Kehinde Fajobi
This week’s political landscape mirrors Nigeria’s deepening crises and bold aspirations. From the PDP’s determined plans to reclaim the presidency in 2027 to the alarming extortion by bandits in Zamfara, and the glaring irregularities in the 2025 budget, the nation wrestles with both hope and despair. Amid growing tension, INEC warns of financial strains on elections, and the APC battles accusations of misinformation.
Will these political maneuvers bring change or deepen the nation’s woes?
PDP’s Bold 2027 Push: Hunger as a Political Weapon
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set its sights on reclaiming the presidency and expanding its control over governorship seats in 2027. Party National Treasurer Ahmed Yayare highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with hunger and poverty under the current administration as fertile ground for a PDP comeback.
Yet, while the party’s strategy banks on public frustration, it faces internal obstacles that could undermine its ambitions. Leadership controversies and a fractured base remain pressing issues.
Implications:
For the PDP to capitalize on the economic discontent, it must address its internal discord and present a clear, actionable recovery plan. Failure to do so risks squandering the opportunity to position itself as a viable alternative to the ruling APC. Empty rhetoric won’t be enough; Nigerians demand substance.
Zamfara’s Nightmare: ₦172.7 Million Bandit Levies
In Zamfara State, bandits led by the notorious Danisuhu have imposed an extortionate levy of ₦172.7 million on 25 villages, further demanding soybeans and other items. The financial burden has driven residents from their homes, exacerbating the region’s humanitarian crisis.
Implications:
The unchecked rise in rural banditry underscores systemic governance failures. While urban security may have seen marginal improvements, the plight of rural communities like those in Zamfara is a stark reminder of the uneven focus of government interventions.
Without comprehensive rural security policies, banditry will continue to flourish, deepening Nigeria’s insecurity crisis and perpetuating cycles of poverty and displacement.
APC vs. Peter Obi: The Politics of Words
The APC’s spokesperson Felix Morka refuted claims of threatening Peter Obi, stating his remarks were a response to Obi’s critical New Year message. Morka accused the former presidential candidate of spreading misinformation and intimidating critics through his platform.
Implications:
This feud highlights the toxic dynamics of political discourse in Nigeria. Social media, a battleground for narratives, has become a double-edged sword. While it empowers citizens and opposition voices, it also fosters misinformation and political hostility.
The APC’s accusations against Obi reflect broader concerns about the quality of democratic engagement, where debates often devolve into mudslinging rather than constructive dialogue.
SDP’s Strategic Meeting: A New Power Bloc?
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) held a closed-door strategy session with key political figures, including Nasir el-Rufai and Hamza Al-Mustapha, aiming to bolster its influence for 2027. The meeting, led by SDP National Chairman Shehu Gabam, signals the party’s aspirations to challenge the dominance of the APC and PDP.
Implications:
While the SDP’s efforts to consolidate opposition power are notable, they also spotlight the opportunistic alliances prevalent in Nigerian politics. Without a distinct ideological vision, such maneuvers risk being seen as political expediency rather than a commitment to genuine reform.
The inclusion of high-profile figures is promising, but whether these collaborations translate into meaningful impact remains to be seen.
Budget Concerns: BudgIT Flags Opaque Practices
Civil society group BudgIT has exposed significant irregularities in the 2025 federal budget, including the exclusion of key agencies and questionable allocations to regional development commissions. These findings raise concerns about the government’s commitment to transparency and fiscal accountability.
Implications:
Nigeria’s budget process continues to suffer from opacity, undermining public trust. In the face of mounting fiscal challenges, a transparent and inclusive approach is critical to rebuilding confidence in governance.
BudgIT’s revelations should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritize accountability over entrenched bureaucratic inefficiencies.
INEC’s Financial Strain: Elections on the Brink
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has raised alarms over the skyrocketing costs of conducting elections, warning that insufficient funding could jeopardize the commission’s effectiveness. He called for legislative reforms to address these challenges.
Implications:
The financial woes of INEC are symptomatic of deeper accountability issues within Nigeria’s electoral system. Despite massive funding, the 2023 elections were riddled with failures, leaving many Nigerians disillusioned.
INEC’s credibility hinges not just on adequate funding but also on its ability to deliver free, fair, and transparent elections. Calls for reform must prioritize accountability, or public confidence will remain elusive.
Final Thoughts: Between Promise and Peril
As Nigeria gears up for another electoral cycle, the political landscape remains fraught with challenges. The PDP’s ambition, the SDP’s alliances, and the APC’s rebuttals are overshadowed by the stark realities of insecurity, economic hardship, and governance lapses.
Will these political strategies pave the way for genuine reform, or will they merely serve as fodder for the status quo? Nigerians await answers, but time is running out for the nation’s leaders to bridge the gap between ambition and action.