Election Watch (2027): INEC chair Joash Amupitan met Abdulsalami Abubakar in Minna, pledging that Nigerians’ votes will count and warning staff that misconduct will bring sanctions as the commission ramps up preparations for Jan 16 presidential/legislative and Feb 6 governorship/state assembly polls. Security & Oil: Niger’s oil sector faces rising risk as armed groups expand across multiple fronts, putting pressure on infrastructure and transport routes and raising investor concerns. Community Violence: Gunmen attacked Tashar Hajiya in Niger State, killing one man and abducting three residents, prompting police patrols and intelligence efforts. Politics & Unity in Niger State: Governor Umaru Bago urged APC candidates and aspirants to close ranks ahead of 2027, while also pledging continued women’s representation in governance. Tension Over Fulani Remarks: Sheikh Ahmad Gumi cautioned Bago to be more measured after his public warnings to Fulani leaders over kidnapping and banditry. Regional Trade: ECOWAS resolved a dispute over Nigerian onion trucks detained in Ghana, allowing consignments to offload at Kotoku Market and averting further losses. Energy Deal: ECOWAS signed the legal framework for a $25bn Nigeria–Morocco mega gas pipeline, with construction expected to start in 2028 and gas volumes aimed at Morocco and Europe.