Key Takeaways
- Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), predicts President Bola Tinubu will lose the 2027 general elections if they are conducted credibly, freely, and fairly.
- Baba-Ahmed characterized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a 'monster eating itself up,' despite its extensive control over the National Assembly and 31 state governorships.
- He suggested President Tinubu's perceived uneasiness stems from Nigeria's deteriorating conditions under his leadership.
- The victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the Osun State governorship election was highlighted as evidence that the APC can be defeated at the polls.
- The PRP chieftain warned of a 'very serious threat to Nigeria's democracy' should the 2027 elections lack credibility.
Abuja, Nigeria – The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, issued a stark warning on Wednesday, asserting that President Bola Tinubu would face a decisive defeat in the 2027 general elections if the polls were conducted credibly, freely, and fairly. Speaking on the 'Politics Today' programme, Baba-Ahmed painted a grim picture of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a "monster eating itself up" from within.
Dr. Baba-Ahmed, a seasoned politician and former civil servant known for his incisive political commentary, emphasized that despite the APC's formidable political machinery – controlling the National Assembly and holding sway in 31 states – President Tinubu appears to be "uncomfortable." This discomfort, according to the PRP chairman, is a direct consequence of the perceived worsening state of Nigeria under the current administration, a sentiment echoed by many citizens grappling with economic hardship and insecurity.
The Osun Precedent: A Blueprint for Defeat?
Drawing parallels to recent electoral outcomes, Baba-Ahmed pointed to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the Osun State governorship election as a powerful demonstration that the APC is not invincible. "I saw the now sworn-in Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State speak in a very confident, very comfortable manner. APC was trounced in Osun," he recounted. He further noted the absence of a grand coalition against the APC in Osun, suggesting that individual parties competing against one another still managed to secure a comprehensive defeat for the ruling party. While acknowledging "stories that there was a deal between President Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke," Baba-Ahmed dismissed them, reiterating his belief that the ruling party, Accord Party, defeated APC comprehensively. "There’s no reason why this cannot repeat itself at a national level," he declared, instilling hope for a similar outcome in 2027.
A 'Politically Monstrous' Landscape
The PRP chairman did not mince words in his critique of the APC’s internal dynamics and the concentration of power within the presidency. "APC is not a party. It is a monster eating itself up and eating everybody up," he stated. He elaborated on what he perceives as a "politically monstrous" situation, quoting: "You have a president who is quite possibly the most powerful president, who has either given himself or been given by the people around him the most awesome powers to do anything he wants. You have a president who believes he must have all the power around him. He appears to have garnered the support of 31 governors and quite possibly about 75 per cent of the National Assembly, yet he’s still uncomfortable." This paradox, Baba-Ahmed suggested, underscores a deep-seated unease within the corridors of power, likely fueled by the growing public discontent over governance issues.
The Imperative of Credible Elections
Baba-Ahmed's most potent assertion revolved around the critical importance of electoral integrity. "If it’s a credible, free and fair election, I assure you, Tinubu will lose. I won’t say before 12 noon. Maybe before 4 pm," he predicted with conviction. His statement serves as a direct challenge to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging it to uphold its mandate without bias. "Nobody should praise INEC until it can actually conduct an election in which the President is a contestant," he added. The PRP chieftain concluded with a grave warning: "I hope the election will be credible, free and fair. If it’s not, I foresee a very serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy."
Why This Matters
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed's outspoken comments underscore the escalating political tensions and the critical public demand for transparent and fair electoral processes in Nigeria. His prediction not only reflects a significant segment of opposition sentiment but also highlights the deep-seated concerns about governance, economic stability, and the future of democratic institutions as the nation approaches the pivotal 2027 general elections.