2027 Elections: Say No to Leaders Who Can’t Protect You but Want Your Votes
By Daniel Okonkwo
As Nigeria prepares for its 2027 general elections, one pressing question lingers: Who will be the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? More importantly, will Nigerians finally vote for competent leadership—or will the cycle of ethnoreligious bias, vote-selling, and short-sightedness persist?
Earn your leadership. It is not a gift. It is a responsibility.
The upcoming elections will determine not only who occupies the highest office in the land but will also shape the composition of the National Assembly, governorships across the states, and State Houses of Assembly. This is a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history—one that could either reinforce the current state of decline or trigger a national rebirth.
Many Nigerians blame the “system” for poor leadership. But the uncomfortable truth is that some of these politicians—often parading themselves as saints—emerged from the same society they now govern. They were once ordinary civilians with questionable character. They walked our streets even though we knew they had nothing to offer. They shared our classrooms but showed no brilliance or promise. They borrowed salt from us but ignored our cries for help. Yet, we voted them into sensitive positions—and now wait for miracles, expecting them to change, even though we always knew exactly who they were.
Why do you sell your vote for crumbs?
Why do you vote based on ethnicity, religion, and sentiment?
The failure of leadership in Nigeria is not just political—it is societal. Our collective choices, often influenced by desperation or tribal loyalty, have empowered individuals who now wield power with impunity. Until Nigerians stop voting based on religion, personal relationships, money, and tribal sentiments, we may never see meaningful progress.
The consequences of these poor choices are glaring. No Nigerian buys fuel, bread, rice, garri, cooking oil, or meat cheaper than another. Poverty and hardship do not discriminate by tribe or faith.
Nigeria’s leadership problems are deep-rooted. We've witnessed poor decision-making, lack of accountability, weak communication, and a disturbing resistance to change. Many politicians do not seek office to serve; they aim to exploit public resources and strengthen personal power.
This has led to systemic inefficiencies, rampant corruption, demoralization, and a growing trust gap between citizens and government. Even capable leaders struggle in the face of entrenched bureaucracy, institutional sabotage, and inadequate support.
True leadership demands vision, strategy, integrity, and the courage to place national interest above personal ambition.
As of now, several familiar names are expected to contest the 2027 presidential election:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (APC) – the incumbent, seeking re-election.
Peter Obi (Labour Party) – respected for his fiscal discipline and youth-driven appeal.
Atiku Abubakar (PDP) – former Vice President and perennial candidate.
Omoyele Sowore (AAC) – a bold advocate for radical reforms and grassroots activism.
Other contenders may yet emerge as the political climate evolves.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan remains constitutionally eligible to run, having served only one elected term, as stipulated by the Nigerian Constitution.
The President of Nigeria is elected using a modified two-round system. To win outright in the first round, a candidate must secure:
The highest number of votes (plurality) nationwide, and at least 25% of the vote in at least 24 of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The pain Nigerians are living with. Today, almost everyone in Nigeria is feeling the economic hardship. The country is facing record-high inflation. The price of staple foods like rice has skyrocketed from ₦60,000 to over ₦100,000—well above the minimum wage of ₦70,000. Petrol now costs nearly ₦1,000 per liter in some regions.
Millions of Nigerians are struggling to afford necessities. Many have resorted to relocating to cheaper communities, taking on several jobs, and rationing food just to survive.
Public servants are not exempt. Some retired officers have expressed frustration that after 35 years of service, their total retirement benefit amounted to only ₦2 million—less than USD 1,200. In contrast, the median annual salary for police officers in the United States is $76,290, with some earning over $115,000 depending on experience and location.
The situation is even worse in conflict-affected regions. Armed conflict, terrorist attacks, and kidnapping for ransom have left communities displaced, traumatized, and impoverished. Boko Haram, bandits, and other armed groups continue to terrorize innocent civilians, with government responses often appearing weak or reactive.
Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women are among the most vulnerable. Acute malnutrition is rising. Millions face food insecurity, and that number is expected to grow significantly if nothing is done urgently.
Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. It is about providing hope, security, and progress. A leader must protect, inspire, and deliver.
Your vote is your right—and your weapon. Don’t vote for the same people who come with empty promises. Consider a candidate’s character before you cast your ballot. Don’t vote for wicked, selfish, or indifferent leaders.
As we approach 2027, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Omoyele Sowore may represent different values to different people—religion, tribe, honesty, advocacy, discipline, the future, or change. But what does your vote represent? That is the real question.
Make sure your vote represents the change Nigeria desperately needs to turn its fortunes around.
Daniel Okonkwo is a seasoned writer, human rights advocate, and public affairs analyst. He is known for his thought-provoking articles on governance, justice, and social equity. Through Profile International Human Rights Advocate, he continues to spotlight issues affecting Nigeria and beyond, amplifying voices that demand accountability and reform.
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