Introduction: A Storm Brewing for 2027 Elections
A former National Legal Adviser of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Chukwudi Ezeobika, has projected that President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) will face significant opposition from the South East and South South regions in the 2027 general elections. Ezeobika, a former senatorial candidate for Anambra South, cited political intolerance, marginalization, and unresolved issues such as the detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu as key factors driving this opposition.
His comments come amid growing discontent in some regions over the Tinubu administration’s policies and appointments, raising questions about the ruling party’s prospects in the next election cycle.
Ezeobika’s Critique: Marginalization and Political Intolerance
In a statement issued on Sunday, Ezeobika accused the Tinubu-led administration of perpetuating the “unpatriotic, perfidious, and deeply prejudiced behavior” of its predecessor. He argued that the government’s actions have deepened divisions and created disaffection among Nigerians.
“The marginalization and exclusion of many ethnic nationalities who form an integral part of the Nigerian nation in various federal appointments show, to some extent, the impunity and disdain with which President Bola Tinubu builds tensions across the nation and creates disaffection and hatred amongst Nigerians,” Ezeobika stated.
He further criticized the administration for failing to address the unrest in the South East, particularly the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Ezeobika argued that this inaction has alienated the region and foreclosed any chance of Tinubu gaining political support there.
“The failure of the Tinubu-led APC government to heed the calls of eminent jurists and major stakeholders from the South East to put an end to the protracted unrest in the region, by releasing Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally, goes to show that the political will to restore lasting peace within the region is not a viable consideration or priority for his government,” he said.
2027 Elections: A Tough Battle Ahead
Ezeobika predicted that Tinubu’s chances of re-election would be severely hampered by the lack of support from the South East and South South regions. He emphasized that the people of these regions would use “every means necessary” to defend their votes and ensure Tinubu’s defeat.
“This singular inaction remains the main and only reason why his defeat in the whole of the South East and South South will be absolute, unalloyed, and damning,” he declared.
He also pointed to the economic hardships and security challenges under the APC government as reasons why Tinubu is “deemed unelectable” in the forthcoming elections.
Allegations of Human Rights Violations
Ezeobika further accused the Tinubu administration of failing to address extrajudicial killings and illegal detentions across the country. He highlighted the plight of many youths languishing in detention facilities without trial, describing it as a violation of their fundamental rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
“It is indeed deeply troubling that many of these youths are languishing in detention facilities across the Federation even without any formal trials. This is, however, in clear violation of their fundamental rights,” he stated.
He referenced Sections 34, 35, 36, and 41 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee the rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and freedom of movement.
The Broader Political Landscape
Ezeobika’s comments reflect broader concerns about the Tinubu administration’s approach to governance and its impact on national unity. The South East and South South regions, which have historically felt marginalized, appear to be growing increasingly disillusioned with the APC-led government.
Read also: Tinubu: Nigeria Would Have Gone Broke Without Bold Economic Reforms
The detention of Nnamdi Kanu remains a particularly contentious issue, with many stakeholders calling for his release as a step toward resolving the unrest in the South East. The government’s handling of this and other regional issues could significantly influence its electoral prospects in 2027.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
Chukwudi Ezeobika’s projections underscore the challenges facing President Tinubu and the APC as they prepare for the 2027 elections. With growing opposition from key regions and widespread dissatisfaction over issues of marginalization, human rights, and economic hardship, the ruling party will need to address these concerns if it hopes to retain power.
For now, the South East and South South regions appear poised to play a decisive role in shaping Nigeria’s political future. As Ezeobika put it, “The people from these regions will use every means necessary to defend their votes.”
