IN NIGERIA, the tradition of endorsing government in power is not new and is not a sign that the regime is doing well. It stems from self-interest rather than genuine performance. These endorsements are mostly done by political jobbers and hirelings. Politicians and their supporters who benefit from the status quo may endorse the government to protect their business interests and political careers, gain recognition or favours, preserve access to government contracts and resources and avoid potential repercussions.
Collective amnesia seems to have set in. Many Nigerians have forgotten the pro-military rallies during Sani Abacha’s regime, particularly the infamous “Abacha 2 million march” organised by “Youths Earnestly Ask for Abacha” (YEAA). This attempt to anoint Abacha as the sole candidate for the presidency under his transition program was a stark reminder of history’s repetition. The endorsements of Abacha was not because he was doing well, rather a few jobbers and political miscreants who were benefiting from his fearsome leadership and people who were afraid what he could do to them.
History shows that one-party dominance fuels corruption, neglect, infighting, and eventual implosion. PDP’s failed attempt at a one-party state led to their downfall, including the failed third-term bid. Similarly, APC’s aspirations for a one-party dominance, spearheaded by Tinubu, will likely end in catastrophic failure.
In a nation plagued by unemployment and hunger, political endorsements can become a lucrative racket, exploited by opportunists. When a government performs well, it should inspire genuine support, not rely on manipulation and coercion to sway public opinion. Nigerians are struggling harder ever than before to survive, and that is why endorsements have become a lucrative business.
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Truth be told, the APC government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no tangible achievement since coming to office and it is fully aware of it. Nigerian are jobless, hungry, sick and hopeless. This government has caused inflation, hunger, hardship, suffering, high price of fuel, borrowing to squander, ineffectual touring across the world, insecurity, corruption, state capture, and so on. Yet citizens are expected to tighten the belts that are already cutting into their flesh.
The recent wave of endorsements and even defections in the country suggest that the ruling party is trying to buy support, acknowledging their inability to win free and fair elections based on merit. Otherwise, it would be unprecedented for the oppressed to endorse their oppressors. We saw it during the military era. It is not new.
Former Ebonyi State governor and current Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, claimed his state is completely APC with no Obidients. However, his track record as governor paints a different picture. During his eight-year tenure, Umahi prioritised capital projects over tangible improvements in people’s lives, contributing to Ebonyi’s status as one of the poorest states in the South-East.
Umahi’s claim that Ebonyi is completely APC doesn’t necessarily mean the people are content. With rampant insecurity, poverty, disease, illiteracy and hunger plaguing the state, it’s clear that something is amiss. The people are crying out for change. Ebonyi is in dire need of the Obidient elixir and in 2027, the Obidient movement may just be the answer to Ebonyi’s prayers.
Despite Governor Alex Oti’s impressive achievements in Abia State, Benjamin Kalu claims APC will reclaim the state in 2027. It’s ironic that Kalu, seemingly intoxicated with his own influence, forgets that re-elections should be performance-based, not a reward for loyalty. His desperation suggests he’s under pressure from powerful quarters to deliver Abia for APC in 2027, or risk losing his position.
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By Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the entire Enugu State with its beautiful topographical landscape, will be pulled on a leash by Dr Peter Mba down the valley to APC. People are wondering what drives a performing governor to join a struggling party.
His defection: a masterstroke or a sinking ship ticket? What’s the real motivation behind this move? Is it power, politics, or something more sinister? Grapevine has it that the South-South is already warming up to join APC.
Down through the ages, the bourgeoisies have always been parasites, loads and obstacles to society and its growth. Since 1999, our democracy has out-performed military rule in deceit, killings, corruption, and economic mismanagement. Endorsing any government or defecting to a ruling party is not in the interest of working masses and development of the nation. Our future looks very bleak. All the defections and endorsements of a non-performing APC government is a conspiracy to destroy Nigeria.
History often repeats itself, and those who fail to learn become its victims. In 1999, Nigeria’s democracy was reborn, with PDP dominating governorship seats. By 2003, PDP’s dominance grew, winning 28 governorships. The ANPP and AD saw significant losses. Then President Obasanjo’s PDP boasted of a 50-year rule, but history had other plans. The party’s projection fell woefully short.
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History shows that one-party dominance fuels corruption, neglect, infighting, and eventual implosion. PDP’s failed attempt at a one-party state led to their downfall, including the failed third-term bid. Similarly, APC’s aspirations for a one-party dominance, spearheaded by Tinubu, will likely end in catastrophic failure.
The plan to turn Nigeria into Lagos will still fail woefully.
Down through the ages, the bourgeoisies have always been parasites, loads and obstacles to society and its growth. Since 1999, our democracy has out-performed military rule in deceit, killings, corruption, and economic mismanagement. Endorsing any government or defecting to a ruling party is not in the interest of working masses and development of the nation. Our future looks very bleak. All the defections and endorsements of a non-performing APC government is a conspiracy to destroy Nigeria.
Comrade Amechi is a trade union activist based on Lagos.
