… believes economic hardship will shape 2027 politics

Public commentator and activist, Comrade Austin Usman Okai, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains the opposition figure best positioned to mount a formidable challenge against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, citing growing public concerns over the nation’s economic and social conditions.

Okai made the remarks today while speaking on the Morning Show on TVC Television, where he examined Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, the state of the economy, and the prospects of the opposition ahead of the next general election.

According to him, the Tinubu administration is facing increasing public criticism over the rising cost of living, persistent inflation, declining purchasing power, high right of graduate unemployment, insecurity, and concerns raised by some observers regarding the functioning of democratic institutions and the treatment of opposition political actors.

He argued that the Federal Government’s major economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, have placed enormous pressure on households and businesses across the country. While the administration has consistently defended the reforms as necessary steps toward long-term economic stability and sustainable growth, Okai maintained that many Nigerians are yet to experience the promised benefits and continue to grapple with worsening economic hardship.

The activist further expressed concern over what he described as an increasingly difficult political environment for opposition parties, alleging intimidation of political opponents and inconsistencies in the administration of justice. He argued that these developments, combined with economic challenges and widespread unemployment, have fuelled public dissatisfaction and heightened the desire for political change.

Okai maintained that the cumulative impact of these issues has significantly altered Nigeria’s political atmosphere, creating an opportunity for the opposition to present a credible alternative. He said that if opposition leaders succeed in forging a united coalition built on a common vision for national renewal, Atiku Abubakar would emerge as President Tinubu’s strongest challenger in the 2027 presidential race.

He further contended that the nation’s political contest is increasingly taking shape between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as an emerging political force capable of redefining Nigeria’s opposition politics. In his assessment, other prominent opposition figures, including Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, presently do not command the same level of political advantage within the current configuration.

Commenting on recent judicial developments, Okai also analysed the Court of Appeal’s decision setting aside the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered by Justice Peter Lifu regarding the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties. He described the appellate court’s verdict as a significant milestone for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

He stressed that judicial accountability remains essential to preserving public confidence in the nation’s justice system, calling for appropriate sanctions against any judicial officers found guilty of misconduct in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

Okai concluded by urging leaders across political divides to place greater emphasis on policies capable of addressing unemployment, economic recovery, insecurity, and good governance. He noted that, with the 2027 elections drawing closer, Nigerians are increasingly demanding practical solutions to their everyday challenges rather than political rhetoric, adding that the quality of governance would ultimately shape the electorate’s decision at the polls.