The Race to Keep Tinubu in Power

Something strange is happening in Nigeria's politics. Instead of politicians asking for votes with clear plans and proof of their abilities, the people are the ones scrambling to support those who want to lead. But this support does not come easy. There is a lot of pressure, persuasion, and sometimes even bribes involved.

Led by 31 APC governors and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the fight to reelect President Bola Tinubu is on. They want to ensure they have the votes to beat Tinubu's rivals in the 2027 presidential elections. As with any political struggle, different interests are clashing.

Some governors are already losing support back home while trying to promote Tinubu nationally. A clear example is Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak. He did not help the three senators from his state return at the primaries. Now, all three are in the PDP group led by Wike. There are signs that the state may soon fall under Wike’s influence, risking a loss of any senatorial seat to the PDP.

While the governor works hard for Tinubu’s victory, challenges at home are piling up. Normally, politicians beg for votes and support, but this time it seems the opposite is happening as we approach the 2027 election. Tinubu is sitting comfortably while his loyalists fight among themselves for his approval.

In the past, politicians needed to show their achievements and positive impacts to win reelection. But now, it seems loyalty to a party or candidate has taken a backseat to personal interests and betrayals.

Voters, guided by their governors, are competing to show whose support for Tinubu is the strongest. The rivalry among supporters is making both Tinubu and some governors feel untouchable and powerful. This is clear from the conflict between the 31 APC governors and Minister Wike.

Wike was the first to strike when he criticized the governors of Kwara and Imo States, especially Hope Uzodinma. He accused them of working against him and not returning his favors. “Take, for example, Kwara. He has been the one championing this campaign against me everywhere. Yes, I have confronted him too. I don’t talk about what I cannot defend,” Wike said.

Wike is a major player in Nigerian politics. He has caused issues for his political godson, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and has played both sides to undermine Atiku's presidential ambitions in 2023. Governor Uzodinma holds multiple roles, including Progressive Governors Chair and Deputy DG of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council. But he is also not safe from Wike’s attacks.

Uche Nnaji, a former Minister accused of certificate forgery and removed from Tinubu’s government, has now joined Wike’s PDP as a governorship candidate. Whether they are loyal to Tinubu or not, Enugu Governor Peter Mbah may face challenges from Wike’s supporters, including Nnaji.

Wike’s coalition could help Tinubu win reelection. All the PDP candidates in Wike's group are working for their own success but also for Tinubu’s benefit. If they do well in the elections, it will be a win for both Wike and Tinubu. The real losers may be the governors stuck in this struggle. Trying to fight against Wike’s coalition might not be enough to stop his plans to boost his presidential candidate and help PDP governors in some states.

Now, everyone is fighting hard to show loyalty to President Tinubu. I hope they do not hurt their principal in their eagerness. Sometimes, too many people involved can spoil a good plan.

Another aspect of the fight for Tinubu’s reelection is the “notice me syndrome.” Everyone wants Tinubu to recognize them so they can claim credit for local projects. They hope to gain favors for their communities.

People are now quick to point out others’ faults while ignoring the problems in their local areas. There is trash everywhere, blocked drains, and a lack of basic services. Instead of calling out their leaders, they want the Federal Government to fix local issues.

Elections are coming soon, and many people are eager to show loyalty or support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is their right. But when support comes from people who should be neutral, it raises questions about the role of academics in politics.

It is fine for scholars to vote or support a candidate, but the announcement by Professor Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, Vice Chancellor of Kaduna State University, that 600 academics endorse Tinubu's reelection is unusual. This meeting was organized by five APC governors, which made it clear that it was a politically motivated event.

The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ibrahim Masari, and other important figures were present despite the universities' poor conditions. Academics are struggling but are now getting involved in political endorsements instead of fighting for their rights.

Thankfully, ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, has distanced the union from the governors and reaffirmed that the union remains neutral and will not endorse any party.

These unusual situations in our politics, like Wike’s coalition and the rush by governors to align with Tinubu, raise questions about how we choose our leaders and how governance works. In all this, the citizens seem to be forgotten. The voters, whose opinions should matter, are not included in the political discussions, making it hard to hold leaders accountable. If the citizens are not asked about their leaders, how can they participate in governance?