THE National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam, has stated that President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies could be his greatest obstacle in seeking reelection in 2027.
Gabam highlighted several unpopular policies from the Tinubu administration, including the abrupt removal of the petrol subsidy, the unification of foreign exchange rates, and increases in electricity and telecom tariffs.
“He (Tinubu) needs to reassess some of his policies and consider reshuffling his cabinet if he wants to leave a positive legacy in the next two years. I don’t believe he can win another election with the current policies in place,” Gabam stated in an interview today.
The SDP chairman noted that the protests against the Tinubu government are reminiscent of those that occurred during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2012.
“Protests against Jonathan began two years into his term, and he was unable to withstand them. No president in Nigeria has spent as much to secure reelection as Jonathan did. If people think they can succeed by throwing money at it, they are mistaken. You can only rig an election if you are popular,” he said.
Gabam criticized the Tinubu administration for its “hostility” towards opposition voices, suggesting that the government should consider constitutional amendments to establish a one-party system in Nigeria.
He stated, “Governors act like emperors, and you cannot speak to them without facing abuse. The same goes for the current government; any advice is seen as a threat. They forget that some political parties supported INEC when announcing election results to prevent anarchy.”
SDP Chair Denies APC Bribery Claims
Gabam also refuted allegations that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is bribing political parties with N50 million to undermine their leadership.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had claimed that the APC government was attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the upcoming elections.
In response, Gabam emphasized, “That is not true. I cannot speak for other parties, but there has been no transaction between the SDP and the Federal Government or its representatives. We are committed to building institutions, not compromising them. If the government wants to eliminate opposition, they should amend the constitution for a one-party system.”