2027: Nigerians Must Reclaim Their Democracy and Save the Nation – Otunba (DR) Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo

By Otunba (DR) Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo (BOS)

The 2027 general election marks a crucial turning point for Nigeria, giving citizens a vital chance to reject political arrogance and reclaim the ballot box’s true power. The ruling elite has dominated the political scene, treating governance as a personal estate rather than a sacred public trust. As the election approaches, ordinary Nigerians must see through the distractions of self-serving political actors and demand leadership rooted in accountability, competence, and humility.

Dismantling the Politics of Arrogance and Ignorance
The current political debate is marred by toxic rhetoric from individuals who have consistently put their personal and political ambitions above the welfare of the Nigerian people.

The Illusion of a “Coronation”:
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, sparked widespread outrage by publicly declaring that the 2027 election would be a “coronation” rather than a democratic contest (https://punchng.com/keyamo-dismisses-opposition-says-2027-election-a-coronation-for-tinubu). Such remarks show a deep disrespect for the electorate, reducing the constitutional right of millions of voters to a predetermined ritual.

Power Dynamics and Entitlement:
Figures like Nyesom Wike continue to use state machinery and political influence to enforce loyalty, showing an autocratic style that alienates grassroots supporters. Meanwhile, the political actions of former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole reflect an outdated approach focused on elite consensus rather than addressing the nation’s structural, economic, and security crises.

The Judgment of the Electorate:
Opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have rightly recognised that no amount of political alliance or elite desperation can shield unpopular governance from the ultimate judgment of the Nigerian people at the polls.

The Stakes of the 2027 General Election
Nigeria cannot afford another cycle of governance characterised by trial-and-error policies, economic hardship, and institutional decay.

The 2027 elections are about the country’s systemic survival. Nigerians must demand economic stability through evidence-based fiscal policies, genuine wealth creation, and measures capable of addressing hyperinflation, currency instability, and rising poverty.

On security, the country needs comprehensive reforms in the military and police, stronger grassroots intelligence, and effective measures to address widespread insecurity, systemic vulnerabilities, and inadequately protected borders.

The elections must also be about protecting democratic integrity. Nigerians must demand absolute respect for the ballot, voter safety, and institutional independence while resisting threats of a one-party state, political intimidation, and elite entitlement.

A Strategic Roadmap for the Nigerian Voter
To counter the narrative of political entitlement and ensure that 2027 truly reflects the will of the people, citizens must engage in deliberate, strategic political action:

1. Reject the Narrative of Inevitable Victory: Do not fall for the idea that any candidate’s win is guaranteed. In a democracy, power belongs to the voters, not the politicians.

2. Punish Poor Performance at the Polls: As even Keyamo stated during a rare moment of civic reason, dissatisfied citizens must express their anger through a simple thumbprint on voting day, making a peaceful but firm rejection of poor leadership.

3. Demand Competence Over Continuity: Assess candidates based on their proven track records, realistic economic plans, and a sincere commitment to human capital development.

4. Resist Political Exploitation: Refuse to be used as tools for electoral violence, thuggery, or grassroots intimidation by elite actors seeking their own preservation.

The 2027 election is not a coronation; it is a referendum on Nigeria’s future.

It is time to retire the politics of arrogance and usher in an era of accountable, empathetic, and competent leadership.