2027: Tinubu, APC Pushing Nigeria Towards Dangerous Political Crisis – Turaki

The factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki SAN, has warned that Nigeria is drifting towards a dangerous political crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections, accusing President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of systematically weakening opposition parties.

Turaki, who spoke at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, blamed rising political tension on alleged attacks on opposition figures, interference in opposition parties and the use of the judiciary to settle political disputes, warning that the developments could threaten the survival of democracy.

Drawing parallels with the First and Second Republics, he recalled how political violence, suppression of opposition and disputed electoral processes contributed to the collapse of both republics.

In the First Republic, he said, “Operation Wetie” resulted from the suffocation of opposition parties and crises allegedly instigated by the ruling party, while similar tactics in the Second Republic culminated in what he described as a “moonslide victory” through coercion and controversial judicial decisions.

“We have taken the trouble of convening this press conference, and of drawing on our history as a reference point, because we believe in the veracity of the postulation of the Spanish-American philosopher George Santayana that ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,’” he said.

Turaki accused the Tinubu administration of following the same dangerous path through “constriction of the political space, violence against the opposition, the ‘buying’ and co-optation of opposition leaders, and the “judicialisation of politics.”Follow Politics

He warned that these developments could lead to authoritarian rule, adding: “History, both local and foreign, has shown that these lanes lead to only one destination: the death of democracy and the birth of full authoritarian rule, which subjugates the people and destroys the nation.”

Citing a Yiaga Africa survey released on October 7, 2026, Turaki said 61 per cent of Nigerians feared electoral violence, while only 34 per cent expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct credible elections. He added that 63 per cent had little or no confidence in the judiciary’s ability to resolve electoral disputes fairly.Buy Maps

He warned that declining public confidence could further discourage voter participation, recalling that less than 28 per cent of registered voters participated in the 2023 presidential election. He also argued that Tinubu’s victory represented only about 8.8 million votes out of 93.4 million registered voters.

The PDP factional chairman further alleged coordinated attacks on opposition leaders and supporters, citing incidents involving attacks on Peter Obi and his supporters, Atiku Abubakar’s campaign convoy in Sokoto and activist Omoyele Sowore in Ekiti State. He accused suspected APC supporters of being responsible for the attacks.

He also accused the ruling party of exploiting litigation to destabilise opposition parties, alleging that judicial decisions had been used to weaken political platforms and advance interests aligned with the APC.

“Nigerians should be allowed to freely choose their leaders at all levels,” Turaki said, condemning alleged threats by public officials against voters unwilling to support the ruling party and the denial of public facilities to opposition parties for campaign activities.

He called on Tinubu to publicly condemn political violence and ensure the prosecution of perpetrators, regardless of their political affiliations. He also urged security agencies to publish a comprehensive election security plan and guarantee the safety of candidates and voters.

Turaki further asked INEC to address discrepancies in the voters’ register and urged the electoral body and judiciary to demonstrate independence and resist executive interference.

The opposition political figure called on INEC and the judiciary to redeem the image of their institutions by maintaining a reasonable measure of independence in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

“The temperature can still be reduced, and the responsibility lies squarely with those who hold power,” he said, urging Nigerians to defend democracy and demand accountability ahead of the 2027 elections.