Abuja, the planned capital city of Nigeria, established in 1991 to replace Lagos as the nation’s political center. Also known as the Federal Capital Territory, it’s where Nigeria’s government operates, where African leaders meet, and where decisions ripple across the continent. Unlike sprawling coastal cities, Abuja was designed from scratch—wide avenues, clear zoning, and a central location meant to unite Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. It’s not just a city; it’s a symbol of national ambition and a stage for continental power plays.
Abuja is where Nigerian politics gets real. From presidential addresses at the National Assembly to protests outside the Aso Rock Villa, this city holds the pulse of the country’s future. When President Tinubu canceled the 65th Independence Day parade in 2024, it wasn’t just a logistical shift—it was a political signal sent from Abuja to the world. The same city saw the rise of figures like Yusuf Buda Yakub, shaping Nigeria’s 4D foreign policy, and hosted the National Transition and Advisory Council as it pushed for global recognition of African governance models.
Abuja also connects to broader African politics. The city is a magnet for diplomats, NGOs, and regional bodies like the African Union. When Cameroon’s opposition leader Bakary declared victory over Biya, Abuja was one of the first places international observers turned to for context. It’s where Nigerian mediators sit across from leaders from Mali, Sudan, and the DRC. The city doesn’t just host meetings—it influences outcomes. And when Nigeria’s SASSA-style biometric rules were rolled out, Abuja’s tech-savvy ministries were the ones designing the systems that could soon be copied across West Africa.
You won’t find surfers in Abuja, but you’ll find the people who shape the stories Zulu Surf Riders Daily covers. The political chaos in Cameroon, the cultural shifts in Nigeria, the policy moves in Osun State—all of it ties back to decisions made here. This collection brings you raw, on-the-ground reports from Abuja’s corridors of power, the protests in Wuse, the quiet negotiations in Garki, and the quiet moments between the headlines. What happens in Abuja doesn’t stay in Abuja. It echoes from Lagos to Luanda, from Dakar to Douala. Below, you’ll find the stories that show why this city matters more than most realize.
Nigerian Army raided ex-Minister Timipre Sylva’s Abuja home amid alleged coup ties, despite official denials. His brother arrested, property destroyed — raising fears of political targeting ahead of 2027 elections.
