By
Taoreed Abdullahi
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with a population exceeding two hundred million.
The political landscape in Nigeria reflects a multi-party system, as indicated in the document. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigeria has eighteen political parties, with the majority of elected office holders belonging to the All Progressives Congress (APC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). Other parties include the Social Democratic Party, Action Democratic Party, Action Alliance, Zenith Labour Party, and the National Rescue Movement (NRM), which currently have no councillors or local government chairmen.
The recent political environment has been dynamic, with members of the opposition and state governors pledging their support for President Bola Tinubu, who was elected under the APC banner. This has raised questions about the motivations behind such defections. Observers suggest that this shift may stem from either the president’s body language or the personal interests of the defectors. Recently, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the immediate past Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and all members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State joined APC, a member of the House of Representatives who represents Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State, Hon. Oluwole Oke,
also switched to the APC, and Senator Kawu Sumaila who representing Kano South with NNPP announced his intention to join the APC. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State who won on PDP platform at a public event, confirmed support for President Tinubu saying in his state, there’s no more party politics as they are all in a “unity party” of PDP and APC. However, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, are weighing options of support for Tinubu’s second term while not changing or decamping from the opposition PDP apart from many state Governors under APC that have started mobilizing for the reelection. Analysts note that these actions come amid widespread economic hardship, insecurity, and unemployment in Nigeria. This raises the question: what do these politicians see in the APC that the average Nigerian does not, given the considerable challenges facing the populace?
Nigerians initially voted for President Bola Tinubu based on the Renewed Hope Campaign, believing he would bring a breath of fresh air. However, shortly after his inauguration, conditions worsened, especially with the announcement of the removal of fuel subsidies, considerably affecting all sectors of the economy.
During this critical time, it would be expected that the government at all levels would focus on finding lasting solutions to these challenges. Instead, with two years remaining until the next elections, governors from both progressive factions and the PDP have begun endorsing or expressing confidence in the president. While some infrastructure projects are underway, the prices of food and essential items have skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to afford daily necessities. Many vehicle owners have parked their cars, opting for public transportation instead.
The minimum wage has proven inadequate, particularly as civil servants are encouraged to accept paltry sums. It is worth questioning how many politicians could live on less than two hundred thousand Naira a month, while their children drive luxury vehicles. The reality is that the current wage is insufficient to even cover basic living expenses.
Furthermore, one of President Bola Tinubu’s notable transformations has been the change to the National Anthem and the implementation of policies that seem to favour the elite and political class, leaving the general public to struggle. The promise that fuel subsidy removal would lead to improved infrastructure has not materialized, as many roads remain in disrepair, apart from the heavily budgeted Lagos-Calabar Coastal road. While President Tinubu has increased allocations to state and local governments, the effects are not felt at the grassroots level. The support from governors for his re-election appears driven by their desire to continue benefiting financially from government allocations.
The dynamics within opposition parties reveal internal conflicts and ambitions for leadership, which have weakened their unity. Questions arise about the disarray in the former ruling party, PDP, which seems plagued by self-interest. There is a lack of party discipline, with individuals undermining party cohesion while accepting appointments from rival parties, and the party’s board of trustees fails to address such issues effectively.
The political jobbers cannot continue to thrive when there is abundance elsewhere. Political defection has become commonplace. There is no clear political ideology; the only language politicians seem to understand is money, power, and influence.
Political parties must be held accountable for Nigerians to take them seriously. Currently, Nigerians feel they have no choice but to choose between the APC and nothing else. There are crises within the political parties that should serve as alternatives, from the PDP to the Labour Party and the Social Democratic Party.
It is typical for APC members to boast about winning the 2027 Presidential election as if their candidate could magically command Nigerians to vote for APC. They forget that the number of politicians is far smaller than the general population. Politicians often manipulate citizens by using their differences—such as religion, ethnicity, and tribal affiliations—to turn them against one another and maintain their power.
Until Nigerians unite and use their voices to initiate a common-sense revolution against these politicians, the only weapon we have is the Permanent Voter’s Card. Anyone who possesses this vital document has the potential to change our current situation for the better, creating a legacy we can be proud of for generations to come.
On election day, the majority of Nigerians tend to stay at home, hoping for a miracle to change things, while politicians are busy positioning their machinery to secure victory. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must work to instil confidence in the electoral process; the perception that people’s votes will not be counted still lingers. There are significant obstacles that seem designed to favour specific politicians, regardless of what may transpire.
Kindly help me include my name sir
Taoreed Abdullahi is reachable at
[email protected]
08024273583
