Despite escalating economic hardship and growing public discontent across Nigeria, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has boldly declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the “sole candidate” for the 2027 presidential election, dismissing opposition parties as “shredded and irrelevant.”
Akpabio made the controversial statement on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit in Abuja, themed “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far.”
“I move… that Mr. President be returned, one, as a candidate of the APC unopposed, and secondly as the next president for a second term come 2027,” Akpabio said.
He praised President Tinubu’s “political sagacity,” citing his ability to lead despite challenging economic conditions. He claimed that the president had set Nigeria on a growth path, as allegedly confirmed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Akpabio Mocks PDP and Labour Party
Akpabio did not stop at praising the president but also ridiculed opposition parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, saying they have been reduced to irrelevance.
“I went to my village and I saw the umbrella of the PDP and it has 100 holes… everything in the South-South has collapsed for you,” he said mockingly, referring to the PDP’s symbol.
He further declared:
“All other political parties have been turned into shreds. President Tinubu will be a sole candidate for the whole Nigerian population.”
- Support from Lawmakers
- Backing Akpabio’s motion, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, added:
“I stand on behalf of the entire 109 senators, 360 House of Representatives members, and all the 36 state speakers and their members to second this motion.”
This declaration was met with applause from APC faithful, projecting a narrative of party unity and confidence in Tinubu’s leadership ahead of 2027.
A Contradiction of Realities on Ground?
However, the bold declaration comes at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with inflation, food insecurity, and widespread poverty.
Since President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, his administration’s policies—including fuel subsidy removal and currency devaluation—have led to economic instability and hardship, with many pushed further below the poverty line.
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Across the country, there have been protests, increased labor strikes, and calls for urgent reforms. Citizens are demanding relief, not political endorsements.
Civil Society Voices Caution
Political observers and civil society groups have warned that such early endorsements risk eroding democratic plurality. They caution against turning elections into a one-party affair, stressing that democracy thrives on competition and accountability.
As 2027 approaches, Nigerians are watching closely, not only to see who will run but also to see how the nation’s democracy will evolve amid rising tensions and economic despair.
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