Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown down the gauntlet, declaring that the 2027 general elections will serve as a referendum on President Bola Tinubu’s administration. His media adviser, Paul Ibe, made this assertion while responding to recent allegations from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which accused Atiku of repositioning the opposition for personal gain.
But is Atiku right? Will 2027 truly be the moment Nigerians pass judgment on Tinubu’s leadership? Let’s break it down.
Atiku’s Argument: Tinubu’s Government Has Failed Nigerians
Atiku’s camp has been vocal in its criticism of the Tinubu administration, citing:
Poor infrastructure delivery: Ibe pointed out that the government celebrated completing only 30km out of a 700km road project—a mere 4% completion rate in two years.
Deepening poverty: Nigeria remains the poverty capital of the world, with worsening hunger and malnutrition.
Economic hardship: Even middle-class Nigerians are struggling to afford basic necessities, with reports of people pooling money to buy a single ram for Eid celebrations.
According to Ibe, “The next election will be between Tinubu and the rest of Nigeria.” Strong words—but do they hold weight?
APC’s Counter: Atiku is a Serial Opposer
The APC has dismissed Atiku’s stance, framing him as a perennial opposition figure seeking relevance. The party claims he is only interested in regaining access to state resources, a charge Ibe vehemently denies.
But beyond the political back-and-forth, one thing is clear: Nigerians are suffering, and the Tinubu administration’s policies—particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira—have intensified economic pain.
Will 2027 Be Tinubu’s Judgment Day?
Atiku’s prediction hinges on three key factors:
1. Economic Recovery (or Lack Thereof): If inflation, unemployment, and poverty rates remain high by 2027, voters may indeed punish the APC at the polls.
2. Opposition Unity: Atiku’s influence depends on whether opposition parties can form a strong coalition. If they remain fragmented, Tinubu could still win.
3. Public Sentiment: Right now, frustration is high. But if Tinubu’s reforms eventually yield positive results, the narrative could shift.