2027 Crossroads: Tinubu’s Reforms Ignite Fierce Political Battle
By MELVIN KOFFA
A Nation on Edge
AS Nigeria heads toward the 2027 elections, President Bola Tinubu’s sweeping economic reforms are splitting the political landscape. Critics denounce the policies as punitive and undemocratic, while loyalists argue they are bold steps toward national renewal. From the streets of Osogbo to the corridors of Kaduna, the battle lines are hardening.
Mounting Criticism: “Punitive Policies”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has emerged as a vocal critic. National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi accused Tinubu of worsening economic hardship through abrupt subsidy removal, naira devaluation, and fresh tax levies.
“Someone earning ₦35,000 can no longer afford what they previously could. Even with ₦70,000 minimum wage, Nigerians remain below the poverty line,” Abdullahi warned.
He dismissed the government’s “tough medicine” rhetoric, calling the approach punitive. “Regardless of technical correctness, if policies break citizens’ backs, leaders must stop. Instead, they double down.”
El-Rufai’s Warning: “Tinubu as Paul Biya?”
Former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai sharpened the attacks, warning Tinubu might emulate Cameroon’s Paul Biya by seeking indefinite rule. Speaking after a clash with APC loyalists, El-Rufai blasted what he called Tinubu’s “centralisation of power.”
“This is worse than any military regime we’ve had. If we don’t unite to stop him in 2027, he will be our Paul Biya,” he declared, urging Atiku Abubakar and opposition forces to mobilise.
Grassroots Resistance in the South-West
In Osogbo, the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) launched what it described as a rescue mission. With rallies across local councils, the group presented Olawepo-Hashim as the alternative to Tinubu.
National Coordinator Abdulrazaq Hamzat framed the moment starkly:
“Hunger has become a national policy, insecurity a daily horror, hopelessness a state religion. Gbenga Hashim is ready to lead us out of this wilderness.”
Observers note this is the first coordinated challenge to Tinubu’s dominance in the South-West, his political stronghold.
Ogun’s Loyalty: “Support Sacrosanct”
Yet not all in the region are wavering. In Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel insisted Tinubu enjoys unwavering backing.
Unveiling the BATOGD Movement, Daniel hailed Tinubu’s reforms as necessary corrections:
“He has rethought the nation, redirected the economy, and deserves equity and justice through re-election in 2027.”
APC Strategy: Wooing Kwankwaso
Behind the scenes, APC stalwarts are pursuing strategic alliances. Party founding member Sam Nkire urged Tinubu to bring Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso back into the fold, arguing his return would “nail the coffin” of opposition hopes in 2027.
Nkire reminded allies of Tinubu’s past negotiating skill: “Any deal with Kwankwaso would reaffirm that the next president will emerge from a coalition.”
Kaduna Symbolism: Defying the “No-Go Zone”
Tinubu himself sought to project strength with a weekend visit to Kaduna. The Presidency cast the trip as defiance of claims that the North remains hostile to his second-term ambitions.
Presidential aide Sunday Dare underscored the symbolism:
“Whispers of a no-go area hung in the air, but Tinubu walked boldly into Kaduna—the heart of northern politics—demonstrating loyalty and resolve.”
Conclusion: A Nation Polarised
The battle for 2027 is shaping into a referendum on Tinubu’s reforms. For critics, the policies embody hardship, centralisation, and creeping authoritarianism. For allies, they represent courage, discipline, and the foundation for renewal.
Between hunger and hope, despair and defiance, Nigeria stands at a crossroads.
