Key Takeaways
- Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed predicts Tinubu's electoral defeat under fair conditions.
- The recent Osun governorship election illustrates the ruling party's vulnerabilities.
- Baba-Ahmed criticizes internal dynamics within the APC and stresses the importance of electoral credibility.
In a startling proclamation, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has declared that President Bola Tinubu could face defeat as early as 4 PM on election day if Nigerians are permitted to vote in a credible, free, and fair electoral environment. This assertion was made during a recent program where Baba-Ahmed analyzed the implications of the recent Osun State governorship election.
He pointed out that the results from Osun revealed significant weaknesses within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), despite its extensive control over the Federal Government, various state governments, and the National Assembly. Baba-Ahmed emphasized that the comprehensive defeat of the APC serves as a crucial indicator that the party is not invincible when legitimate votes determine election outcomes.
The PRP leader highlighted that the APC faced no broad coalition against it during the Osun contest, further emphasizing how the party was decisively beaten even in a fragmented opposition landscape. He stated, “APC was trounced in Osun. We didn’t even see a coalition or collaboration or a gang-up against the APC. Parties all competed against one another. Yet, APC was defeated.”
Baba-Ahmed framed this development as a cautious warning for the APC ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, suggesting that the patterns observed during the Osun elections could indeed replicate on a national level. He confidently proclaimed, “There’s no reason why this cannot repeat itself at a national level.”
Dismissive of theories suggesting a behind-the-scenes agreement between President Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke related to the Osun outcome, Baba-Ahmed stressed that his insights stem from the electorate's capacity to challenge the ruling party through their ballots.
Furthermore, he delivered a scathing critique of the APC, labeling it as a “monster” that is “eating itself up and eating everybody up.” This characterization echoed his observations regarding the concentration of political power within the presidency while questioning the APC’s supposed electoral security despite its political majority in the National Assembly.
Baba-Ahmed elaborated on the disquieting political atmosphere surrounding Tinubu, who, despite enjoying the backing of numerous governors and a substantial majority in the legislature, remains politically uncomfortable. He noted, “It’s politically monstrous,” hinting at the paradox of robust support and electoral unease.
He warned that the credibility of the upcoming elections would be critical not just in determining the winner but also in maintaining faith in Nigeria’s democracy. As preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify, the expectations for an impartial and transparent electoral process have never been clearer.
Why This Matters
The implications of Baba-Ahmed's insights could shape the dynamics of Nigeria's political landscape in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. A failure to ensure electoral integrity may threaten the very foundation of democracy in Nigeria.