With Nigeria’s next general election slated for 2027, political strategizing has already begun in earnest. Politicians, including those in the current administration, have shifted focus toward the upcoming election, raising concerns about the impact on governance.
Early Politicking and Governance Concerns
The heightened attention to the 2027 elections has led to fears that governance may take a back seat. Critics argue that elected officials should prioritize delivering on their 2023 campaign promises rather than focusing on re-election plans.
“Poverty and hunger are widespread. Political office holders must show what they have achieved with the mandate given to them in 2023 instead of discussing 2027,” Ladipo Johnson, National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, emphasized.
Observers warn that the obsession with politicking is likely to affect policy implementation and deepen the challenges Nigerians are already facing.
Strategic Alignments Among Politicians
Reports indicate that politicians from various parties are engaging in realignment talks ahead of 2027. Opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (Labour Party), and Nasir El-Rufai (former Kaduna governor), are rumored to be discussing potential mergers or new political platforms.
Salihu Lukman, a former APC official, stressed the need for a deeper restructuring of Nigeria’s political system rather than simply replacing one party with another. He warned that Nigerians are unlikely to trust new political promises without a clear, actionable vision.
“The focus must shift from defeating APC to addressing systemic issues. Nigerians are disillusioned by unmet promises and will demand more than empty rhetoric in 2027,” Lukman said.
Failures in Governance
Public commentators have expressed disappointment in the current government’s inability to deliver tangible improvements to citizens’ lives. The removal of fuel subsidies and the resulting inflation have compounded poverty and suffering.
Kunle Okunade, a public affairs analyst, highlighted the need for accountability. “Leaders fail to deliver because they know they won’t be held accountable. Our electoral system must ensure that votes count, and poor performance leads to electoral defeat,” he argued.
Additionally, many state governments have failed to deliver on constituency projects despite receiving funds, leaving citizens disillusioned.
Need for Sustainable Policies
Critics say the government’s reliance on palliatives such as food and money handouts is unsustainable. Joy Otiwa, a public analyst, advocated for policies that promote entrepreneurship, support small businesses, and create jobs.
“Instead of sharing palliatives, political leaders should establish factories and industries to provide long-term solutions to poverty and unemployment,” she said.
Otiwa also warned that early politicking at the expense of governance could backfire, as voters are increasingly demanding performance and accountability.
The Challenge Ahead
Economist Kingsley Odoh expressed skepticism about the effective implementation of Nigeria’s 2025 and 2026 budgets, suggesting that funds may be diverted for political purposes.
“Many politicians are already warehousing funds for 2027. The same pattern will play out at both federal and state levels, leading to poor budget performance,” Odoh lamented.
Conclusion
While political realignments and strategizing intensify, Nigerians are calling for a shift in focus to governance and policies that address pressing issues like poverty, unemployment, and inflation. As the race toward 2027 heats up, political leaders must prioritize impactful governance to win the trust of the electorate.
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