66 Years of Independence: Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo Calls for Rejection of APC in 2027, Says Nigeria Must Reclaim Its Promise

By Otunba Dr Babatunde Olushola Babatunde (BOS)

Today, October 1, 2026, marks exactly 66 years since our great nation freed itself from colonial rule.

As we observe this Independence Day in a subdued and reflective manner, I extend my congratulations to every Nigerian at home and across the diaspora. Our collective resilience stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit of the ordinary citizen.

We are a nation of unparalleled human talent and abundant resources, yet our potential remains severely hindered by a crisis of political leadership.

As we commemorate this milestone, we must move beyond superficial flag-waving and confront the stark realities of our present economic and social climate. While the presidency urges patience and portrays its policies as necessary medicine, millions of families face an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis, soaring inflation, and a weakened currency.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, this anniversary must serve as a pivotal moment for democratic assessment. The current administration under Bola Ahmed Tinubu has aggressively implemented macro-reforms, including the complete floating of the Naira and the removal of fuel subsidies, that have systematically diminished the purchasing power of the middle and lower classes.

Over the past three years, the governance framework has alienated the electorate and disproportionately placed the burden of ‘‘sacrifice’’ on struggling citizens.

Key Areas of Leadership Failure:

Economic Mismanagement: The hasty execution of major economic policies, without accompanying safety nets or strong consumer protections, has thrust millions into severe multi-dimensional poverty.

Insecurity and Disruption: Despite ongoing budget allocations, vital agricultural corridors and communities continue to face serious security challenges, driving food prices to historic heights.

Decoupled Governance: While citizens are continually urged to make sacrifices for the future, the political class continues to display immense fiscal opulence, revealing a deep disconnection from the daily realities faced by the Nigerian people.

The upcoming electoral cycle offers our legal and constitutional opportunity to demand accountability.

The administration’s political machinery is already positioning itself for a second-term bid in 2027. However, democracy cannot survive if it rewards persistent economic stagnation and widespread institutional decline.

We must resist normalising governance failures.
Fellow compatriots, let this 66th Independence Day mark the beginning of our political awakening. True independence entails liberation from systemic deprivation, administrative incompetence, and engineered poverty.

As political coalitions form and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announces timelines for 2027, let us resolve to use our constitutional power to reject administrative failure and collectively build a nation worthy of its founding promise.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.