2027: Political analyst predicts great future for Nigeria

Ayebami Adebami, a Port Harcourt-based political analyst, has expressed the optimism that a great Nigeria was in the offing.

Adebami gave the insight, saying that the seemingly insurmountable difficulties surrounding the forthcoming 2027 general election would be a thing of the past.

Adebami noted this in a statement, ‘The burden of 2027 poll: A defining moment for a country in dire need of directional leadership and democratic governance, made available to BusinessDaySunday in Port Harcourt.

He underpinned his assertion on the democratic norm that the people hold the key to power despite any form of oppression and suppression they might face.

“The citizens they say hold the last power and will decide where the pendulum swings regardless of oppression or any form of suppression. Nigeria will be great again,” he stated.

He further said that the 2027 general election is significant because it would determine the direction of the country even as the debate about the polls has caught the attention of Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.

“Recently, the polity is beginning to draw the attention of concerned Nigerians both at home and in diaspora. The international community have also shown interest in the forthcoming polls advocating for a free and fair one.

“Considering Nigeria as one of the most populous black nation and the economic power it wields on the African continent, the 2027 poll is one that would determine the direction the country will go,” he stated.

Adebami noted that the amendment of the Electoral Act triggered the debate with Nigerians criticising the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the ambiguities in the amended law.

He said the amended law did not meet the yearnings of the citizenry who had looked forward to a thorough electoral reform, and that despite the backlash President Bola Tinubu accented to it.

According to him, the clause, real time the issue of electronic transmission of results should have been mandatory and not subject to circumstances, as passed by the National Assembly.

“Nigeria’s electoral umpire, ignited the spark with the amendment of the electoral law, drawing criticism from well-meaning Nigerians.

“The law was later gazetted by the president notwithstanding the backlash by those who feel the law remains ambiguous and does not satisfy the yearning of Nigerians, aiming for thorough electoral reforms.

“The clause ‘Real time’ was another subject of debate, while many also feel electronic transmission of result should have been mandatory not subject of circumstances,” he said.

Adebami said the argument that the country was not yet ripe for real time electronic transmission of results was not tenable and that it was difficult to shy away from the burden that is associated with the realities.

He pointed out that directional leadership though contentious, remained a major factor in contemporary politics and would determine the path Nigeria would toe in 2027.