The year 2025 remains unforgettable due to a series of significant events that shaped Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and security landscape. The year witnessed major political disruptions and realignments, economic and academic reforms, worsening security challenges, and the deaths of prominent Nigerians. Below are some of the notable events that defined the year as Tosin Adesile reports:
Death of Dr. Doyin Okupe
Dr. Doyin Okupe, former presidential aide and medical practitioner, passed away on March 7, 2025, after a brief illness. He hailed from Iperu, Ogun State. A renowned political strategist, he worked with several political leaders and most recently served as an aide to Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
Rivers State Emergency Rule
On March 18, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months. The action followed severe security breaches, violent clashes, and a prolonged political crisis between the executive and legislative arms of government. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) was appointed Sole Administrator. Following resolutions and stability, the emergency rule was lifted on September 18, 2025.
Political Merger
A major political development ahead of the 2027 general elections was the formation of a new opposition alliance under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Key political figures involved included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
INEC Gets a New Helmsman
The tenure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ended in November 2025. He was succeeded by Professor Joash Amupitan from Kogi State, who was sworn in on October 23, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Professor Soludo Re-elected Governor of Anambra State
The Anambra State governorship election was held on November 8, 2025. Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won a second term in office. His victory was decisive, polling over 300,000 votes and winning all 21 local government areas in the state.
Insecurity, Abduction, and Kidnapping
Nigeria’s insecurity worsened in 2025, with a surge in school kidnappings. On November 21, 2025, over 300 students and 12 staff members of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Secondary School in Parpiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, were abducted. This incident ranked among the largest mass school kidnappings since the 2014 Chibok abduction. Following negotiations, 100 students were released on December 8, while an additional 50 reportedly escaped. However, several students and staff remained in captivity.
Similarly, 25 schoolgirls were abducted from a secondary school in Maga, Kaba, Kebbi State.
U.S. Labels Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern
On October 31, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” following reports of church burnings and killings of Christians. The pronouncement marked a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Nigeria. In a statement, Trump warned that failure by the Nigerian government to curb the violence could lead to U.S. intervention against terrorist groups.
Tax Reform Bill
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reform bill generated widespread debate and public concern over its potential impact on the economy and small businesses. The bill proposed income tax exemptions for individuals earning ₦800,000 or less annually, reduced corporate tax from 30% to 25%, and exempted small businesses from income tax. Despite controversies, including claims by the House of Representatives that the bill required re-gazetting, President Tinubu maintained that implementation would commence on January 1, 2026.
Local Government Autonomy
The Supreme Court of Nigeria granted financial autonomy to all 774 local government councils, preventing state governors from withholding funds meant for local administrations. The landmark ruling was delivered on July 11, 2024, with its full impact felt throughout 2025.
Death of Former President Muhammadu Buhari
Former President Muhammadu Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025, in London at the age of 82. His death was widely mourned across the nation. Popularly known as PMB, he was laid to rest with full state honours in Daura, Katsina State. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited his family to commiserate with them.
Anthony Joshua Car Accident
On December 29, 2025, former two-time heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal car accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. His Lexus SUV reportedly collided with a stationary truck, resulting in the death of two close associates, including a longtime friend and a team physiotherapist. Anthony Joshua sustained injuries and was receiving medical treatment.
Peter Obi defects to ADC
It’s official, Peter Obi defects to ADC and requests his followers in the Labour Party to also follow him.
