By Divine Sam
The Daily Post Nigeria article discusses the challenges the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces in its bid to regain dominance ahead of the 2027 elections. Since President Bola Tinubu’s tenure began in May 2023, the PDP has struggled in five off-cycle governorship elections, winning only one state while the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured four. These defeats have raised doubts about the PDP’s prospects for the 2027 polls, especially amid ongoing internal conflicts over leadership and the control of the party’s National Chairmanship seat.
Katchi Ononuju, Director General of Heritage Centre, pointed out that the APC has been employing “state capture” tactics, particularly through influencing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary, which undermines the PDP’s role as an effective opposition. Ononuju suggests that unless the PDP resolves its leadership crisis and unites, the APC will continue using state capture methods to secure electoral victories.
The article also highlights the calls for reforming the electoral system. Activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam urges the National Assembly to abolish off-cycle elections, citing their negative impact on Nigeria’s democracy by favoring corrupt politicians. He advocates for uniform elections across all states to reduce electoral corruption and ensure fairer contests.
Both analysts emphasize the need for stronger electoral integrity and reform to ensure free and fair elections in Nigeria.