As the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government immerses itself in the politics of 2027, concerned Nigerians are questioning the rationale for politicking to the detriment of real and meaningful governance, while also expressing worries over the gale of defections by governors and other political office holders across the country in what pundits describe as an attempt to stifle the opposition in preparation for a one party state can only be likened to a dictatorship
By Edu Abade
Political pundits once stated that you never know the true nature of a man until he gets two things-money and power. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has both in abundance. He had amassed immeasurable fortunes as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007. He always wanted it all and he seems to be having it all. As godfather of Lagos politics, he has had an overbearing influence in the state, dictating who becomes what from the local government level, the state legislature and government.
At the national level, he was instrumental to securing victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) under which former President Muhammadu Buhari came to power from 2015 to 2023. Through deft maneuvering, the king maker of Bourdillon emerged President in a highly controversial general election in 2023. He had held sway for two years in spite of the odds.
But as the politics of 2027 heats up, not a few Nigerians have expressed concerns over the gale of defections to the ruling APC, especially from the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Although it is said that politics is usually guided by permanent interests rather than permanent enmity, the way and manner in which the President Tinubu-led government has been going about maneuverings in the nation’s politics call for serious concern.
A former Governor of Kano State and national chairman of APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje had boasted that the opposition PDP and other smaller political parties were going into oblivion, yet deny the fact that the country was heading to a one-party state under the present administration. Following Gaduje’s position, the Kano State chapter of the APC had also endorsed the president for a second term in office come 2027
With an eye on automatic ticket after his first term, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has since started campaigning for a second term for Tinubu, while his counterpart in Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, along with former governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa had defected to the ruling party. Okowa’s movement to the ruling party is understandable. He is being probed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged misappropriation of over N1.3 trillion during his eight-year reign as governor of the oil-rich state. His defection to the APC is seen as a calculated attempt to evade further prosecution for graft since aligning with the federal might will give him a soft landing.
Also, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Bassey Eno, who likened the PDP to a dilapidated aircraft, is perfecting plans to join the APC, ordering his commissioners and political appointees to join him or resign their appointments when he finally defects.
During a town hall meeting in Ikot Abasi, the governor announced his intention to defect from the PDP to APC, but was met with resounding opposition from the crowd.
Speaking at the Town Square Meeting with the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 the governor said he had consulted widely and was convinced that “it is time to move” in order to align the state with the ruling party at the federal level.
“We’re progressively moving forward, linking Akwa Ibom to the center. And I know you’re going with us. Are you going with us, so we can connect to the center?” Eno asked.
However, in response to the governor’s call, his constituents reportedly shouted a thunderous “No!” overshadowing the handful of “Yes” voices, creating a tense atmosphere in the crowded venue at the Ikot Abasi Local Government grounds.
Despite the pushback, Governor Eno continued to make the case for defection, citing the need for Akwa Ibom to “belong and be counted” in national politics and to support President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He further stressed the importance of unity across party lines and declared that Tinubu, Akpabio and himself must return to office in 2027. His comments mark a significant political shift in Akwa Ibom State and have sparked heated reactions, suggesting the road to realignment may not be as smooth as anticipated. But he actually officially defected to the ruling party on Friday, June 6, 2025.
As things stand, the number of defecting governors and other political office holders, who are being cajoled or coerced into the APC band wagon, continues to swell by the day.
Celebrating the defections, the President had stated that he does not care if all the governors, representatives and senators join the APC, a development that signals the end of opposition politics and the beginning of a one party state.
The President’s attitude has sparked reactions from concerned Nigerians. A civil society representative, Philip Jakpor, who reviewed the President’s transition to Aso Rock queried: “Is this the kind of democracy we fought for? Is this the kind of democracy Tinubu himself fought for during his days of fighting the military with the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) with the likes of the late Pa Alfred Rewane? Is this the kind of democracy the late Kudirat and MKO Abiola died for?
“If the truth be told, can he sincerely look back and give himself a pat on the back, seeing how the opposition is being stifled and how the country is derailing under his watch? Nigerians are watching and only time will tell.”
Reacting to the state of affairs in the country, a former representative of Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, recently lamented that it appears that the upcoming 2027 election will be the beginning and the end of everything, insisting that Nigeria’s democratic process is increasingly being hijacked by perpetual politicking at the expense of real governance.
Sani, who spoke in an interview with Arise News, criticized what he described as a recurring governance failure in the country’s political cycle, maintaining that Nigeria’s four-year leadership terms have become consumed by election-related activities, leaving little room for meaningful governance.
“Real governance only happens in one year. The second year is about preparing for the election, the third year is campaign season and the fourth is all about handover” he said.
He expressed deep concern that with just two years into Tinubu’s presidency, the political landscape is already saturated with 2027 election talk. “It appears that from next year, there will virtually be no governance. Everything will begin and end with the 2027 election,” Sani warned.
His remarks follow escalating political maneuvering, including a wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling APC and the APC’s recent formal endorsement of President Tinubu as its sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election. In addition, conversations about potential opposition coalitions are already underway-developments Sani believes are clear indicators that real governance may take the backseat.
“The national discourse is not about technology, infrastructure, or economic growth. It is about campaigns, coalitions, endorsements and defections. This desperation for political power is not helping the country,” Sani lamented.
The former senator’s comments echo a broader concern among many Nigerians that public officeholders are more focused on retaining power than on solving pressing issues such as insecurity, unemployment, and economic instability.
Sani concluded his critique with a sobering forecast: If the current trend continues, Nigeria may effectively cease governance activities by 2026, with every major decision influenced solely by electoral calculations.
His statement serves as a rallying cry for the political elite to prioritize leadership and national development over endless politicking. Whether that call will resonate in the corridors of power, however, remains uncertain.
In spite of the public outcry against the glaring erosion of democratic values and tenets, the President remains adamant in his quest to conquer more states of the federation. It is learnt that his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers is part of a grand plot to annex the state. Part of the plan is to coerce the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara to join the APC as a precondition to reinstate him, otherwise he loses his gubernatorial position permanently! There are also plans to reclaim Osun State in the forthcoming governorship election.
He is also beaming his searchlight on the South East. Only recently, he reportedly charged APC candidate in Anambra State, Evan Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife to win the governorship poll at all cost.
Assuring the candidates of his unwavering support when he presented the party’s flag to them at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, he told them: “Go and get me Anambra, you have my full support. I have said no to Governor Charles Soludo.”
Tentacle recalled that Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) pledged full support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections when the president paid a working visit to the state recently.
During the presentation, Tinubu, who stressed that victory is paramount, told Ukachukwu to “go and get me Anambra. The party will stand by you come rain, come shine. We are going to work with you. We are going to stand with you come rain, come shine. That is all I can assure you. The party is supreme, but victory is superior and very important.
Tinubu commended the leadership of the party at both national and state levels for their efforts towards the success of the candidate and the party during the gubernatorial primary in April.
He particularly praised the choice of Senator Ekwunife as Ukachukwu’s running mate, describing her as a “round peg in a round hole.”
“Distinguished Senator Ekwunife, your choice as our candidate’s running mate is a superlative one. I have no doubt of the party’s victory with you and our flag bearer. We are putting you forward in order to hold the party in trust for us and achieve victory for us. You and our candidate have been described as giant killers and I wish you both success,” he said.
The flag presentation was attended by prominent party members, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State; Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; APC Deputy Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu; APC South East Zonal Chairman, Dr. Ijomah Arodiogbu. Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, was also in attendance.
With the party flag in hand, Ukachukwu and Ekwunife are poised to take on the challenge of winning the Anambra State governorship election, backed by the support of President Tinubu and APC leadership.
To further deepen his grip on the nation’s political structure, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), apparently masterminded by the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, deployed security agencies and thugs to seal off its PDP national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, a move the party described as a “brazen abuse of power” and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy.
Following the development, the party held an emergency caucus meeting at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge in Abuja during which the Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, alleged that the action was politically motivated and unjustifiable, saying: “They should come and arrest all of us. We will not take this lightly. This is a clear attempt to undermine democracy and we will hold them accountable.”
The FCTA sealed Wadata Plaza over claims of 28 years of unpaid ground rent. But the PDP says the action was orchestrated to intimidate and destabilize the opposition ahead of critical national decisions.
“If they are encouraging such actions, we do not take it lightly. They are attempting to undermine democracy, and this is completely unacceptable. This is a clear example of the irresponsibility exhibited by this government. We condemn this act in the strongest terms. It is a reckless display of irresponsibility, and we will not tolerate it,” Damagum said.
The closure forced the PDP to relocate its operations to the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge, where the emergency meeting was convened.
Meanwhile, a special committee has been set up to investigate the matter and report back to the caucus.
“We have just adjourned today’s meeting until tomorrow at 10 o’clock. A small committee has been established to present a report tomorrow morning, and we will resume discussions from there,” Damagum said.
The recent developments come amid tension with Wike who recently pledged to “fight for justice” within the party.
Also reacting to the development, another opposition party, the Labour Party has argued that APC is not committed to protecting Nigeria’s democracy
Acting national chairman of the party, Senator Nenadi Usman, who criticized the APC for its failure to show commitment to safeguarding the country’s democracy, charged the ruling party with employing different strategies to penetrate and assimilate opposition parties.
Speaking at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Global Award and Dinner Night in Abuja, Senator Usman criticized what she described as the APC’s approach of using state institutions to intimidate, harass and manipulate the opposition to weaken them.
During a speech by Ken Eluma Asogwa, the Senior Special Adviser, Media to the acting national chairman, Senator Usman said, “Since the APC became the ruling party, there has been an intentional and ongoing effort to weaken the opposition.
“Tactics vary from infiltration and co-option to utilizing state institutions for harassment, intimidation and even manipulation of the judiciary. The governing party has developed a skill not only for entrenching its authority but also for diminishing any potential opposition. This does not constitute democracy. This is control disguised as governance.
“The APC cannot genuinely profess dedication to democratic ideals, while it is simultaneously attempting to undermine opposition parties such as the Labour Party and others.
A system that uses state resources to create division among rival parties is not dedicated to free and fair competition; rather, it is one that seeks authoritarian control.
The Labour Party’s acting national chairman emphasized the importance of establishing and maintaining a strong, patriotic opposition, asserting that democracy relies on dissent. She stated that the system “thrives not through silence or submission but through robust debate, critique, and the offering of credible alternatives.”
“Without a strong and functional opposition, we cannot claim to be practicing democracy, only a shadow of it. Globally, we have witnessed the impact of opposition movements on the resilience of democracy. Here at home, however, we are observing the deliberate slow suffocation of dissenting voices.
She, therefore, urged the country’s opposition parties to abandon personal ambitions, greed, internal divisions and concentrate on offering Nigerians credible alternatives.
“But let me also speak candidly: although outside meddling from the APC has contributed, it is not the sole cause. Too often, the opposition has played a role in its own diminishment. We need to recognize that internal rifts, personal ambition, and greed have rendered us vulnerable. If there is no internal decay, no amount of external sabotage can succeed. For this reason, I assert that the strongest antidote is not just vigilance but true and unyielding patriotism.
“When our leaders prioritize Nigeria-above ambition, ego, and the temptation of swift power-no ruling party can divide us. The time has come to stop acting like victims and start behaving like visionaries. It is not our job to complain about the nation’s condition; rather, we must strive for its salvation.
“A system where one party dominates without checks and balances does this country no favors. The APC, if it possesses wisdom, should recognize that democracy fades not through explosive events but through the quiet absence of dissent. When the populace has no genuine alternative, the legitimacy of the whole system becomes endangered.
“Nelson Mandela wisely stated, “A strong democracy needs a strong opposition-because only through scrutiny, criticism, and open debate can a government serve its people well.”
“This is our job. That is our mission. The opposition needs to be reconstructed not as a collection of fragmented groups vying for significance, but as a cohesive force motivated by common values, effective policy proposals and an unwavering determination to provide Nigerians with the leadership they merit.
“We need to highlight the shortcomings of the APC administration, including its mishandling of the economy, issues of insecurity, reduction in civic space, and the exacerbation of inequality. However, it is crucial that we bring genuine solutions to the table and address not only the frustrations of Nigerians but also their aspirations.
“As former U.S. President Barack Obama stated, “The role of an opposition party is not simply to oppose, but to hold the government accountable, challenge ideas, and propose better ones. That is our debt to the Nigerian people.
It’s not only about criticism, but also about conviction. It should not only have slogans, but real content. Not only ambition, but also concrete action.”
Responding to Nigeria’s derailing democracy, lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, argued that politicians endorsing Tinubu ahead of 2027 is a reminder of the days of former maximum military ruler, the late Sani Abacha, who almost transited into life president before he died in mysterious circumstances.
Speaking in an interview, he said: “It is delusional to speak of celebrating anything in the country because it is a difficult time which the APC has brought in bold relief. We should rather be calling for national mourning, as a collective because there is nothing to celebrate and there is no democracy either.
In spite of the political maneuverings across the country, the masses are insisting that Tinubu cannot win a fair and free election come 2027 giving the pervasive hunger and suffering in the country. For instance, the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) categorically told Tinubu that despite the massive support Chukwuma Soludo, Hope Uzodimma and Dave Umahi have promised him, the Igbo nationality will not support his second term in 2027, and asked the president to forget the self-acclaimed Igbo political leaders that are deceiving him.
MASSOB leader, Uchenna Madu, whose reaction followed Soludo’s promise of Ndigbo support for the president come 2027, said the Igbo will not support him because his (Tinubu’s) government has not been fair to Ndigbo, adding that those promising him support do not represent the true will of Igbo people and that their influence will not translate genuine and automatic voter support.
Echoing Nigerians’ sentiments regarding President Tinubu government and 2027 politics, a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Prelate of the Catholic Church and former Archbishop of the Latin Church Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, maintained that Tinubu cannot win in a free and fair election in 2027 due to the severe hunger and suffering in the land, adding that pushing for a one-party state as being witnessed under the present administration amounts to “pure dictatorship.”
