Chris Okpoko
According to media reports, Governors, National Assembly members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as its National Working Committee (NWC), have announced the adoption of President Bola Tinubu as their candidate for the presidential election ahead of 2027 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the forum, Hope Uzodimma, said the governors were united in their support for Tinubu’s re-election bid. He stated:
“That for Nigeria to get to her destination faster in prosperity, that the president should be used and adopted as our flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election, for a second term in office. That the governors produced by our All Progressives Congress are hereby charged to take responsibility to market our federal government policies, occupy the political space in their domains, and take responsibility for winning all elections in their states come 2027.”
The endorsement by the lawmakers was moved by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass.
APC Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje justified the adoption of President Tinubu on the efforts at transforming the Renewed Hope Agenda from a vision on paper to a reality. He said:
“As the only body who has the power to field any candidate, I hereby affirm the various endorsements and declare President Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate of APC.”
Meanwhile, as reported by Daily Trust today (23 May 2025), a cross-section of Nigerians have criticized President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 presidential election as insensitive and an act of self-preservation by politicians within the ruling party.
The actions and motivations of political leaders often evoke intense scrutiny. This focus of governors and lawmakers on securing a second term for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu now raises questions about leadership accountability and the essence of governance. This phenomenon reflects not only the personal ambitions of politicians but also an overarching failure of leadership that prioritizes political survival over the pressing needs of the Nigerian populace. The implications of such a focus extend to the efficacy of governance, the quality of public service delivery, and the future stability of Nigeria’s democracy.
President Tinubu assumed office during a time fraught with economic turmoil, defined by rising inflation, increased poverty rates, and food insecurity. In 2024, the World Bank reported that 46% of Nigerians, which is about 107 million people, are living below the international poverty line of $2.15 per day. Despite this dire situation, our leaders’ attention appears to be significantly directed toward positioning President Tinubu for a potential reelection bid rather than addressing these pressing issues. This emphasis raises serious questions regarding the leadership priorities and moral responsibilities of those at the helm of power.
The current economic climate exacerbates the suffering experienced by many Nigerians. Food prices have skyrocketed, driven by inflation, supply chain disruptions, and agricultural challenges, including climate-related impacts. The food insecurity and malnutrition analysis, Cadre Harmonisé, led by the Government of Nigeria and supported by partners, alerts to the deterioration of food security in Nigeria with 33.1 million people expected to face high levels of acute food insecurity during the coming lean season (June-August). This represents an alarming rise of seven million people from the same period last year, driven by economic hardship, coupled with record-high inflation, the effects of climate change, and persistent violence in the northeastern states of the country (World Food Program website).
Furthermore, the political maneuverings associated with reelection efforts risk creating divisions within society. As candidates adopt increasingly polarizing rhetoric to mobilize support, they may inadvertently exacerbate societal cleavages along ethnic, religious, or regional lines. The potential for conflict grows when political leaders prioritize their electoral prospects over national cohesion and unity. With a populace already burdened by economic strife, any incitement of divisions can lead to an escalation of tensions that further destabilize the nation.
As the nation stands at a crossroads, there remains hope for a recalibration of focus within this administration. It is imperative for President Tinubu to embrace the responsibility of leadership as a service to the people rather than a stepping stone to personal ambition. A shift in priorities from electoral politics to genuine governance could transform the current situation of despair into one of resilience and hope. This requires a commitment to accountability, transparency, and a willingness to engage collaboratively with the citizenry.
Of course, the political environment in Nigeria has historically been characterized by a combination of patronage, allegiance, and electoral calculations. When leaders prioritize their political ambitions over the developmental needs of their constituents, it signals a deeper malaise within the political framework. The preoccupation with re-election after barely two years in office rather than governance undermines the very fabric of democracy, which is supposed to be about service to the people rather than self-serving aspirations.
One critical aspect to consider is the nature of loyalty in Nigerian politics. Some governors, lawmakers, and senior government officials often owe their positions to the influence wielded by national leaders like President Tinubu. As a result, their support for a second term becomes less about genuine belief in the president’s policies and more about vested interests and maintaining their political power. This transactional approach to politics creates a cycle where loyalty is rewarded over competence and vision, ultimately translating into ineffective governance. In this environment, leaders may become insulated from the realities faced by everyday Nigerians, leading to a disconnect that breeds dissatisfaction among the electorate.
Moreover, the concentration on securing a second term can distract from addressing urgent national issues. Nigeria is grappling with significant challenges, including economic instability, insecurity, and social unrest. The focus of political elites on electoral ambitions subtracts from the much-needed discourse on solutions to these problems. Rather than convening discussions on job creation, infrastructure development, and security enhancements, government officials often find themselves dedicating time and resources to political campaigns. This misalignment of priorities highlights a failure of leadership where the immediate needs of the country are overshadowed by the desire to maintain power.
Additionally, the narrative surrounding President Tinubu’s second term campaign could be interpreted as a reflection of a broader trend in leadership failures endemic to the Nigerian political system. It suggests a reluctance to embrace transformative changes or innovative policy directions that could improve citizens’ lives. Instead of advocating for new ideas or reforms that address systemic issues, the focus remains on preserving the status quo. Such stagnation in governance indicates a failure to adapt to changing circumstances and to respond effectively to the aspirations of the populace, who increasingly demand accountable and transparent leadership.
Another troubling implication of this situation is the erosion of the democratic process. A healthy democracy necessitates that leaders be held accountable for their actions and decisions. When political figures prioritize their political futures at the expense of their responsibilities, they undermine the foundational principles of democracy. This lack of accountability can result in a disengaged electorate, further exacerbating voter apathy and disillusionment with the political process. If citizens perceive that their leaders are more interested in their ambitions than in serving the public, they may become increasingly cynical regarding their participation in the democratic process, perpetuating a cycle of poor governance and reduced civic engagement.
As the 2027 elections loom, Nigeria’s political leaders should reassess their priorities. Rather than concentrating on power retention through alliances and promises, they should recognize the imperative of addressing the pressing concerns of their constituents. Strengthening public institutions, promoting economic resilience, and fostering social cohesion should take precedence over fleeting political gains. By aligning their objectives with the aspirations of the Nigerian people, leaders can begin to restore trust in governance and create a more conducive environment for democratic growth.
Furthermore, civil society and the media play a crucial role in this equation. They must continue to advocate for accountability and transparency, calling out leaders who focus solely on their ambitions at the expense of public welfare. By engaging citizens in meaningful dialogue about governance and policy, a more informed electorate can emerge, one that demands better from its leaders. Raising awareness about the significance of leadership integrity reinforces the idea that governance is not merely a means to an end but a responsibility to serve the greater good.
In conclusion, the fixation of governors and lawmakers on ensuring President Tinubu’s second term embodies a considerable failure of leadership within Nigeria. It reflects a political culture that values loyalty over competence and prioritizes personal ambition over the pressing needs of the populace. To mitigate this failure, leaders need to realign their focus towards constructive governance that addresses the multifaceted challenges facing the nation. A renewed commitment to public service, adherence to democratic principles, and active civic engagement can foster a more robust democratic framework that ultimately benefits all Nigerians. Only by confronting these leadership failures head-on can Nigeria pave the way for a prosperous future that aligns with the aspirations of its citizens.
