The Big Story
Opposition Heavyweights Unite in Ibadan, Pledge Single 2027 Presidential Ticket
Fourteen opposition parties met in Ibadan on Saturday, hosted by Oyo governor Seyi Makinde, and left with a communiqué pledging a single presidential candidate against Tinubu in 2027. Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, Kwankwaso and David Mark were all present. The declaration also demanded INEC's chairman be removed before the next polls — though early cracks suggest the real test of unity is still ahead. [Vanguard] [Guardian]
What Else Is Happening
▪ Military opens court-martial for 36 soldiers accused in 2025 coup plot.
A general court-martial was inaugurated in Abuja, running parallel to treason charges at the Federal High Court and intensifying debate over civilian versus military jurisdiction for such offences. [Channels TV]
▪ Airlines issue 7-day ultimatum over 270% jet fuel price spike.
Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema warned no airline will fly unless fuel costs are reviewed, as Tinubu weighs debt waivers and relief measures to avert a shutdown. [Pulse]
▪ NYSC member killed in Abuja crossfire between soldiers and armed robbers.
Abdulsamad Jamiu died after being caught in a firefight at Shagari Estate, Dei-Dei, raising questions about rules of engagement in civilian areas. [Premium Times]
▪ Yahaya Bello's NGN80.2bn money-laundering case adjourned to May 6–7.
Defence lawyers continue contesting key documentary evidence linked to alleged school-fee and dollar-transfer transactions as cross-examination of the 12th prosecution witness proceeds. [Guardian]
Market Watch
FX Naira held around NGN1,358/USD officially on April 24, about 8% stronger than the NGN1,475 end-2025 baseline. The parallel-market premium persists, signalling unresolved demand-supply gaps beneath the stabilised benchmark. [NGN Rates]
Equities NGX ASI closed the week at 225,722.49, up 3.94% on the week and +45% YTD vs the 155,613.03 end-2025 baseline. Market cap hit NGN145.3trn on a 14-session winning streak led by Lafarge, Dangote Cement, UBA and Zenith. [Nairametrics]
Macro The Africa Finance Corporation warned aid to Africa fell from $83.8bn in 2020 to $73.5bn in 2023 and may drop 20% further, with sub-Saharan Africa facing cuts of up to 28%. Nigeria's infrastructure gap will increasingly require domestic capital, not shrinking concessional flows. [Nairametrics]
Quick Hits
→ Air Force destroyed terrorist enclaves in Southern Tumbuns on April 24, killing several fighters in Operation Hadin Kai's push to secure lake-area corridors used by jihadist groups. [This Day]
→ Delta State Police dismantled suspected kidnapping and gun-running cells in Ughelli, recovering an AK-47 and a vehicle used for inter-state arms transport. [Guardian]
→ First Lady Oluremi Tinubu marked World Malaria Day calling for more domestic financing and stronger partnerships to tackle drug resistance and gaps in prevention. [Premium Times]
On a Lighter Note
Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala's old prediction that Marcus Rashford would score for Barcelona against Getafe went viral — on the exact day he netted the winner. A playful reminder of Oshoala's growing cultural footprint in European football. [Pulse Sports]
Why It Matters
  The Ibadan summit is the most significant opposition move since 2015, but declarations are easier than unity. The aviation ultimatum is the more pressing near-term risk — a shutdown would paralyse commerce at a fragile moment. The NGX at 45% YTD is a strong headline, but shrinking aid flows are a reminder that Nigeria's infrastructure gap will not close on market momentum alone.

Produced with AI assistance using open-source web content. Sources have not been independently verified by Frontier Brief Media. Readers are encouraged to consult original sources before acting on any information herein.

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