Nigerian opposition warns President Tinubu of potential election defeat

Written by: Nigeria - Abubakar Sani

The Democratic Conference warned African Nigerian President Bola Ahmad Tinubu has warned of facing an electoral defeat in 2027, citing economic hardship and deteriorating living conditions that have undermined citizens' confidence in his administration's policies.

Insecurity and frustration

In a statement released Friday by National Propaganda Minister Bolaji Abdullahi, the party asserted that the president appeared detached from the reality of the hardship, insecurity, and frustration experienced by millions of Nigerians.

He added that Tinobo chose to ridicule the opposition instead of addressing the crises facing Nigerian families, such as the high cost of living, food price inflation, rising debt, and the collapse of purchasing power.

This came in response to criticism leveled by several opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amache, during the National Party conference on April 14. Tinobo described the opposition gathering as a “street conference,” accusing his opponents of attempting to privatize the party.

Poverty worsened and insurgency increased.

The African Democratic Congress responded to the president's remarks, deeming them "unpresidential," asserting that Tinubu seems more preoccupied with politics while citizens face worsening poverty and increasing insurgencies and kidnappings.

The party also accused the president of trying to win over supporters of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as political hypocrisy.

The party noted that democratic space in Nigeria has shrunk considerably under this administration, with opposition parties being barred from using public spaces such as Eagle Square, which belongs to all Nigerians.

He also criticized what he described as the president’s interference in the work of the judicial and legislative authorities, arguing that this weakens state institutions and undermines the principle of separation of powers.

The party concluded its statement by emphasizing that the current crisis in Nigeria is clear: “Hardship is mounting, insecurity is worsening, debt is increasing, and hope is fading,” stressing that the Nigerian people deserve a political alternative based on competence, security, prosperity, and democratic freedom, far removed from excuses, propaganda, and political maneuvering.