IF ELECTIONS were to be held in 2027, some believe it would be a contest between the ruling political elites and the Nigerian masses. The recent defections to the APC suggest that the ruling elites are banding together against the masses — their goal being to ensure that, by any means necessary, power and control over state resources remain in their hands.
Many politicians have recognized the writing on the wall, anticipating a continuation of the current political landscape. This scenario resembles the era of General Sani Abacha, when five political parties — described by the late Bola Ige as “five fingers of a leprous hand” — coalesced around him as their presidential candidate.
Senator Ireti Kingibe’s recent admonition to the youth is timely: stop complaining and take action to drive change. The current situation presents an opportunity for collective mobilization. A broad coalition of Nigerians — market women, farmers, artisans, trade associations, and religious groups — could become a powerful force for change. The political climate is ripe for mobilization, and Nigerians are eager for a path to freedom and progress.
At the time, aligning with Abacha was seen as a survival strategy. Today, aligning with Tinubu serves the same purpose.
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Some governors from opposition parties, such as Soludo, appear to be gravitating toward Tinubu as a potential 2027 presidential candidate.
Sowore’s frequent attacks on Obi, while sparing Tinubu, expose him as someone allegedly working with Tinubu. His relentless criticisms only reinforce suspicions that he is on the APC’s payroll.
Meanwhile, a former governor from a Middle Belt state, who had been cozying up to Nasir el-Rufai, was reportedly intimidated by the EFCC and forced to pledge his loyalty to Tinubu.
President Tinubu is a skilled political strategist and tactician with a proven track record. After setbacks, he adapts and innovates. Ahead of the 2023 governorship elections, he mobilized his supporters and employed various tactics to ensure that what happened in Lagos during the presidential elections would not be repeated. Traditional deities, cultural symbols, political jobbers, thugs, and hirelings were deployed to influence voter behaviour. This strategy worked for him then — and could be used again if necessary.
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The use of fear and intimidation to sway voters echoes past tactics, such as those employed during General Sani Abacha’s regime. Whether through military force or cultural manipulation, fear remains a potent tool — one the APC is subtly wielding to lay the groundwork for its 2027 presidential bid.
If providence grants the president the opportunity to see 2027 and he secures a second term, he will be remembered as the leader who triumphed where the military failed — the president who regionalized national politics by weaponizing ethnic deities and cultural symbols to guide voter behaviour.
However, defeating the APC in 2027 is possible. While the party may intimidate political officeholders, ordinary Nigerians are a different matter. Many politicians are vulnerable to presidential pressure due to corruption allegations, making them easy targets for blackmail.
The People Power Revolution in the Philippines during the 1980s serves as a potent reminder of citizens’ collective strength. Despite Ferdinand Marcos’s claims of electoral victory, widespread protests and national unity ultimately led to his ousting and Corazon Aquino’s rise to power.
The 2027 elections will be a test of wills between the APC and the Nigerian masses. Tinubu’s “Yoruba Ronu” strategy may resonate in the Southwest, but its appeal is limited elsewhere. The president may enjoy significant institutional support — including from the judiciary, INEC, road transport unions, and influential groups — but that alone may not guarantee victory. The masses can still make their voices heard through their votes.
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Senator Ireti Kingibe’s recent admonition to the youth is timely: stop complaining and take action to drive change. The current situation presents an opportunity for collective mobilization. A broad coalition of Nigerians — market women, farmers, artisans, trade associations, and religious groups — could become a powerful force for change. The political climate is ripe for mobilization, and Nigerians are eager for a path to freedom and progress.
The People Power Revolution in the Philippines during the 1980s serves as a potent reminder of citizens’ collective strength. Despite Ferdinand Marcos’s claims of electoral victory, widespread protests and national unity ultimately led to his ousting and Corazon Aquino’s rise to power.
If a free and fair election returns President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to office, the masses should respect the outcome — but that does not mean blind support. Citizens must remain vigilant to prevent manipulation and ensure governance serves the greater good.
This historical moment underscores the power of popular will — and how even strong external backing, such as that from the U.S., cannot withstand a united people’s demand for change.
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The 2027 election may pit the ruling elites against the working masses. Yet history shows that a united populace can reject attempts to subvert their will. The 1986 People Power Revolution and Egypt’s 2011 revolution demonstrate the power of nonviolent resistance. In both cases, peaceful protests led to dramatic leadership changes.
The Philippines proved that collective action can bring change without bloodshed, while Egypt’s Tahrir Square uprising exposed the regime’s lack of support and forced Hosni Mubarak’s resignation.
These examples illustrate that when people unite, they can challenge entrenched power structures and demand accountability. The 2027 election could be Nigerians’ opportunity to shape their future.
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If a free and fair election returns President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to office, the masses should respect the outcome — but that does not mean blind support. Citizens must remain vigilant to prevent manipulation and ensure governance serves the greater good.
Attempts to influence voters with petty gifts — food, cash, or other handouts — undermine democracy. These tactics have historically enabled the exploitation and theft of public resources. Nigerians must recognize these ploys and prioritize their collective interests.
