Preventing Another Power Hijack in 2027

“Despite the possession of an array of competent southern candidates, a fractured approach risks handing advantage back to the ruling party. If the opposition unite, acknowledging the historical South-north power sharing agreement, they stand the chance to harness the national dissatisfaction. A unified opposition can present a credible reform-minded opposition, challenging the ruling party’s lack of performance”.

Even the blind can attest to the fact that the political terrain of Nigeria is dangerously slippery, and those in power who keep denying the reality of what Nigerians face daily especially in hunger, insecurity, banditry and all other forms of criminality, should be asked if they need to be blind to see.

Nigeria’s political terrain is deeply rooted in a complex historical balance between the north and south. Since independence, the country has often cycled through agreements to ensure power sharing with the tacit understanding that after a northern presidency, the south would be allowed to complete its term. This balance gave way to a delicate rotation, and yet in recent years the political equilibrium has been strained. In the current climate, the ruling party has strategically leverage northern paradoxes. The opposition governors once aligned with parties like the PDP or Labour have been corded through patronage or subtle pressure, drawing them toward the ruling fold. The situation has been further compounded by the allegations that INEC, the supposed neutral umpire is subject to bias and the allegations of rigging and manipulations have eroded trust in the electoral process even before 2027. Amidst these, the stakes for the opposition cannot be higher. Despite the possession of an array of competent southern candidates, a fractured approach risks handing advantage back to the ruling party. If the opposition unite, acknowledging the historical South-north power sharing agreement, they stand the chance to harness the national dissatisfaction. A unified opposition can present a credible reform-minded opposition, challenging the ruling party’s lack of performance. In this crucial moment, unity is not only strategic, it is a lifeline for a Nigeria ready to reclaim its democratic promise.

After spending three years in office since 2023, the unresolved problems by the Tinubu administration remain and the issues are; security crisis, economic crisis and youth unemployment. Despite efforts, violence from bandits and insurgents still plagues the north, while the rising cost of living due to fuel subsidy removal and inflation have left many Nigerians struggling. Healthcare access is also a problem with the mass exodus of medical workers abroad and the overall trust in institutions and government continuing to erode, leaving many Nigerians disillusioned. The ruling party at this juncture, needs to recognize that if they continue to fail in addressing these core issues; security, economic hardship and healthcare, they risk a total erosion of trust. Nigerians are increasingly disillusioned and if they don’t see any real solutions, the risk is that the opposition would not only gain ground, they might ignite a broader popular movement that pushes for real change. However, with the ruling party’s resistance to reforms by manipulating institutions like the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and INEC, citizens need to stay fully engaged through active mobilization, keep demanding transparency, and holding leaders accountable. By so doing, they can push back against attempts to suppress the democratic process. The people really have the power if they stay organized and remain vigilant. Moreover, to prevent the repeat of the hijack of power as experienced in 2023 in 2027, there is the urgent need to partner with the existing elections monitoring coalition like the Nigeria civil society situation room, leveraging digital tools on social media for youths’ mobilization and collaboration with women’s groups like the Nigeria Women Trust Fund. The excesses of the security agencies can be checkmated by strengthening oversight body, ensuring legal protection like constitutional rights against arbitrary arrests and engaging a civil initiative that monitors misconducts. Citizens can also use freedom of information tool and build community policing partnership to foster trust and accountability. As Nigerians stay engaged, they should also focus on long-term reforms. They should keep voting, demand for accountability and community resilience, so that even if there are setbacks, they are not completely left powerless, because the future really depends on collective actions. On a final note, Atiku Abubakar, your years of service are undeniable and have become part of Nigeria’s history, but the future of Nigeria now calls for new energy, fresh vision and unity. The nation is at a turning point, and by stepping aside, you would be remembered not for a final defeat, but for your greatest act of statesmanship, passing the baton and ensuring a united Southern leadership. Let this be your legacy of hope. Better to be remembered as a builder and king maker, than a spoiler and destroyer. God bless Nigeria. By Samuel Tunji Adeyanju