CRISTIANO RONALDO: THE B.O.A.T? WHY THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME DEBATE IS FAR FROM OVER

There are football arguments that never get old. Who is better between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi? Is football about natural talent or hard work? Do trophies define greatness, or should individual records carry more weight?

And then there is the question that can turn an ordinary football conversation into a heated debate: Is Cristiano Ronaldo the B.O.A.T – the Best of All Time?

For millions of football fans, the answer is an immediate YES. For others, the conversation cannot be complete without Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pelé and other legends who have shaped the beautiful game. But one thing is difficult to dispute: Cristiano Ronaldo has built a football career that is almost impossible to ignore.

From Manchester United to Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr and the Portuguese national team, Ronaldo has spent more than two decades turning personal ambition into football history and even at 41, the Portuguese superstar is still giving football fans reasons to pay attention.

If there is one thing Ronaldo's career has taught football fans, it is that consistency can be just as extraordinary as natural ability. According to UEFA's September 2026 records, Ronaldo has scored 146 international goals for Portugal in 234 appearances, making him the leading men's international goal scorer in football history. He also holds the record for the most UEFA Champions League goals, with 140, and has won the competition five times.

 His Champions League achievements include His Champions League achievements include; 140 Champions League goals, Five Champions League titles, 17 goals in the 2013/14 Champions League season, a single-season record, Seven Champions League top-scorer awards, 183 Champions League appearances. These are not ordinary milestones. They are records built across different teams, managers, playing styles and generations of football. And there is another achievement worth mentioning. At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo became the first footballer to score in six different editions of the tournament that is a remarkable level of longevity.

Any conversation about Ronaldo being the greatest eventually leads to one name: Lionel Messi.

The rivalry between these two footballers has shaped an entire generation. For years, fans watched them compete for individual awards, Champions League titles, domestic honours and records.

Ronaldo's supporters point to his goal-scoring numbers, physical development, Champions League achievements, adaptability and ability to deliver across different leagues. Messi's supporters point to his extraordinary playmaking, dribbling, creativity, eight Ballon d'Or awards and his 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph with Argentina.

So perhaps the more interesting question is not whether one player was great and the other was not. It is what football fans actually value when deciding who deserves the title of the greatest. 2Is it goals? Trophies? Longevity? Individual brilliance? Or the ability to change the outcome of a match when everything is on the line?

Ronaldo's story is bigger than the number of times he has found the back of the net.

His transformation from a young, skilful winger at Manchester United into one of football's most prolific goalscorers is a major part of his legacy.

He developed his aerial ability, improved his finishing, became more clinical in front of goal and built a reputation for taking responsibility in important moments.

His career also challenges the idea that football greatness must come from one particular style of play.

He has played in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia, adapting to different football environments while continuing to attract a global audience.

For young footballers, his career is also a conversation about discipline, ambition, confidence and the demands of maintaining a professional standard over many years.

But greatness is not without criticism. Questions about his performances at different stages of his career, his role in team dynamics and comparisons with other legends remain part of the discussion.

And that is precisely why the B.O.A.T debate remains interesting. Ronaldo's story is bigger than the number of times he has found the back of the net.

His transformation from a young, skilful winger at Manchester United into one of football's most prolific goalscorers is a major part of his legacy.

He developed his aerial ability, improved his finishing, became more clinical in front of goal and built a reputation for taking responsibility in important moments.

His career also challenges the idea that football greatness must come from one particular style of play.

He has played in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia, adapting to different football environments while continuing to attract a global audience.

For young footballers, his career is also a conversation about discipline, ambition, confidence and the demands of maintaining a professional standard over many years.

But greatness is not without criticism. Questions about his performances at different stages of his career, his role in team dynamics and comparisons with other legends remain part of the discussion.

And that is precisely why the B.O.A.T debate remains interesting. Ronaldo's story is bigger than the number of times he has found the back of the net.

His transformation from a young, skilful winger at Manchester United into one of football's most prolific goalscorers is a major part of his legacy.

He developed his aerial ability, improved his finishing, became more clinical in front of goal and built a reputation for taking responsibility in important moments.

His career also challenges the idea that football greatness must come from one particular style of play.

He has played in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia, adapting to different football environments while continuing to attract a global audience.

For young footballers, his career is also a conversation about discipline, ambition, confidence and the demands of maintaining a professional standard over many years.

But greatness is not without criticism. Questions about his performances at different stages of his career, his role in team dynamics and comparisons with other legends remain part of the discussion and that is precisely why the B.O.A.T debate remains interesting.

Football has never had a shortage of legends, Pelé dominated an era. Diego Maradona produced moments that remain part of football folklore. Messi redefined creativity and playmaking. Ronaldo built a career around extraordinary goal-scoring consistency and longevity.

Every generation has its own definition of greatness, For some, the World Cup is the ultimate measure. For others, the Champions League, individual records and the ability to perform across different leagues matter more. Perhaps there will never be one universally accepted answer.

But if Ronaldo's career has proved anything, it is that greatness is not always about being naturally gifted. Sometimes, it is also about how far talent can go when combined with ambition, discipline and an almost relentless desire to win.

Now, let's bring the debate to OpinionMarket

Enough with watching football debates from the sidelines. It is time to put your football knowledge to work.

Is Cristiano Ronaldo genuinely the B.O.A.T, or does Lionel Messi have the stronger case?

Do you think Ronaldo's longevity and goal-scoring records outweigh Messi's World Cup achievement and individual honours?

And with football continuing to produce new stars, could someone like Kylian Mbappé or another emerging superstar eventually challenge their legacy?

At OpinionMarket, you can explore prediction markets around football, major sporting events and other real-world developments. Don't just argue in the comment section. Explore the available football markets, study the possibilities, make your prediction and take a position.

The football debate is yours. What happens next is the question.

Visit OpinionMarket and explore the available markets.

Why Are Fewer Igbo Youths Joining the Nigerian Army? History, Trust and a Question of Belonging

Why Would an Igbo Youth Risk His Life for a Country He Feels Has Forgotten His People? Is it simply a career choice, or is there a deeper story behind the reluctance of some young Igbo people to join the Nigerian Army?

In April 2025, the Army's recruitment sensitization team reportedly said only 200 people from the South-East had registered in that recruitment exercise, compared with at least 4,000 in other states, according to reporting by Pulse and Vanguard. That is a reported figure for that exercise, not proof of a permanent pattern or the number eventually recruited.pulse.ng The Nigerian Army raised concerns about low recruitment interest from the South-East in April 2025, it opened up a conversation that goes beyond application forms, recruitment quotas and military training.

It raised a bigger question: what makes young people want to serve their country, and what happens when some of them do not feel fully represented by the institution asking them to serve? For some Igbo families, this conversation is not just about employment. It is connected to history, memories passed down through generations, perceptions of political exclusion and concerns about personal safety.

But to understand the issue, we need to look beyond stereotypes and ask what the evidence, history and different voices actually tell us.

To understand the complicated relationship some Igbo people have with the Nigerian military, it is difficult to ignore the Nigerian Civil War of 1967–1970. The war followed years of political instability, military coups, ethnic violence and growing tensions over Nigeria's future. The South-Eastern region became the centre of the breakaway Republic of Biafra, and the conflict left deep human and social scars. For families whose experiences of the war involved displacement, loss and suffering, the memories did not necessarily end when the fighting stopped. hose memories can influence how later generations understand the military and other federal institutions, even when the younger generation did not experience the war personally. This does not mean every Igbo family distrusts the Army. It means that historical experiences can shape perceptions long after the events themselves. The important question is whether Nigeria has done enough to build the kind of trust that allows younger generations to see national service as an opportunity rather than a painful historical contradiction.

One of the biggest mistakes in this debate is to interpret low recruitment interest as a lack of patriotism A young person can love Nigeria, support national unity and still have reservations about joining the military. Some Igbo leaders have argued that historical grievances and perceived marginalisation have discouraged young people from pursuing careers in federal security institutions. Others have raised concerns about whether people from the South-East feel adequately represented in senior military leadership. These are claims and perceptions that deserve examination, not automatic acceptance as proof of deliberate discrimination.

For any national institution, public confidence matters. Recruitment is not just about announcing

vacancies. It is also about convincing eligible citizens that the process is fair, the career is worthwhile and their service will be respected. If young people do not believe those conditions exist, the institution has a problem that advertising alone may not solve.

Another concern raised by South-East stakeholders is the perception that recruits from their region could be deployed disproportionately to dangerous areas, particularly in the North-East, where insurgent groups have operated.

For a parent, the prospect of sending a child into a conflict zone is frightening. If stories circulate within a community that joining the military could mean facing unusual levels of danger, those stories may influence a family's decision. However, an important distinction must be made a widespread fear is not the same as verified evidence of unequal deployment. The Army can help address the debate by communicating its deployment policies clearly and providing credible information that allows the public to assess these concerns.

There is another dimension worth exploring "career choice". Many young Nigerians weigh military service against business, technology, professional employment, migration and other opportunities. The South-East has a prominent commercial and entrepreneurial culture, and some young people may prefer careers that offer greater independence or opportunities to build their own businesses. But it would be too simplistic to conclude that Igbo people are naturally more interested in business than national service. Career preferences differ between individuals, families and communities. The more useful question is this: what does military service offer today's young graduate or school leaver, and how does it compare with the alternatives? Pay, training, career progression, family welfare, personal safety and long-term prospects all matter. If the Army wants more young people to apply, it must compete for their interest by demonstrating the value and professionalism of a military career. 

Igbo people have served in Nigeria's military, including before the Civil War. Academic research on the military in the years leading up to 1966 documents significant Igbo representation among officers at that time. This history challenges the idea that Igbo people have always avoided military service. 

It also shows why the present debate cannot be explained by a simple claim that one ethnic group is naturally suited to soldiering while another is not. Recruitment patterns can change because of political developments, institutional policies, economic incentives and public perceptions. The real issue is not whether Igbo people can serve. History demonstrates that they have. The question is what explains the reported low recruitment interest in more recent exercises.

The bigger question remains who feels at home in Nigeria? It is a question bigger than recruitment figures. What makes a citizen feel that serving their country is worthwhile? For some, military service represents honour, discipline, financial stability and an opportunity to protect fellow citizens. For others, concerns about safety, historical experiences or confidence in government institutions may influence the decision. Both the Army's recruitment challenge and the concerns raised by some South-East stakeholders deserve serious attention. But the discussion should not become another argument about which ethnic group is more Nigerian, more patriotic or more willing to sacrifice. National service should not be treated as a test of ethnic loyalty. Nor should young people's concerns be dismissed without investigation. A country that wants citizens from every region to serve must work to make its institutions credible, inclusive and worthy of their trust.

Join the conversation

Do you think the low recruitment interest reported in the South-East is driven mainly by historical distrust, concerns about safety, career opportunities, perceived marginalisation, or a combination of these factors?

And what would genuinely encourage more young people from the region to consider military service?

Let's discuss the issue with facts, experience and respect for different perspectives.

And dive into OpinionMarket.ng  trade your Opinions

Who Is Nasir El-Rufai?

 

Who Is Nasir El-Rufai? How the Former Kaduna Governor’s Legal Troubles Began and What Has Happened So Far

Nasir El-Rufai was once one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures. Today, the former Kaduna State governor is facing multiple legal battles involving allegations of financial misconduct and the alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications linked to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is a Nigerian politician who served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Before becoming governor, he served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2003 to 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He also previously headed the Bureau of Public Enterprises.

His time in public office made him a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, known for his administration’s reforms, infrastructure projects and controversial policy decisions.

However, his political relationships changed after he left office, and investigations into his administration subsequently became a major public issue.

The financial investigation gained momentum after the Kaduna State House of Assembly called for an investigation into the finances and activities of El-Rufai’s administration.

In 2024, the Assembly recommended investigations into alleged financial irregularities during his eight-year tenure. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) also received a petition alleging financial misconduct involving El-Rufai and officials who served under him.

The allegations included the handling of public funds, government loans, procurement processes and contracts awarded during his administration. Premium Times 

The situation escalated in February 2026 when security operatives attempted to arrest El-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The ICPC later said it was investigating a petition concerning his time as governor.

On February 16, El-Rufai honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The commission detained him as part of its investigation into alleged financial misconduct.

After his release from EFCC custody, he was taken into ICPC custody on February 19. Premium Times 

The ICPC said it needed to continue its investigation into allegations of corruption, money laundering and abuse of office. El-Rufai challenged his detention in court, arguing that the investigations were politically motivated and that his rights had been violated.

The ICPC maintained that it was acting within its legal powers. Premium Times 

One of the major cases concerns a CCTV surveillance project in Kaduna metropolis.

In June 2026, the ICPC arraigned El-Rufai, former aide Jimi Lawal and other defendants over an amended 11-count charge involving an approximately 8.68 billion naira CCTV surveillance contract.

The commission alleged that the contract was awarded to Singularity Network Security Limited in violation of public procurement requirements and that the company lacked the necessary experience and qualifications. It also alleged that funds connected to the transactions were moved through various companies and individuals. ICPC 

El-Rufai and the other defendants pleaded not guilty.

The case has experienced delays and changes in legal representation. In October 2026, the Federal High Court in Kaduna adjourned the substantive hearing to December 8, 2026, to allow the new legal teams to familiarise themselves with the case.

The allegations remain subject to judicial determination.

Another ICPC case involves allegations concerning severance payments and transactions through El-Rufai’s domiciliary account.

The commission alleged that he received 289.8 million naira on two occasions as severance allowances, amounts it said exceeded his legal entitlement. It also alleged that certain dollar deposits into his account were linked to unlawful activities.

El-Rufai and co-defendant Joel Adoga pleaded not guilty to the charges.

These allegations are separate from the CCTV contract case and should not be treated as proven offences. ICPC 

El-Rufai is also facing a separate case brought by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The case centres on allegations that telephone communications linked to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu were unlawfully intercepted.

The issue attracted attention after El-Rufai discussed the matter during a February 2026 interview on Arise Television. The DSS subsequently pursued charges relating to the alleged interception.

El-Rufai pleaded not guilty and challenged the sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence.

On October 26, 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed his no-case submission and directed him to enter his defence if he wished. This means the court found sufficient grounds for the trial to continue; it does not amount to a finding of guilt.

The case was adjourned until November 25, 2026, for the defence stage. Radio Nigeria 

El-Rufai’s relationship with President Bola Tinubu and the APC also changed after the 2023 elections.

Although he supported Tinubu’s emergence as the APC’s presidential candidate, El-Rufai was not appointed to the ministerial position initially associated with him after the election.

He later became a critic of the administration and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), positioning himself within the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

El-Rufai has argued that the investigations against him are politically motivated. The anti-corruption agencies, however, maintain that they are pursuing allegations within their statutory responsibilities.

His political disagreements with the government have contributed to public debate about whether the cases are purely legal matters or are also influenced by Nigeria’s wider political tensions. Establishing political motivation, however, requires evidence and cannot be assumed from the timing of the investigations alone.

El-Rufai’s situation brings together several important questions about public accountability, the independence of anti-corruption investigations, the rights of accused persons and the relationship between politics and law enforcement in Nigeria.

The next stages of the court cases will determine how the allegations are tested against the evidence presented by the prosecution and defence.

For now, the central distinction remains clear: El-Rufai faces serious allegations and ongoing legal proceedings, but the allegations must be determined through the judicial process.

As the cases continue, Nigerians will be watching not only the outcome but also how the legal process unfolds.

Follow the stories shaping Nigeria and the world on OpinionMarket. Explore the issues, understand the facts and follow the developments as they happen.

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Ballon d’Or 2026 Shocks, El Clásico Drama and Premier League Predictions

 

Harry Kane Wins the Ballon d’Or, Mbappé Wins El Clásico: Football Has Been Full of Surprises

Football fans have barely had time to recover from the Ballon d’Or ceremony, and there is already another reason to argue, celebrate, and question everything they thought they knew about football.

Harry Kane has won the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or. Kylian Mbappé finished second, Lamine Yamal came third, and Bruno Fernandes ended up in 27th place. Then, just days after the awards, Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2–1 in El Clásico, with Mbappé scoring twice, including a late winner.

If you thought football was becoming predictable, the past few days have had other ideas. For anyone who followed the Ballon d’Or markets on OpinionMarket, this was the kind of football conversation that made every prediction worth discussing. And with more Premier League action coming up, there is no shortage of new questions for fans to consider. The ceremony also had an unusual pre-award twist.

Hours before the winner was officially announced, articles appearing on the Ballon d’Or website named Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Lamine Yamal as winners in separate posts. Those articles were subsequently removed. The confusion fueled speculation and added another layer of drama to an already closely watched ceremony. It also highlighted a lesson that extends beyond football: information appearing online before an official announcement is not automatically reliable or complete.

For people following prediction markets, timing and the rules governing a market's resolution matter. A rumour, an apparent leak, and an officially confirmed result are not necessarily equivalent.

For years, Harry Kane has been one of football’s most prolific strikers. But individual awards at this level had remained outside his reach. That changed on 26 October 2026. The Bayern Munich and England striker claimed the men’s Ballon d’Or after a remarkable campaign in which he scored 73 goals for club and country. He also helped Bayern secure a domestic treble.

Kane became the first Englishman to win the men’s award since Michael Owen in 2001 It was a major moment for English football, but it also reignited the familiar debate: should individual awards primarily reward goals and trophies, or should they account for creativity, influence, consistency, and a player's overall contribution? Kane’s numbers made a compelling case. Yet the fact that Mbappé and Yamal finished behind him will keep fans debating how the final decision was reached.

For OpinionMarket users who followed the Ballon d’Or market, this is a reminder that a strong candidate and an eventual winner are not always the same thing. The important question before any market resolves is whether the available evidence supports your position. 

Kylian Mbappé finished second, while Barcelona's Lamine Yamal took third place. For Mbappé, the result meant missing out on the biggest individual prize despite another outstanding season. For Yamal, it was another significant achievement in a career that is still developing.

But football debates rarely end with the official rankings.

Some fans will argue that Mbappé had a stronger case. Others will point to Yamal’s influence, his age, and the excitement surrounding his performances. Kane’s goals and silverware, meanwhile, provide a strong counterargument.

There is also a difference between predicting the winner and predicting the order in which the leading contenders will finish. Someone who backed Kane to win may have read the race correctly, while someone who expected Mbappé or Yamal to finish first may have had to reconsider their position.

For Mbappé, the result meant missing out on the biggest individual prize despite another outstanding season. For Yamal, it was another significant achievement in a career that is still developing.

But football debates rarely end with the official rankings some fans will argue that Mbappé had a stronger case. Others will point to Yamal’s influence, his age, and the excitement surrounding his performances. Kane’s goals and silverware, meanwhile, provide a strong counterargument.

There is also a difference between predicting the winner and predicting the order in which the leading contenders will finish. Someone who backed Kane to win may have read the race correctly, while someone who expected Mbappé or Yamal to finish first may have had to reconsider their position.

And here is the interesting part: football fans can watch the same season, study the same statistics, and reach completely different conclusions that is what makes football debates and prediction markets so engaging.

If Kane’s victory dominated the headlines, Bruno Fernandes’ 27th-place finish provided another major talking point. The Manchester United captain had an exceptional Premier League season, including breaking the league's single-season assist record and earning the division's Player of the Year recognition. Yet he finished well outside the top 20 in the Ballon d’Or voting.

That gap between domestic recognition and the final Ballon d’Or ranking was difficult for many fans to ignore. How can a player who performs at such a high level in his league finish so far down the list?

As if the Ballon d’Or debate were not enough, football served up another major talking point on Sunday, 25 October.

Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2–1 at the Spotify Camp Nou in the first El Clásico of the 2026/27 La Liga season.

Mbappé opened the scoring in the 41st minute, Raphinha equalised for Barcelona in the 61st, and Mbappé struck again in the 88th minute to secure the win for Real Madrid.

The result ended Barcelona's nine-match winning start in the league and reduced the gap between the two rivals at the top of the table.

For Madrid supporters, it was a statement victory. For Barcelona fans, it was a painful reminder of how quickly a match can turn.

And for anyone who expected a comfortable Barcelona performance or a different outcome, the final score offered a fresh talking point.

The irony was hard to miss: Mbappé had just finished second in the Ballon d’Or race, yet he responded with a match-winning performance against Barcelona days later.

Of course, one match does not settle the Ballon d’Or debate. But it gives fans another reason to revisit the arguments about who makes the biggest difference when the stakes are high.

As if the Ballon d’Or debate were not enough, football served up another major talking point on Sunday, 25 October.

Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2–1 at the Spotify Camp Nou in the first El Clásico of the 2026/27 La Liga season.

Mbappé opened the scoring in the 41st minute, Raphinha equalised for Barcelona in the 61st, and Mbappé struck again in the 88th minute to secure the win for Real Madrid.

The result ended Barcelona's nine-match winning start in the league and reduced the gap between the two rivals at the top of the table.

For Madrid supporters, it was a statement victory. For Barcelona fans, it was a painful reminder of how quickly a match can turn.

And for anyone who expected a comfortable Barcelona performance or a different outcome, the final score offered a fresh talking point.

The irony was hard to miss: Mbappé had just finished second in the Ballon d’Or race, yet he responded with a match-winning performance against Barcelona days later.

Of course, one match does not settle the Ballon d’Or debate. But it gives fans another reason to revisit the arguments about who makes the biggest difference when the stakes are high.

If you followed the Ballon d’Or markets on OpinionMarket, this is the moment to look back at your reasoning and prepare for the next football questions. If you missed them, there are more fixtures ahead to follow and discuss.

The Ballon d’Or debate may be over for this year, but the football predictions are far from finished.

Visit OpinionMarket to explore the available football markets, form your own view, and join the conversation.

OpinionMarket.ng markets are subject to availability and their stated rules. Predictions are uncertain, and no outcome is guaranteed

Shoprite Is Coming Back to Nigeria!

 

Shoprite Is Coming Back to Nigeria: Why It Left and What Has Changed?

Shoprite is making another attempt to strengthen its presence in Nigeria after years of financial and operational challenges. But did the South African supermarket giant really leave Nigeria, and who owns the business today?

Shoprite entered Nigeria in 2005, opening its first store at The Palms Shopping Mall in Lagos. However, in 2020, its South African parent company announced plans to exit the Nigerian market.

The decision was linked to Nigeria’s difficult business environment, including foreign exchange shortages, supply-chain disruptions and challenges repatriating funds. The company completed the sale of its Nigerian supermarket business in 2021. The Guardian 

Shoprite just sold its Nigerian operations, not the entire global Shoprite business.

In June 2021, Ketron Investment Limited, backed by local investors led by Persianas Investment, completed the acquisition. The Nigerian business continued operating under the Shoprite brand through a franchise arrangement.

This meant the South African company exited direct ownership of its Nigerian supermarket operations, while local investors took over the business. The Guardian

Shoprite’s current strategy focuses on rebuilding its Nigerian operations rather than returning under its former ownership structure.

In March 2026, the company said it was restructuring and announced plans to reopen stores at The Palms Shopping Mall and Circle Mall in Lagos. By October 2026, reports indicated that three stores had reopened, with plans to introduce smaller, standalone neighbourhood supermarkets.

The strategy aims to reduce expenses associated with large shopping malls, rent, electricity and diesel. The company is also increasing its focus on locally sourced products. BusinessDay

Shoprite’s renewed efforts could give Nigerian shoppers more options, but its long-term recovery will depend on managing operating costs, maintaining stocked shelves and offering competitive prices.

The bigger question is whether the supermarket can adapt to Nigeria’s economic realities and rebuild customer confidence.

Shoprite’s story is a reminder that even established international brands must adapt to survive in Nigeria’s business environment.

Follow the stories shaping Nigeria and the world on OpinionMarket. 

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Nigeria’s Unbearable Heat: What El Niño Means, What Scientists Are Saying and What Could Happen Next

The heat is becoming a major talking point in Nigeria, but how much of it is linked to El Niño, and what should Nigerians expect in the coming months?

As Nigerians complain about hot weather, uncomfortable nights and the difficulty of keeping cool without reliable electricity, concerns are growing over the developing El Niño climate phenomenon.

On October 22, 2026, A projection that Nigeria could record 31,400 additional heat-related deaths between September 2026 and February 2027. The estimate has drawn attention to the potential health consequences of rising temperatures. The Cable

What's El Niño?

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs when surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become unusually warm. It can influence temperatures, rainfall and weather patterns across different parts of the world.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says the 2023-2024 El Niño was among the five strongest recorded. The organisation also explained that greenhouse gas emissions from human activities remain the main driver of long-term global warming. WMO

Nigeria's concerns did not begin with the recent reports about heat-related deaths. Here are some key developments:

• February 11, 2026: The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) published its 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction, providing the country's initial outlook for rainfall and temperatures. NiMet

• June 2, 2026: The WMO issued an update urging countries to prepare for the developing El Niño.

• August 13, 2026: NiMet published an updated seasonal forecast confirming the onset of a strong El Niño event and examining its potential influence on weather conditions.

• September 3, 2026: The WMO warned that El Niño was expected to become very strong, increasing the risks of extreme weather into 2027. WMO

• October 22, 2026: A reporter  reported the projection of 31,400 additional heat-related deaths in Nigeria between September 2026 and February 2027. The Cable

• October 24, 2026: Premium Times published guidance on protecting oneself as extreme heat affects parts of Nigeria, highlighting the risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Premium Times

The discussion has moved beyond the discomfort of hot weather to concerns about public health, electricity supply, agriculture and household expenses.

Researchers at the University of Chicago's Climate Impact Lab estimate that the developing El Niño could contribute to approximately 451,000 additional heat-related deaths worldwide during the period covered by their research. Nigeria's projected figure is 31,400. FactCheckAfrica 

These numbers are estimates, not confirmed deaths or guaranteed outcomes.

Meanwhile, October 26 highlighted how Nigeria's unreliable electricity supply could make extreme heat harder to manage. Without consistent power, households may struggle to run fans and air conditioners, while businesses face additional generator and cooling costs. BusinessDay

On social media, personal experiences of hot nights and power outages have added to public concern. However, individual complaints alone cannot establish that El Niño is responsible for every instance of unusually hot weather.

Nigeria and the rest of the world have experienced El Niño before.

The 2023-2024 event was particularly significant. On July 4, 2023, the WMO officially announced the onset of El Niño conditions, warning that the phenomenon could increase the likelihood of temperature records and extreme heat. WMO

By March 5, 2024, the organisation reported that the event had peaked as one of the five strongest on record. It warned that its effects would continue even as the event weakened.

The WMO also noted that El Niño and human-driven climate change can combine to intensify extreme temperatures. However, El Niño's effects differ across regions, and its presence does not automatically mean every country will experience the same weather conditions. WMO

The potential effects extend beyond discomfort. Prolonged extreme heat can increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness, while changes in rainfall can affect farming, water availability and food production.

The risks may differ between northern and southern Nigeria. NiMet's forecasts and subsequent updates are therefore important for understanding local conditions rather than assuming that the entire country will experience identical impacts.

For ordinary Nigerians, taking breaks from intense sunlight, drinking sufficient water, reducing strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours and checking official weather and health advisories can help reduce exposure to heat.

The concern is not simply whether Nigerians will experience hotter days. It is whether households, hospitals, farmers, workers and public services are adequately prepared if extreme heat becomes more frequent or intense.

The projected 31,400 additional heat-related deaths should be understood as a warning about potential risks, not an inevitable outcome. Better preparation, reliable public information and practical measures to protect vulnerable people can make a difference.

At OpinionMarket, we follow the stories shaping Nigeria and the world, from public health and politics to the economy and trending events. Explore the issues, understand the developments and trade on the outcomes that matter to you.

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From Lagos Streets to Kaduna Billboards: Who Is Responsible for Nigeria’s Political Campaign Mess?

As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, political parties are increasing their visibility through campaign posters, banners and billboards. But beyond the political messages and promises, questions are emerging about the use of public spaces, the treatment of opposition campaign materials and the reported deployment of security personnel to protect campaign billboards in Kaduna.

The debate has drawn attention to the All Progressives Congress (APC), with concerns raised about campaign materials in Lagos and reports of security operatives guarding President Bola Tinubu’s campaign billboards in Kaduna.

The Lagos State chapter of the APC commenced its governorship and House of Assembly campaign in September 2026, with plans to mobilise supporters across the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas. The Guardian.

However, the visibility of political campaign materials in Lagos has also generated controversy.

On October 1, 2026, BarristerNG reported that Ladipo Johnson, a senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alleged that APC campaign posters and billboards were prominent across the city while opposition campaign materials were being vandalised or removed.

These remain allegations and have not, through that report alone, been independently established. BarristerNG.

Beyond the political competition, the question of how campaign materials are displayed and eventually removed deserves attention. Posters pasted on unauthorised surfaces, abandoned banners and discarded flyers can contribute to visual pollution and environmental waste.

The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has published guidelines restricting where political campaign materials may be displayed. Under its published guidelines for the 2023 general elections, posters were permitted only on designated surfaces on inner streets, not on highways, major roads, electricity poles, transformers or bridge structures.

The guidelines also stated that improperly displayed campaign materials could be removed. LASAA 

Although these guidelines were issued for the 2023 elections, they provide useful context for understanding the regulation of political advertising in Lagos. Their applicability to the current campaign period should be confirmed with LASAA.

The important question is whether campaign rules are being consistently enforced and whether political parties take responsibility for the materials distributed by their candidates and supporters.

The controversy took another turn in Kaduna ahead of the APC’s presidential campaign flag-off on October 24, 2026.

According to a report by The ICIR published on October 23, personnel of the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were reportedly assigned to protect Tinubu’s campaign posters and billboards along major roads leading towards the Kaduna Township Stadium.

The report quoted a security operative as saying personnel had been directed to prevent the campaign materials from being vandalised, particularly at night. The ICIR 

The development attracted criticism from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned why campaign billboards appeared to require protection while communities across Nigeria continued to face security challenges.

In his reaction, Atiku argued that protecting campaign materials should not overshadow the government's responsibility to protect citizens.

His comments turned the reported deployment into a broader debate about public priorities, security and political campaigning.

However, the APC Presidential Campaign Council challenged the interpretation of the incident. On October 24, its spokesperson, Dele Alake, alleged that a photograph of a security vehicle on routine patrol near a billboard had been misrepresented as evidence that security personnel were assigned to protect campaign materials.

The party also accused Atiku and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of attempting to discredit its campaign. Radio Nigeria Kaduna

These competing accounts make it important to distinguish the initial media report and the security operative's account from the APC's subsequent response. The available reports do not, on their own, establish the full circumstances surrounding the deployment or who authorised and funded it.

The Lagos and Kaduna controversies raise questions that extend beyond one political party.

Who is responsible for removing campaign materials after elections? If public agencies are assigned duties connected to political campaigns, what is the purpose of those assignments, and who authorises them? Are the same rules applied to the ruling party and opposition parties?

These are reasonable questions for citizens to ask as election campaigns become more visible.

Political parties have the right to campaign within the law, and authorities have a responsibility to maintain public order and prevent vandalism. At the same time, campaign activities should not become an excuse for indiscriminate use of public infrastructure or inconsistent enforcement of advertising regulations.

Where allegations of vandalism or misuse of public resources arise, they should be investigated and supported by verifiable evidence rather than political assumptions.

With the presidential campaign now underway, campaign posters and billboards will continue to feature prominently in Nigeria's political landscape.

But political communication involves more than putting candidates' faces on walls, bridges and major roads. It also requires respect for public spaces, compliance with applicable regulations and accountability for the use of public resources.

For Lagos residents, the issue is whether campaign materials are displayed responsibly and whether existing signage rules are enforced fairly. In Kaduna, the debate concerns the reported protection of campaign billboards, the explanation provided by the APC and the wider questions about public security.

As Nigerians follow the road to 2027, the focus should remain on verifiable information, transparent governance and the issues that affect citizens' daily lives.

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