“Nigeria Cannot Afford Another Gamble in Leadership” – Shittu Warns
With the 2027 general elections fast approaching, the political atmosphere in Nigeria is becoming increasingly tense and uncertain. Political parties, both ruling and opposition, are exploring potential alliances and mergers in a bid to strengthen their chances at the polls.
However, amidst the growing speculations and negotiations, a prominent chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Asiwaju Moshood Shittu, has issued a strong warning to the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, advising against making hasty political decisions that could backfire.
“Avoid a Marriage of Inconvenience” – Shittu’s Cautionary Advice
Speaking with journalists in Abuja over the weekend, Shittu, who previously served as the Director-General (North) of the Kwankwaso Presidential Campaign Council, cautioned that while forming a coalition may be necessary, rushing into a political merger without a clear agenda could be disastrous.
“A rushed merger, without a clear direction or credible presidential candidate, could end up as a marriage of inconvenience,” he stated firmly.
Shittu recalled the 2014 merger that led to the unseating of President Goodluck Jonathan, arguing that while it was successful in changing the leadership, it failed to bring about the expected improvements in governance. Instead, he noted that Nigeria witnessed deeper economic and security challenges under the new administration.
“We must learn from history. The desperation to form alliances in 2014 led to what many Nigerians now describe as a bigger disappointment. We cannot repeat the same mistake in 2027,” Shittu said.
The Risk of Rushed Political Alliances
According to Shittu, one of the biggest reasons opposition coalitions in Nigeria fail is because they lack a unifying ideology and are built solely on the desire to remove the ruling government rather than on a solid plan to lead the nation effectively.
“Opposition parties often come together simply to remove the government in power, but once they succeed, they begin to fight among themselves because there was no clear agreement on governance direction. This has happened before, and we should not allow it to happen again,” he emphasized.
Shittu strongly advised Kwankwaso and the NNPP leadership to critically assess any potential coalition before making a commitment. He posed three crucial questions that must be answered before deciding on a merger:
✔️ Who is the proposed presidential candidate? – Does the person have the competence, experience, and national acceptance to lead Nigeria effectively?
✔️ What is the merger’s long-term agenda? – Is it simply about winning an election, or does it have a strong plan for governance?
✔️ Will this merger truly benefit the Nigerian people? – Will it improve economic stability, security, and governance, or will it be another experiment that leaves citizens frustrated?
“Nigeria Cannot Afford Another Gamble” – A Call for Strategic Planning
Warning against making reckless political moves, Shittu reminded opposition leaders that governance is not just about winning elections but about leading effectively.
“History will judge any ill-advised political decision harshly. We must put the Nigerian people first rather than rushing into alliances for short-term electoral gains,” he cautioned.
He noted that Nigeria is currently facing serious challenges, including:
Rising inflation and economic hardship
Insecurity across different regions
Unstable exchange rates affecting businesses
Unemployment and poor living conditions
According to Shittu, merely removing the ruling party is not enough; the opposition must offer a credible alternative with clear solutions to these challenges.
“We need to focus on leadership that will solve Nigeria’s problems, not just on forming an alliance to win an election,” he reiterated.
What This Means for the 2027 Elections
The 2027 elections are shaping up to be one of the most competitive in Nigeria’s history. With dissatisfaction growing among citizens over the current state of affairs, opposition parties see an opportunity to take power. However, the key question remains: Can they get it right this time?
Kwankwaso, a strong political force, particularly in Northern Nigeria, is being closely watched as discussions around mergers and coalitions continue. While alliances are necessary for political strength, Shittu’s warning highlights the importance of strategic planning over desperation.
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The NNPP and other opposition parties must now decide: Will they rush into another merger with unclear objectives, or will they carefully craft a strategy that truly benefits Nigerians?
As political realignments continue, one thing is certain: 2027 will be a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy.
