THERE can be no mistaken the fact that the ruling APC, out of panic over the devastating effects of its policies on Nigerians, started the 2027 presidential politicking way too early. The result of the ruling party’s knee-jerk plunge into the arena is that the 2027 presidential contest is now in full swing. Starting a presidential campaign two years before the election itself is a clear sign of nervousness.
Add to that the bad optics of the near abandonment of governance, and the ruling party would be faced with the charge that it is not confident enough about its record in office. Putting the most basic aspects of governance in abeyance so that party big wigs can jostle to ensure a second term for the president smacks of desperation. In places where democratic accountability is entrenched, this kind of behaviour would be decisively punished by voters. In Nigeria however, identity politics based on ethnicity and religions defies rational voting.
As expected, the deft and desperate moves from the ruling party tipped off the opposition. Politicians insisting on making Tinubu a one term President suddenly realised they had to act, if the election is not to be a walk over. But in the haste to coalesce into the coalition, the opposition forgot to put forward a clear program of ideas. Worse still the coalition conversation is being anchored on vacuous narratives about whose turn it is, and which personality should get the ticket. Little or nothing about the existential issues draining the lifeblood of Nigerians. Till date, very few Nigerians have been able to understand what the coalition will do differently.
Will they present a fresh round of punishing policies, which would finally snuff life out of the poorest of the poor citizens? What will be their strategies to alleviate current pains? This comes across as politics of own goals; APC strategists scored own goal number one by showing their hand too early, and creating the impetus for the opposition.
With no assurance that their record in governance is sufficient to win them votes, they have resorted to politics of identity and contrived defections. On the other hand, the coalescing coalition lacks a blueprint for governance. They currently have none whatsoever to market to the Nigerian people.
The coalition is acting like it just wants to throw and hope. The fractious coalition is banking on disillusionment over the impact of the incumbent’s harsh and draconian policies. For the Nigerian people, they seem marooned, stuck between the rock and a hard place. Except the majority insist on policies and programs that focus on their welfare and well-being, this 2027 politics of owned goals, would lead to more suffering for already pulverised citizens.
Armsfree Ajanaku, Executive Director of Grassroots Center for Civic Orientation, and member, Naija Times Editorial Board, wrote from Abuja.