As the 2027 plot to unseat the ruling party thickens, by Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi, FNSE
For those familiar with Nigeria’s political landscape—the intrigues, backdoor manoeuvres, cut-throat strategies, innuendos, and raw power plays—it is no surprise that a growing number of Nigerians are becoming united in their resolve to bring an end to the current ruling party’s tenure in 2027.
What began with high expectations and a promise of “Renewed Hope” has, even by the admission of former supporters, devolved into an era marked by economic mismanagement, compromised institutions, legislative complacency, and a dangerous slide towards authoritarianism. The once-inspiring slogan has become, for many, a bitter reminder of promises unfulfilled.
The administration’s abrupt removal of fuel subsidies, without any meaningful cushioning policies, coupled with the unregulated floating of the Naira, has unleashed an economic crisis of historic proportions. Inflation has soared, purchasing power has collapsed, and hardship has deepened across every corner of the country. Making matters worse, government appointments—expected to usher in technocratic competence—have instead fueled perceptions of nepotism, cronyism, and a complete disregard for merit.
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Meanwhile, the opposition is floundering. Once-powerful parties like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are now engulfed in internal strife, factional bickering, and an absence of coherent leadership. This strategic paralysis has left them unable to present a credible alternative to the ruling party.
Amid this vacuum, attention is shifting toward smaller parties and alternative platforms. The relatively obscure African Democratic Congress (ADC) is now being considered by elements within the opposition coalition as a possible vehicle for galvanizing a new political movement—comprising disillusioned politicians, reform-minded technocrats, and a growing youth demographic determined to rescue the nation.
However, the situation has become more complex with emerging calls from some quarters to draft former President Goodluck Jonathan as the PDP’s standard-bearer in 2027. While his tenure is remembered by some for its relative stability, democratic openness, and economic growth, his proposed return raises serious questions.
First, there are legal ambiguities surrounding his eligibility, given constitutional amendments and recent judicial pronouncements on term limits. Second, his diminished influence within the PDP—even in his home state of Bayelsa—casts doubt on his capacity to unify the party. Third, the political baggage from his 2015 defeat and the criticisms of his leadership style still linger. In today’s Nigeria—more politically conscious and economically embattled than ever—nostalgia alone cannot be a strategy. To present Dr. Jonathan again, under these circumstances, is to stretch the limits of political seriousness. Some would argue it is a joke taken too far.
As the political landscape shifts ahead of 2027, one thing is becoming clear: there is a deep national yearning for a third force—a movement that transcends the tired APC vs PDP dichotomy and offers a bold, credible alternative. And as the ruling party begins to sense the threat posed by this emerging coalition, it is pulling every lever of state power to retain dominance.
In light of this, it falls to the people—ordinary Nigerians across all divides—to rise in unity for what is shaping up to be a titanic political battle. The road to 2027 will be long, uncertain, and heavily contested. Ethnic, religious, and regional fault lines will be exploited. Misinformation will flourish. And vested interests will spare no effort to maintain the status quo.
Yet, in a country where hope has often been dashed, a new awakening is quietly taking root. Citizens are beginning to understand that the future will not be handed to them on a platter. It must be fought for, organized for, and—above all—voted for. The time for passive expectation is over. The time for action is now.
History has shown that Nigeria is a nation capable of great surprises—both for its adversaries and its allies. The question now is: will 2027 be the moment Nigerians finally reclaim the republic?
Only time will tell.
bgabdullahi@gmail.com
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