The ongoing political realignments across Nigeria appear to be unfolding in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with many key opposition figures and structures gradually shifting allegiance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership—a trend many believe could lead to a landslide victory in the 2027 general elections.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which governed Nigeria for an uninterrupted 16 years from the beginning of the Fourth Republic, is increasingly perceived as having squandered its opportunity for national development. Its time in power was marked by allegations of widespread corruption, mismanagement, and the controversial sale of national assets at undervalued rates, with then Vice President Atiku Abubakar frequently cited at the centre of many of these scandals.
In stark contrast, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then leader of the opposition, remained consistent in his vision for a better Nigeria. He rallied like-minded progressives under the banners of the Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and eventually, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which successfully wrested power from the PDP in 2015 with Muhammadu Buhari as President.
However, the APC-led administration inherited a nation plagued by deep-rooted corruption and economic instability. Despite his intentions, President Buhari’s capacity to lead effectively was limited by health challenges and an overwhelming presence of sycophants, which slowed the pace of reform. Nonetheless, his tenure laid some groundwork for the change that followed.
Since assuming office in 2023, President Tinubu has demonstrated bold leadership, taking on long-avoided issues such as fuel subsidy removal, multiple exchange rates, and power sector reforms. His decisive move to eliminate fuel subsidies on his first day in office was met with mixed reactions, but it sent a clear message of his intent to confront Nigeria’s toughest challenges head-on.
Nation-building is a complex process—far easier to destroy than to construct. The administration continues to grapple with inflation, security challenges, and food insecurity, but these issues remain a top priority. For the president to consolidate on his achievements and drive deeper reforms, continuity beyond 2027 is essential. This is why the current wave of political realignment, especially from within the opposition ranks, is significant.
A major turning point occurred in Delta State, where the immediate past governor and the current administration, along with their entire political structure, defected to the APC. This development is viewed as a major boost to the president’s re-election prospects.
Critics argue that these defections are driven more by political survival than ideology, while others see it as a validation of President Tinubu’s policies and leadership style. Meanwhile, the opposition struggles with internal disarray. Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s perennial presidential candidate, appears unable to hold the party together, resorting to consulting political relics and courting populists like Peter Obi, whose Labour Party is itself suffering from internal crises.
Unless drastic reforms are undertaken, many political observers believe the PDP and Labour Party may face a steep decline by the time the next elections arrive.
For the APC, the path to 2027 looks promising, but internal sabotage remains a concern. President Tinubu must act swiftly to curb the influence of unproductive elements within the party and government. Eliminating these bottlenecks will enable him to deliver more effectively on his promises to the Nigerian people.
Furthermore, the president is encouraged to harness the expertise and enthusiasm of diaspora Nigerians who continue to support his administration globally. It is also vital for the party leadership to stop internal bickering and adopt an inclusive, unifying approach—especially among APC supporters in the diaspora.
May President Tinubu’s leadership continue to bring hope, prosperity, and peace to Nigeria, and may his vision of Renewed Hope be fully realized for the benefit of all citizens.
– Engr. Bola Babarinde, Former Chairman, APC South Africa Chapter & General Secretary, Renewed Hope Global Conference
