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| Akpabio speaks boldly on 2027 elections shift. |
On May 16, 2025, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stunned a crowd in Ikot Ekpene. He said no party will contest the 2027 polls in Akwa Ibom State . He claimed all parties will unite behind his bid. His bold claim set off shock waves across Nigeria’s political scene.
Akpabio rose from governor to Senate President. He first joined the Senate in 2015, lost in 2019, then returned in 2023 . His switch from PDP to APC in 2018 reshaped state politics. Now he warns parties face collapse in two years.
His rally speech stressed unity under a single leader. He said PDP’s umbrella is “torn into shreds” and cannot shield voters . He then praised Governor Umo Eno and President Tinubu as future consensus picks.
His remarks drew swift criticism. Moses Paul, a Peter Obi ally, called Akpabio’s claim “political hypocrisy” . Paul urged Akpabio to mind his own backdoor deals before lecturing others. Obi’s camp sees the message as a dig at LP’s internal crisis.
APC’s Farouk Aliyu denied any plan for a one-party state . He said Ganduje’s praise of one-party rule reflects only his view. APC insists it backs multiparty democracy.
Meanwhile, PDP voices worry. A new report says four PDP governors plan to defect to APC before 2027 . That move could weaken PDP’s hold on key states.
Public trust in parties is low. Afrobarometer finds 69% Nigerians see many parties as vital for voter choice . Yet 78% distrust the electoral body INEC. Voters fear any collapse of parties will further erode choice.
Nigeria’s 2023 vote drew just 27% turnout, lowest in Africa . Observers blamed insecurity, vote buying, and tech glitches . If parties vanish, turnout may fall further.
Analysts warn a no-party future clashes with Nigeria’s constitution. It mandates multiparty elections under INEC rules. Experts say legal overhaul would take years and face stiff resistance in National Assembly.
Comparative cases show non-party systems often slip into authoritarianism. Togo banned rallies in 2022 as its ruling party built dominance . Nigeria risks similar drift if parties vanish.
Security experts link party collapse to more violence. When one party rules, dissent moves underground. That heightens risks of unrest and militia clashes.
Economists fear a single-voice system stifles debate on policy. Diverse parties push reforms on jobs, inflation, and fuel subsidy. Without them, policy may skew to elite interests.
Civil society groups call for dialogue. They urge Akpabio to clarify if he meant a de-facto consensus or formal abolition. They warn against haste on constitutional change.
Legal scholars note any shift needs two-thirds approval in both legislative houses plus three-quarters of states . That threshold aims to protect democracy.
Grassroots leaders report mixed views. Some see a united ticket as chance to end party bickering. Others fear loss of local voices and patronage checks.
Youth groups on social media mock the idea. They say parties help hold leaders accountable. Without them, they fear elites will pick hand-picked candidates.
As 2027 nears, all eyes turn to INEC’s readiness. It must prepare for a likely surge in defections and new party formations.
Akpabio’s vision may spark fresh party mergers or new platforms. Smaller parties like the SDP may gain recruits from disillusioned PDP members .
His claim leaves a key question: will Nigerians accept a politics without parties? Or will voters fight to keep diverse voices alive?
Discussion welcomes your view on the future of Nigeria’s party system.