In my decision to refrain from commenting on propaganda and presidential succession in Nigeria, the rumoured movement gaining momentum among Northern region youths, known as ‘2027, lokocinmu ne’ or ‘2027, it’s our time,’ echoes sentiments similar to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Emilokan’ from the 2023 campaign.
There is a saying that emphasized the importance of a solid foundation for infrastructures. Many argued that Nigeria’s current challenges stem from the amalgamation of the northern and southern provinces in 1914, leading to the ethno-religious issues faced today.
In the North, there is a perception that since the return of civil rule in 1999, power has typically alternated between the South and North. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (South) served as President for 8 years, passing the baton to the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (North) for approximately 3 years, followed by Dr Goodluck Jonathan (South) for 5 years. Subsequently, Muhammadu Buhari (North) led for 8 years before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (South) took over in 2023 for another possible 4 years.
Considering this, the North has governed for 11 years, while the South would have governed for 17 years by 2027. If Tinubu seeks reelection, it will give the south a total of 21 years.
Out of Nigeria’s 93,469,008 registered voters, only 87,209,007 (93.3%) collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), rendering them eligible for the 2023 general elections, as stated by the electoral commission, INEC. However, the February 2023 presidential election saw a mere 28.63% participation among eligible voters.
Nigerian elections have been plagued by consistently low voter turnout, reaching a new nadir during presidential polls. In 2011, turnout stood at an impressive 53.7%, but it dwindled to 43.7% in 2015 and further plummeted to 34.75% in 2019.
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Notably, the February elections saw all 18 candidates amass a total of 24,025,940 votes, equivalent to 27.55% of eligible voters. The top four contenders – APC’s Bola Tinubu, PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, LP’s Peter Obi, and NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso – secured 23,377,466 votes, representing 26.81% of all eligible voters and a staggering 97.30% of the total valid votes, excluding rejected ballots.
The four main political parties garnered 97% of the overall valid votes. Meanwhile, the combined votes for the remaining 14 political parties amounted to 648,474, constituting 2.70% of the total valid votes.
Northern youths advocate for governance balance and express readiness to endorse a northern youth-oriented candidate for the 2027 presidential election. Despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure being roughly a year, this group believes that early preparation will yield positive results.
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Despite the recent electoral figures showing a decline in voters’ turnout, President Tinubu’s 2023 victory with 36.61% of the total votes underscores the need for vigorous efforts to improve Nigeria’s well-being during his tenure.
Critics highlight economic constraints and widespread hardship, leading to a diminished interest in President Tinubu’s political manifestos. As his tenure approaches the one-year mark, Nigerians anticipate positive changes and improvements under his leadership.
Arogundade Toheeb
(Ward 11, Ibadan North, Oyo State)
Email: toheebarogundade133@gmail.com
