By Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa
Every attentive mind watching Nigeria’s political sky will notice a pattern—clouds are forming. In meteorology, clouds are often precursors to weather events. They signal a shift, a change in the atmosphere. Some clouds bring rain that nourishes the earth, while others warn of a looming storm. In Nigeria, the clouds gathering over 2027 are unmistakable—and every citizen, especially those who wield power, must pause and reflect.
These political clouds are forming through subtle and not-so-subtle movements: defections to the ruling party, muted but persistent talks of alliances among opposition figures, and intense political maneuverings behind the scenes. From Abuja to the grassroots, a storm is brewing—not necessarily of destruction, but of potential transformation. But whether it will birth a new day or deepen our night depends on the decisions we make today.
I am not a prophet. But from where we stand, it is safe—almost certain—to say that 2027 will feature three key political figures: the sitting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT), the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (AA), and the former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi (PO). It is difficult to foresee any serious new entrant. The terrain is rugged. The incumbency will be weaponized. And many Nigerians, bruised by the 2023 experience, have lost faith in the electoral umpire and judicial referees. Running independently against this system is widely seen as futile.
We now live in what increasingly appears to be a political atmosphere heading toward a de facto one-party system. That direction is reinforced by recent comments made by the President and the Senate President, boldly endorsing a second term for BAT during the APC summit. In a nation still battling with hunger, insecurity, and joblessness, one is forced to ask—on what basis?
Let us examine the three likely contenders.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the full machinery of state and the advantage of incumbency. But the real question is: Has he performed? Has he fulfilled his campaign promises? Has he lived up to the words he once boldly declared—“If I don’t deliver on providing stable electricity, don’t vote for me again”? Instead of delivering governance, the presidency seems surrounded by a choir of sycophantic pelicans, drowning truth in applause. Electricity remains epileptic, insecurity a nightmare, inflation a tormentor, and the naira has taken an embarrassing dive. Corruption rides freely while poverty continues to choke millions. Meanwhile, political elites are defecting to the ruling party, not because of performance, but to find refuge in power. One wonders: if governance is so effective, why the rush to gather allies?
Peter Obi, a man with an impressive record in Anambra, rose on the shoulders of a generational cry for change. The Obidient movement was not born in 2022—it was seeded in 2018 by reformers dreaming of a New Nigeria. Obi caught the wind of that dream, and in 2023, he galvanized millions—especially the youth. But as the dust of that election settled, many of his supporters slid into apathy, bruised by a system they no longer trust. Peter Obi, by himself, cannot dislodge a ruling power that commands federal might and institutional loyalty. To win, he needs more than ideals—he needs alliance.
Atiku Abubakar has been a consistent voice and presence in Nigeria’s political evolution. To many Obidients, he represents the past. Yet, when aligned with Peter Obi in 2019, they became a force. One must ask: What if, for the sake of Nigeria’s hungry, poor, and unemployed, they aligned again? What if, for once, opposition parties placed Nigeria above personal ambition?
Let us be blunt: If the opposition runs divided, they hand 2027 to the incumbent on a gold platter. History will not forgive them. Nigerians are suffering. Hunger does not respect zoning. Bloodshed does not recognize regions. Poverty is blind to religion. The idea of zoning, while noble, cannot supersede the urgent need to rescue a nation in distress. Zoning must be institutionalized for the future, but today’s emergency demands unity.
Should PO and AA decide to run separately in 2027, it will be a clear statement—either that they believe BAT is performing well, or worse, that they care more for personal ambition than national healing. Some may even begin to suspect that one is working silently for the other side. The stakes are too high. Let history not record that pride was placed above purpose.
But beyond the politicians, there is another cloud forming—the masses. Beware of the silent anger of the people. Divided for long by religion, tribe, and class, they may one day find unity in shared hunger. When that day comes, no security barricade or media spin will stop them. Will it be in 2027? Only time will tell.
So to the ruling class: deliver justice. Uproot hunger. Rule with empathy. Let governance be your campaign. To the opposition: align. Run on a joint ticket if you truly care. Give the people one direction, not confusion. To the people: end apathy. Awaken your hope. Take responsibility. The healing of Nigeria is in your vote. Let no one be deceived—the clouds are gathering. Let us not wait for the storm to break before we take shelter in wisdom. May Nigeria Win.