Power To The People, Not To Dictators: Why Nigerians Must Vote Credibly In 2027

By

Ola Olateju

In every functioning democracy, power ultimately belongs to the people. However, in Nigeria, this power has often been entrusted to politicians who prioritize personal interests over the collective good. As the 2027 elections approach, Nigerians must reflect on past experiences and reclaim their democratic right to elect competent, credible, and visionary leaders.

THE COST OF BAD LEADERSHIP

Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, and deteriorating infrastructure. Despite lofty promises during election campaigns, the reality for millions is marked by poverty, unemployment, and a declining standard of living. The National Bureau of Statistics reported an inflation rate of 24.5% in 2023, driven by rising fuel costs and a depreciating naira. Petrol prices surged by 167%, from ₦254 per liter in May 2023 to ₦671 in December 2023 and currently between N870 to N890 per litre. ​

The security situation has worsened, with banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency rampant. In March 2025, suspected Islamist fighters attacked two military bases in Borno State, resulting in the deaths of at least four soldiers and injuring several others. Additionally, in December 2024, at least 50 individuals, including women and children, were kidnapped in Zamfara State’s Maradun area. While leaders travel in heavily guarded convoys, ordinary Nigerians remain vulnerable to attacks in their homes, on highways, and even in places of worship. Government officials often offer empty rhetoric, leaving citizens to fend for themselves.

Public services, including education and healthcare, are in disarray. Universities face prolonged strikes due to inadequate funding, and public hospitals are near collapse. The Nigerian Medical Association reported that over 15,000 doctors have migrated to the UK, Canada, and the US in the past five years, exacerbating the healthcare crisis. The energy sector fares no better, with erratic power supply crippling businesses and discouraging investment.​

Unemployment, especially among the youth, continues to rise. The World Bank reported a youth unemployment rate of 53.4% in 2023, pushing many into cybercrime, perilous migration routes, or despair.​

REJECTING THE INDOLENT THINKING OF AGE-BASED PRESIDENTIAL DISQUALIFICATION

In a move that exposes the self-serving tendencies of Nigerian lawmakers, members of the House of Representatives have proposed banning citizens aged 60 and above from contesting for the presidency. This ill-conceived proposition is not only undemocratic but also a dangerous precedent that must be rejected by every right-thinking Nigerian.

Democracy thrives on the fundamental principle that every eligible citizen has the right to vote and be voted for, as long as they meet the constitutional requirements. Imposing an arbitrary age limit of 60 years for presidential aspirants reeks of political opportunism rather than genuine democratic reform. It is an indolent idea that seeks to limit the choices of the electorate rather than improve the quality of governance.

The argument that older candidates should be excluded because they may lack fresh ideas is both lazy and baseless. Leadership is not about age but about vision, competence, and integrity. Some of the most transformative leaders in modern history assumed office well beyond the proposed 60-year cutoff:

• Joe Biden became U.S. President at 78, providing stable leadership after years of political turbulence.

• President Donald Trump of the USA is 78 years old

• Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s president at 75, leading the country through a historic transition from apartheid.
• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria is 73 years old and assumed office in 2023. ​
• President John DramaniMahama of Ghana assumed office in January 2025 at the age of 66 years
• President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia is 72 years old and was inaugurated as Namibia’s first female president on March 21, 2025

• President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabweis 82 years old. He assumed office at the age of 74 in 2017.
• Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana: served as the Ghana President well above 60 years of age

These examples illustrate that age does not preclude individuals from holding presidential office and contributing significantly to their nations.If age were the primary determinant of good governance, then youthful leaders like YahyaJammeh of The Gambia, Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sergeant Doe of Liberia, and even Nigeria’s own military-era young rulers would have delivered impeccable governance. History, however, tells a different story.

AGE LIMIT – A SELF-SERVING AGENDA, NOT A DEMOCRATIC REFORM

The push for an upper age limit is not about improving governance; rather, it is an attempt by a political class with limited leadership capacity to manipulate the system to their advantage. Many of those championing this proposal are career politicians who have spent decades in government without meaningful contributions to national development. Instead of working to fix Nigeria’s structural problems—such as insecurity, unemployment, and economic mismanagement—they seek to block potential competitors who might expose their failures.

Moreover, the same lawmakers pushing this agenda have not proposed an upper age limit for governors, senators, or even House of Representatives members. If they truly believe that leadership effectiveness declines with age, why are they not imposing similar restrictions on themselves?

Nigeria’s problem is not the age of its leaders, but the incompetence and lack of accountability among those in power. Rather than excluding candidates based on an arbitrary age limit, the focus should be on ensuring that only those with integrity, competence, and a clear vision for the country emerge as leaders.

EVERY NIGERIAN MUST REJECT THIS ANTI-DEMOCRATIC MOVE

This proposal is a direct assault on democratic principles and must be firmly resisted. If allowed to stand, it could open the door to more restrictive and undemocratic policies that serve only the interests of the political elite. Today, they seek to ban candidates over 60; tomorrow, they may attempt to disenfranchise Nigerians based on class, profession, or region.

The responsibility now falls on the Nigerian people to reject this agenda and demand real electoral reforms that enhance transparency, credibility, and inclusiveness. The 2027 elections must not be about excluding capable individuals based on age; rather, they must be about choosing leaders—young or old—who can truly deliver on the promises of good governance.

The choice is ours: we either allow a selfish political class to shrink the democratic space, or we rise to defend our right to freely elect the best candidates, regardless of age. Nigerians must remember that true power lies not in the hands of self-serving legislators, but in the votes of the people. Let 2027 be the year we reclaim that power.

2027: A DEFINING MOMENT

The pervasive failures in governance should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerians. The nation cannot afford another cycle of leadership that prioritizes political survival over national development. As Thomas Jefferson once warned, “The government you elect is the government you deserve.” Nigerians must resist being swayed by ethnicity, religion, or short-term incentives. Instead, they must demand accountability and vote for candidates with proven records of competence, integrity, and vision.

Political godfathers, recycled politicians, and those who treat public office as personal inheritance must be rejected at the polls. The era of voting based on sentiments or monetary inducements must end. Critical questions to consider include:

• What is the candidate’s past performance in public or private service?
• What policies do they propose to tackle economic decay, insecurity, and infrastructural collapse?
• Are they competent enough to lead Nigeria into a new era of growth and stability?

Aristotle noted, “Democracy arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects.” Yet, in Nigeria, democracy has often been hijacked by a powerful few imposing candidates on the populace. If this cycle isn’t broken, unqualified leaders will continue to govern, neglecting the people’s welfare.

THE POWER OF THE YOUTH VOTE

With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, young people possess the power to transform the political landscape. However, this potential is squandered when youth participation is limited to online activism rather than actual voting. By registering, collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and voting in large numbers, young Nigerians can dismantle the old order and usher in leaders who genuinely represent their interests.

Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated, “No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime.” Young Nigerians must take ownership of this process through meaningful political engagement.

The youth must reject political manipulation and refuse to be used as thugs, social media attack dogs, or instruments of electoral violence. Instead, they should organize, mobilize, and vote strategically for the future they desire.

LESSONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Globally, nations prioritizing competent leadership reap the rewards of stability, economic growth, and improved living standards. In Rwanda, a focus on good governance has transformed the country into a model of African development. Singapore’s disciplined leadership turned a once-struggling nation into a global economic powerhouse. Nigeria has the potential to be a giant in Africa, but only if it elects leaders who prioritize long-term national interests over short-term personal gains.

Nelson Mandela reminded us, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Nigerians must recognize their power and use it wisely in 2027.

THE POWER IS IN YOUR HANDS

Democracy thrives when the people exercise their voting power wisely. The choice is clear: continue suffering under bad governance or take decisive action to change the nation’s trajectory. The 2027 elections offer an opportunity to reclaim Nigeria from selfish politicians and entrust it to those who genuinely serve the people.

It’s time for Nigerians to move beyond complaints and act. The power to shape the future lies in the ballot. Failing to use it wisely leaves us with no one to blame but ourselves.

The message is unequivocal: Power must return to the people, not to dictators masquerading as democrats. Let 2027 be the year Nigeria chooses credibility over mediocrity, competence over incompetence, and progress over stagnation.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama once said, “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something.” It’s time for Nigerians to act—vote wisely in 2027.

OLA OLATEJU WRITES FROM THE POLITICAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT OF ACHIEVERS UNIVERSITY, OWO