The recent public declaration of President Bola Tinubu as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 presidential election, made during a party summit, flagrantly disregards Nigeria’s 2022 Electoral Act and poses a serious threat to the country’s democratic integrity. Rather than strengthening internal democracy within political parties, this move sets a dangerous precedent that undermines transparency, competition, and the rule of law well ahead of the next general elections.
Violation of the Electoral Act: A Legal Red Flag
According to Section 84(9) of the 2022 Electoral Act, “A political party that adopts a consensus candidate shall secure the written consent of all cleared aspirants for the position, indicating their voluntary withdrawal from the race and their endorsement of the consensus candidate.” Additionally, Section 11 stipulates that “A special convention or nomination congress shall be held to ratify the choice of consensus candidates at designated centres” across all relevant constituencies. These provisions leave no room for ambiguity.
Despite these clear legal requirements, the APC’s unilateral public adoption of Tinubu, without evidence of consensus from other aspirants or a ratification convention, directly violates the Electoral Act. By ignoring the statutory guidelines, the ruling party undermines both the spirit and the letter of democratic law in Nigeria.
Democratic Norms Disregarded
In mature democracies, the process of selecting a party’s presidential candidate involves open competition and broad-based participation. In the United States, for example, political parties conduct transparent primaries and caucuses, allowing registered party members to choose their nominees. This guarantees legitimacy, accountability, and popular input.
In stark contrast, the APC’s hasty endorsement of a sole candidate two years before the 2027 election, and in the absence of a timetable from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), signals a troubling disregard for democratic procedures. This decision not only sidelines potential aspirants but also suppresses the voices of party members and the broader electorate.
Opposition Defections: Weakening Democratic Resistance
Compounding the problem is the recent trend of opposition figures defecting to the APC, largely for political survival rather than ideological alignment. These defections weaken Nigeria’s multiparty system and erode the essential function of opposition as a check on ruling party excesses.
Rather than holding the government accountable, many opposition actors have abandoned their watchdog role, leaving a vacuum in democratic advocacy. Though efforts by groups like the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government—led by economist and political reform advocate Pat Utomi—attempt to fill this gap, institutional resistance continues to stifle their impact.
A System Undermined by Electoral Manipulation
Nigeria’s electoral process has long suffered from systemic manipulation. The abandonment of genuine secret ballot booths for flimsy voting structures has enabled widespread vote-buying and voter intimidation. Since the 2012 Ondo governorship election, vote-buying has evolved from subtle inducements to overt exchanges of cash for votes, while electoral and security institutions have consistently failed to intervene.
Today, voter suppression and electoral malpractice represent major barriers to credible elections. The latest tactic—pre-election adoption of candidates—adds another layer of manipulation. If left unchecked, it risks turning Nigeria into a one-party state masquerading as a democracy.
Declining Voter Turnout Signals Public Disillusionment
Public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process has steadily deteriorated, as reflected in voter turnout figures. Participation in general elections dropped from 57.54 percent in 2007 to just 26.72 percent in 2023—the lowest since the country’s return to democracy in 1999. This decline underscores the growing disillusionment among Nigerians, many of whom perceive elections as predetermined and meaningless.
Ironically, while economic hardship should ordinarily trigger political change, the results of local government elections in over 20 states in 2024 showed ruling parties winning comfortably—despite widespread public suffering. This disconnect reveals a system where elections are not determined by performance or public will, but by money, manipulation, and media control.
A Historical Warning for Political Power Grabbers
Those manipulating the political landscape should remember Nigeria’s turbulent history. Attempts at self-succession and political dominance have repeatedly led to unrest and national instability. The failed succession attempt by the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, remains a sobering example of how unchecked political ambition can backfire.
Nigeria has always resisted authoritarian rule, eventually overcoming the threats posed by political opportunists and self-serving elites. The current situation is no different: attempts to monopolize power under the guise of consensus candidacy must be resisted before they escalate into a full-blown democratic crisis.
The Imperative of Internal Party Democracy
Multiparty democracy thrives only when political parties respect internal democratic principles. Transparent candidate selection processes, open debates, and fair competition prepare parties for the demands of leadership and governance. Without internal democracy, parties become personality cults or political cartels, ill-equipped to represent the interests of citizens.
The APC’s move undermines this essential democratic culture. Instead of positioning itself as a beacon of democratic values, it risks transforming into a political machine that stifles dissent and prioritizes incumbency over merit.
Time for Action: Citizens, CSOs, and the Media Must Intervene
Defending Nigeria’s democracy requires collective vigilance. Citizens must demand adherence to the Electoral Act and reject any shortcuts that diminish their right to choose leaders freely. Civil society organizations should amplify advocacy for electoral reforms and democratic accountability, while the media must expose and challenge anti-democratic actions, regardless of political affiliation.
The role of the media is particularly crucial. Journalists and editors must go beyond reporting endorsements and defections to interrogate the legality and implications of such political moves. By maintaining editorial independence and prioritizing national interest, the media can help preserve the credibility of the democratic process.
Conclusion: A Call to Uphold Democracy Over Convenience
The early adoption of President Tinubu as APC’s sole candidate for 2027, without due process, threatens to unravel Nigeria’s fragile democracy. By disregarding the Electoral Act, the ruling party signals that laws are subordinate to political convenience—a dangerous message in a democracy.
For Nigeria to move forward, its political actors must recommit to democratic principles. The NASS must enforce compliance with the Electoral Act. INEC must assert its independence. Political parties must embrace internal democracy. And above all, the people must rise to defend their right to free and fair elections.
A democracy that silences dissent, suppresses competition, and ignores the rule of law is no democracy at all. Nigeria must act now to preserve the gains of 25 years of democratic governance—before it is too late.
