2027: Electricity, Economy: Iche Questions Tinubu’s Re-election Bid

2027: Electricity, Economy: Iche Questions Tinubu’s Re-election Bid
..Warns INEC Against Electoral Manipulation

By Naomi Onome

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged to distance himself from political associates and loyalists accused of misleading him with promises of electoral support, amid growing public dissatisfaction with his administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The appeal was made by a grassroots advocate, Comrade Prince Saviour Iche, who described the assurances being given to the President by some political figures, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu is a Nigerian lawyer, politician, and the Deputy Speaker of the 10th Federal House of Representatives, and other political associates, as empty promises that could undermine his chances of securing a second term.

Iche warned that the President might be receiving a distorted picture of public opinion from people more interested in protecting their political and personal interests than ensuring good governance.

“If nobody tells the President the truth, as the voice of the voiceless, I will tell him the truth. I am a grassroots person, and I interact with people. Based on my interactions, I can virtually tell you the mind of Nigerians,” he said.

He argued that despite claims by some political leaders that they could deliver substantial electoral support for Tinubu, the prevailing economic realities and public dissatisfaction could make such assurances unreliable.

Iche maintained that the administration had failed in several critical areas, particularly the economy, electricity supply and the survival of industries, stressing that Nigerians across ethnic and regional divides were experiencing serious economic hardship.

He noted that the President still had an opportunity to address the shortcomings of his administration but warned that some individuals appointed to positions of influence were making it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to reconsider their position on his leadership.

“Nigerians are suffering. Both your own people, Yoruba people, Hausa people, and all Nigerians are suffering. Since he entered into power, the economy is not smiling, industries are dying, and there is no power. Even in Awka, they are using solar,” he said.

He consequently appealed to Tinubu to reassess the influence of those around him and avoid relying on political associates who, according to him, were giving him unrealistic assurances about his electoral prospects.

The grassroots advocate also cautioned political figures supporting the President against making statements attacking opposition parties, arguing that such conduct could further alienate citizens already dissatisfied with the administration.

On the 2027 presidential election, Iche advised Tinubu to consider leaving office peacefully if Nigerians decide against giving him another mandate, rather than allowing political desperation to undermine his legacy.

He cited former President Goodluck Jonathan as an example of a leader whose decision to accept electoral defeat in 2015 earned him international respect and recognition.

According to him, Jonathan’s post-presidential reputation as a statesman and his involvement in international election observation efforts demonstrate the importance of placing national interest above personal political ambition.

He further argued that Jonathan had wisely resisted pressure from individuals urging him to return to the presidential race in 2027, warning that another electoral contest could affect the goodwill he had built over the years.

Iche also questioned the justification for another campaign by the Tinubu administration, arguing that the President’s performance in office should be the strongest basis for seeking re-election.

He recalled Tinubu’s reported pledge that Nigerians should not re-elect him if he failed to provide adequate electricity within four years, asking what fresh promises the administration could offer after nearly four years in office.

“What message will they campaign on, and what else can they possibly tell the public? Citizens are wise, and Nigerians understand reality. Any leader who remains in power for four full years should not need to campaign; their past performance should speak for them,” he said.

He also referenced Abia State, arguing that the performance of its governor had demonstrated how effective governance could strengthen public confidence and make electoral victory possible on the basis of performance rather than political intimidation.

According to him, a government that has performed creditably should not need to disrupt opposition activities or resort to political hostility to secure electoral victory.

Warning to INEC

Iche extended his appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning its leadership against any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections.

He specifically cautioned the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, against allowing political interests to influence the electoral process, insisting that the commission must protect its institutional integrity and historical record.

He said the controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections remained a reminder of the consequences of perceived electoral irregularities, adding that Nigerians were now more politically conscious and closely monitoring the activities of the electoral umpire.

“It will be an unforgettable and forever record if you tamper with this election. The one that happened in 2023, Mahmood, is still suffering it from today. Then, people were sleeping when he did the election, but this time around, Nigerians’ eyes are open,” he warned.

He also expressed concern over reports surrounding alleged artificial intelligence-generated content and called on the INEC leadership to investigate activities within the commission and ensure that its officials operated transparently.

The advocate urged the commission’s leadership and subordinate officials to resist political pressure, warning that any electoral malpractice could have lasting consequences for their professional reputations and personal legacies.

He further claimed that Nigerians were increasingly unwilling to accept electoral outcomes they considered manipulated, insisting that the commission must ensure a credible process capable of reflecting the genuine choices of voters.

Iche maintained that neither the ruling party nor any political figure should be allowed to compromise the electoral process, urging INEC to demonstrate fairness, transparency and respect for the will of the electorate.

He concluded by appealing to Tinubu to prioritise national interest over political ambition, warning that the President’s decisions in the remaining months of his first term would determine how his administration is remembered by Nigerians and future generations.