Agents will sign. Then results move to ward collation, then LGA, then state.

Official results

INEC will announce. That’s the only result that counts.

Why today is different

Osun elections are always tense. But 2026 feels different.

First, because of the economy. People are voting with their stomach. Rice price. Fuel price. Salary. That’s what people are whispering in the queue.

Second, because Adeleke is running on Accord, not PDP. That has changed the calculation. Accord now has a governor, state structure, and money. If they win, it proves a small party can grow big.

Third, because this is a test for Tinubu. APC lost Osun in 2022. If they lose again, the opposition will say "the people have rejected you." If they win, APC will say "the reforms are working."

That’s why Abuja is watching. That’s why party chairmen are in Osogbo hotels right now.

What voters are saying in the queue

I spoke to 3 people this morning on phone.

Mama Titi in Osogbo: "I came early because I don’t want wahala. I just want someone who will make food cheap."

Segun, a student in Ife: "I’m voting for the future. Not for money. For my children."

Alhaji in Iwo: "We need peace. Whoever wins, let them remember the poor people."

That’s Osun. People are tired. They want results.

The role of technology this year

INEC is using BVAS again. 

What that means: your fingerprint must match before you vote. No more multiple voting.

Results will also be uploaded to IReV from polling units. So in theory, by 4pm we should start seeing results online.

But we’ve seen BVAS fail before. If network is bad in a village, they may have to wait. Our team will monitor that.

What happens after voting

Around 2:30pm, voting will close in most places. 

Then presiding officers will count. Party agents will watch. Then they will fill the result sheet and upload to IReV.

From there, results move to ward collation centers. Then to the 30 LGA collation centers. Then to the state collation center in Osogbo.

If the margin is wide, we’ll know the winner tonight. 

If it’s close, we may wait till tomorrow. Or we may go to tribunal.

Either way, ZPOTHUB will be here.

Our promise to you

Solomon and the ZPOTHUB team will update this article every hour today.

We will tell you:

Where turnout is high

Where there are problems

What INEC is saying

What observers are saying

And when official results drop

We will not post fake results. We will not post screenshots from WhatsApp. 

We will wait for INEC.

What you should do now

If you’re in Osun and you haven’t voted, go now. Take your PVC. Take water. Be patient.

If you’re outside Osun, stay on ZPOTHUB. Refresh this page. We’ll update you.

And please, don’t share fake results. In 2026, fake news spreads faster than real news. Let’s be responsible.

UPDATE 11:15 AM: VOTING ONGOING STATEWIDE

INEC confirms voting in 3,763 polling units

Voters seen early in Osogbo, Ede, Ilesa

Heavy security presence reported

SDP added to ballot after court order

No official results yet

We’ll be back with Update  by 5:00 PM.

For now, Osun is voting. And Nigeria is watching.

By Solomon Emmanuel| ZpotHub News

OSUN DECIDES TODAY: TINUBU, ADELEKE, APC AND OPPOSITION FACE MAJOR POLITICAL TEST

 

Since 5:30am today Saturday August 15, 2026, the city has been moving. Okada riders at Oja Oba are already shouting destinations. Market women at Akindeko are arranging pepper and tomatoes. Party agents are wearing vests and sitting under trees with registers. Radio stations are playing jingles in Yoruba, English and Pidgin back to back.

Because today, Osun decides.

Across the 30 local governments, from Ede to Ilesa, from Ife to Iwo, from Ikirun to Ejigbo, over 1.8 million people with PVC will walk to 3,763 polling units to choose who will govern them for the next four years.

But this is not just Osun’s election. 

Today is a major political test for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is a test for Governor Ademola Adeleke. It is a test for APC. It is a test for Accord Party. It is a test for every opposition group looking toward 2027.

In Abuja, in Lagos, in Port Harcourt, people are watching. Because Osun has a way of setting the tone for Nigeria.

Why Osun matters so much right now

Nigeria has 36 states. But some states carry more weight during elections. Osun is one of them.

First, this is Yorubaland. This is the President’s political base. Tinubu won the Southwest in 2023. If APC loses Osun again, the opposition will run headlines for weeks: "Even his own people have rejected him." If APC wins it back, APC will say "the people understand the reforms, they still trust us."

Second, Osun shocked Nigeria in 2022. Everybody expected the APC incumbent to win. Then Ademola Adeleke came and won on a different platform. It was one of the biggest upsets we have seen. APC has not forgotten that pain.

Third, 2027 has already started. Parties are using Osun to test their structure. How many agents can they mobilize? How fast can they move? How well can they speak to market women and students? The party that wins Osun today will enter the next election cycle with confidence. The party that loses will start fighting itself.

That is why for the last three weeks Osun has looked like a second Abuja. Ministers came. Governors came. Traditional rulers held meetings. Money entered. Promises entered.

The main players in this contest

This is not a two-party fight. There are four major forces on the ballot today.

President Bola Tinubu and APC

The President is carrying a heavy load. Fuel subsidy is gone. Naira was floated. Prices have gone up. In Osun markets, a bag of rice that was 40k is now close to 90k. Transport fare has doubled. 

So APC’s message is "stay with us." They have commissioned roads in Osogbo. They have brought federal projects. They have told traditional rulers and religious leaders "we need this state back." 

For APC, Osun is about survival. Lose it and the narrative becomes "the reforms are failing." Win it and the narrative becomes "the people believe in the long term plan."

Governor Ademola Adeleke and Accord Party

This is where things are different. Adeleke is not running on PDP. He is running on Accord Party. 

After 2022, he moved and took the Accord structure with him. That changed everything. Now Accord has a sitting governor, state resources, and name recognition.

Adeleke’s campaign has focused on three things: payment of salaries and pensions, Imole transport buses, and free education and health programs. His message to Osun people is "don’t go back to the past."

If Adeleke wins on Accord, it will be historic. It will mean a sitting governor won re-election on a smaller party. It will make Accord a national party overnight. It will also make Adeleke the most powerful Accord leader in Nigeria heading to 2027.

APC and their candidate

APC learned from 2022. They had internal crisis. Omoluabi group versus the mainstream. This time they tried to close ranks. They picked a candidate who can speak to artisans, traders, imams, and youth. Someone who is on the ground.

Their pitch is simple: "We made mistakes. We have corrected them. Give us back our state so we can align with the center and bring more development."

The other parties and the third force

Don’t ignore Labour Party, NNPP, ADC, and SDP. They may not win, but they can decide who wins.

In Ife, in Osogbo, and on campuses, many young people are saying "APC and the others have failed us. Let’s try something new." The number of votes they pull today will tell us how strong that movement is in the Southwest.

In 2023 we saw third parties change results in several states. Osun could be one of them.

Key battlegrounds to watch today

Osun has 30 LGAs. But elections are won in a few places.

Osogbo LGA is the first. This is the capital. Civil servants, teachers, and traders live here. Whoever wins Osogbo gets momentum and media attention.

Ife Federal Constituency is the second. The cradle of the Yoruba. Students, professors, traditional rulers. Ife people ask questions before they vote. They are not moved by noise.

Ede LGA is the third. This is Governor Adeleke’s home base. Accord must get a very high percentage here. If they don’t, they are in trouble.

Iwo and Ijesa land is the fourth. This is APC’s traditional stronghold. They need massive turnout here to cancel what Accord will get in Ede and Osogbo.

And then the border towns and rural areas. That is where vote buying usually happens. INEC, police, DSS, and observers are all watching those places closely.

What are voters actually saying

I was in Oja Oba on Thursday. I entered a beer parlor in Ilesa. I spoke to an okada man in Iwo. Nobody was talking about ideology.

They are talking about three things.

The economy comes first. "Baba, food is expensive. Fuel is expensive. How do we survive?" That is the question in every market.

Salaries and pensions come second. Osun workers remember the past. Accord is reminding them "we cleared arrears." APC is promising "we will pay better and on time."

RELATED: Read Related Article OSUN DECIDES 2026: VOTING UNDERWAY AS VOTERS TURN OUT ACROSS THE STATE - LIVE UPDATES

Security comes third. Farmers in Ijesa and Iwo are complaining about herders and kidnappers. Parents want to know their children are safe. Turnout in villages will depend on how safe people feel.

How voting will go today

INEC says 1.8 million PVCs were collected. BVAS will be used in all polling units. Accreditation and voting will happen together. Results will be uploaded to IReV from the polling units. 

The police have deployed 20,000 officers. DSS, NSCDC, and Amotekun are also on ground. The message from security agencies is "no thuggery, no ballot snatching."

Voting starts 8:30am. By 2pm we should start seeing results from polling units. By 8pm we should know if the race is close or not. If it is close, then we prepare for tribunal.

Three possible outcomes

Outcome one: Accord wins. Adeleke gets a second term. Accord Party becomes a national talking point. APC will say "federal might was not used." The opposition will say "the people have rejected hardship."

Outcome two: APC wins. They take back Osun. Tinubu’s team will say "the people believe in our reforms." Accord will say "money and power were used." APC will get confidence going into 2027.

Outcome three: It is very close. Margin less than 10,000 votes. Then lawyers enter. We go to tribunal. Osun will be in the news for the next three months. That has happened before.

Why someone in Kano or Rivers should care

Because Nigeria runs on signals. Osun 2026 is a big signal.

If Accord wins, it means voters can reject both APC and PDP and still win. It means smaller parties can grow if they have a performing governor.

If APC wins, it means the argument of "endure now, enjoy later" is selling. It means the President’s party can still win in the Southwest despite hardship.

If third parties do well, it means young people are serious. It means 2027 will not be a two-party race.

This is why political analysts are in Osogbo hotels right now. This is why party chairmen are not sleeping.

A word to Osun voters

Osun people are proud people. They will tell you "we are the heart of Yoruba." They don’t like to be intimidated. They like leaders who come to their markets, not just their palaces.

Today they will decide with their PVC. Some will vote because of party. Some will vote because of candidate. Some will vote because "my brother is the agent." Some will vote because "they gave me something." That is politics.

The job of INEC and security is to make sure that those who want to vote freely can vote freely. The job of journalists is to report what is happening. The job of ZPOTHUB is to bring you updates as they come.

What happens after voting

First is collation at the ward level. Then LGA level. Then the state collation center in Osogbo. INEC will announce the winner.

If there is a clear winner, there will be celebration and there will be protest. That is normal in Nigeria.

If there is no clear winner, then we enter petition season.

Either way, Osun will not sleep tonight.

For us at ZPOTHUB, we will track results LGA by LGA. We will talk to agents. We will talk to voters. We will bring you updates.

Because this is not just politics. This is about teachers in Ikirun. This is about traders in Gbongan. This is about students in Ife. This is about real people.

Osun has shocked Nigeria before. Osun can do it again today.

By Solomon Emmanuel| ZpotHub News 

TINUBU APPROVES NEW MILITARY SALARY: WHAT IT MEANS FOR SOLDIERS AND NIGERIA'S SECURITY IN 2026

By Solomon Emmanuel| ZpotHub News 

Something big just happened for our soldiers.

After years of protests, open letters, and quiet frustration inside the barracks, the Federal Government has finally approved a new salary structure for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

And this time, it’s not just small talk. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed off on it. The new pay is supposed to start from September 1, 2026.

If you’re a soldier, this is about your rent, your children’s school fees, and the rice in your house.  

If you’re a civilian, this is about whether the person carrying a gun to protect you can sleep well at night and focus on the job.

Let’s break down everything you need to know. No government grammar. Just real talk.

WHAT EXACTLY DID THE GOVERNMENT APPROVE?

The presidency announced that a new salary structure has been approved for all ranks in the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The key detail everyone is talking about: Junior ranks are getting the biggest percentage increase.

That means if you’re a Private, Lance Corporal, or Sergeant on the frontlines in Borno or Zamfara, your pay is going up more than a General sitting in Abuja.

Why? Because the government finally admitted what everyone already knew: The people facing bullets every day are the ones who have been suffering the most.

A senior government official said the review is part of Tinubu’s "broader plan to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture and improve the welfare of those who defend the nation."

Translation: They want to motivate the troops, reduce desertions, and make the military more professional.

The new structure will officially take effect from September 1, 2026. Military personnel and their families are now waiting to see the new figures reflect in their September salary alerts.

WHY THIS MATTERS: THE REALITY IN THE BARRACKS

For 10+ years, Nigerian soldiers have been complaining. Not on Twitter. In real life.

The complaints were simple:

1. "Our salary is too small for the risk" - A soldier in Sambisa Forest collects the same base pay as a civil servant in an AC office.

2. "Allowances don’t come on time" Operation allowances, hazard allowance, feeding allowance... sometimes it takes months.

3. "Our families are suffering" Barracks housing is bad. Medical care is poor. School for children is expensive.

Imagine this: You’re 23 years old. You left your village in Benue. You’re deployed to the North-East for 8 months. No proper leave. You’re fighting Boko Haram. And at the end of the month, after deductions, you take home less than 70k.

That’s the reality many junior soldiers have been living with.

Security analysts have been shouting for years: "You cannot buy modern equipment and ignore the human being using it."

A gun without a motivated soldier is just metal.

This salary review is the government’s answer to that.

A MAJOR BOOST FOR TROOP MORALE AND WELFARE

Let’s be honest. Money doesn’t win wars alone. But money does affect how a soldier fights.

YOU MAY LOVE THIS: TINUBU APPROVES $50BN DEEP OFFSHORE OIL FRAMEWORK: CAN THIS FINALLY BRING THE MONEY HOME ?

HERE’S WHAT THE NEW PAY IS EXPECTED TO DO:

1. IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS  

More money means a soldier can rent a better house for his family. Buy better food. Pay school fees without borrowing.

2. BOOST MORALE ON THE FRONTLINES  

When you know your country values you, you fight differently. You take fewer risks to "japa" from the army. You stay and finish the job.

3. REDUCE CORRUPTION AND DISTRACTION 

One reason some personnel get involved in shady deals is financial pressure. When your basic needs are met, you can focus 100% on national security.

4. KEEP EXPERIENCED OFFICERS IN SERVICE  

Many skilled officers were resigning to join private security companies or relocate abroad. Better pay gives them a reason to stay.

A retired Army Colonel told Vanguard: _"This is the first time in a long time that junior ranks are being prioritized. If implemented well, it will change a lot."_

Government officials believe this move will "encourage greater dedication and professionalism" among troops protecting Nigeria’s borders and communities.

WHY THIS SALARY REVIEW IS COMING NOW

Nigeria is not at peace. Not yet.

Right now, our Armed Forces are fighting on multiple fronts:

NORTH-EAST: Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency  

NORTH-WEST: Bandits, kidnapping, mass abductions  

NORTH-CENTRAL: Farmer-herder clashes, communal violence  

SOUTH-EAST: Sit-at-home enforcement, gunmen  

SOUTH-SOUTH: Oil theft, pipeline vandalism  

NATIONWIDE: Kidnapping for ransom

These are not easy jobs. Soldiers sleep in bushes. They go weeks without seeing their wives and children. Some don’t come back.

In the past 2 years alone, we’ve seen videos of soldiers crying out about unpaid allowances. We’ve seen families protest at barracks gates.

The government realized: *We cannot ask for sacrifice without reward.*

President Tinubu’s administration has made security one of its top 4 priorities. Alongside the new State Police Bill we discussed last week, this salary increase is part of that bigger plan.

The thinking is simple: Better paid + Better equipped + Better motivated troops = Safer Nigeria.

THE IMPACT ON NATIONAL SECURITY

Will increasing salary end terrorism tomorrow? No. 

But security experts say it’s a critical step.

HERE’S HOW IT HELPS:

1. HIGHER COMMITMENT 

A soldier who isn’t worried about his children’s school fees can focus on his mission.

2. BETTER DISCIPLINE  

Financial stress leads to frustration. Frustration leads to mistakes. Better welfare reduces that.

3. IMPROVED RECRUITMENT 

More young Nigerians will be willing to join the military if they know the pay is decent and the government cares.

4. REDUCED DESERTION  

The army has been losing trained personnel. Good pay makes people stay.

However, experts are also warning the government: "Don’t stop at salary."

They say salary must come with:

- Better barracks housing

- Proper healthcare for soldiers and families

- Modern weapons and equipment  

- Regular training

- Timely payment of allowances

- Psychological support for soldiers returning from war

Because what’s the point of earning 200k if you’re sleeping in a leaking barrack and using a rifle from 1998?

THE ECONOMIC SIDE: CAN NIGERIA AFFORD THIS?

Let’s talk money. Because Nigeria is broke.

Increasing salaries for over 200,000 military personnel will cost the government billions of naira every month. That’s more pressure on our already tight budget.

Economists are split.

THE CONCERN:  

"Government spending on personnel is already too high. This will increase debt and inflation."

THE ARGUMENT FOR IT:  

"National security is not an expense. It’s an investment. A safer Nigeria means more businesses, more farming, more oil production, more investors. That money will come back."

Think about it. How can a farmer in Kaduna plant if bandits will kidnap him?  

How can a company invest in Borno if there’s Boko Haram?  

How can oil companies pump more if militants are blowing up pipelines?

If this salary increase leads to even 10% improvement in security, the economic benefits could be massive.

The government’s job now is to make sure the money is actually paid, and paid on time. No "ghost soldiers". No deductions. No delays.

WHAT NIGERIANS ARE SAYING

Since the announcement, Nigerians have been reacting online and offline.

SUPPORTIVE VOICES:  

_"Soldiers deserve this and more. They are dying for us. God bless PBAT."_  

_"About time. Let them feel valued too."_  

_"I hope this means less insecurity in my area."_

CRITICAL VOICES:  

_"What about police officers? What about teachers? What about doctors? Everyone is suffering."_  

_"I hope it’s not just announcement. Let them pay it."_  

_"Increase salary but also provide equipment. Don’t send them to war with bare hands."_

The general mood is: Cautious optimism. People are happy for soldiers, but they want to see action, not just press release.

Many are also asking the government to extend similar welfare packages to Police, NSCDC, and other security agencies who are also on the frontlines.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: IMPLEMENTATION DATE SEPTEMBER 1

The big date is September 1, 2026.

That’s when the new salary structure is supposed to kick in.

Right now, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Finance, and the Office of the Accountant General are working to update the payment system.

Military personnel have been told to update their bank details and ensure their records are correct.

What should soldiers watch out for?

1. September salary alert - Check if the new amount reflects

2. Arrears - Some are asking if there will be back pay from January

3. Allowances - Will operation allowance also increase?

The Defence Headquarters has said they will release a circular with the new pay tables for each rank once the process is finalized.

THIS IS BIGGER THAN JUST MONEY

This salary review is about dignity.

For too long, we’ve treated our soldiers like they’re invisible until there’s trouble. Then we call them heroes. Then we forget them again.

This move says: "We see you. We hear you. And we value you."

But it’s also a test for the government. 

Nigerians will be watching to see:

1. Is the money paid on time?

2. Is it paid in full?

3. Is there transparency in the process?

4. Will other security agencies get similar treatment?

If this works, it could be a turning point in how Nigeria treats its security personnel.

LOOKING AHEAD: WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN NOW

Salary alone won’t fix insecurity. But it’s a strong foundation.

TO MAKE THIS WORK, GOVERNMENT MUST ALSO:

1. FIGHT CORRUPTION IN PROCUREMENT 

Soldiers need modern rifles, drones, armored vehicles, and proper uniforms. Not 30-year-old equipment.

2. IMPROVE INTELLIGENCE 

Paying soldiers well is good. But we also need better intelligence to know where bandits are before they strike.

3. SUPPORT VETERANS AND FAMILIES OF FALLEN HEROES  

Many families of soldiers who died in service are still struggling. That needs to be addressed too.

4. COMBINE WITH STATE POLICE 

Remember the State Police Bill? If that passes, states can support federal troops with local knowledge.

5. ADDRESS ROOT CAUSES 

Poverty, unemployment, and bad governance also fuel insecurity. Military action must go hand in hand with development.

FINAL WORD: A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Let’s call it what it is. 

This is one of the biggest welfare improvements for the military in recent years.

For the Private in Maiduguri, the Sergeant in Katsina, and the Corporal in Benue — this could mean the difference between struggling and surviving.

For Nigeria, this could mean a more motivated, more professional, and more effective Armed Forces.

The implementation starts September 1. 

Between now and then, the government must ensure there are no delays, no excuses, and no corruption.

Because our soldiers are risking everything for us. The least we can do is make sure they are well taken care of.

As one soldier posted anonymously: _"If they pay us well, we will fight well. It’s that simple."_

Nigeria is watching. And we hope this is the beginning of better days for our troops and for our country.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?  

Do you believe this salary increase will reduce insecurity? Should police and teachers also get a similar raise?

 Drop your thoughts below.