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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has intensified political debate ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that Nigerians have “no justification” to re-elect President Bola Tinubu if current governance challenges persist.
Obasanjo made the remarks during a media interview in which he assessed the country’s security situation, economic pressure, and governance structure.
Ejes Gist News reports that the former president anchored his position on what he described as declining state capacity to protect lives and property, arguing that leadership must be judged strictly by performance and constitutional responsibility.
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He stated that the primary duty of any government is the protection of citizens, warning that persistent insecurity weakens the legitimacy of the state. According to him, the widespread cases of kidnapping, armed attacks, and rural violence reflect a system that has not delivered adequately on its core mandate.
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Public Trust Eroded
Obasanjo further argued that public trust in governance has eroded due to repeated security failures. He maintained that citizens should not be expected to renew political mandates where basic state responsibilities remain unfulfilled, particularly in the area of national security.
The former president also revisited historical comparisons, noting that earlier periods in Nigeria allowed freer movement and relatively stronger internal security structures. He attributed the current situation to long-term governance deficiencies and structural weaknesses in security architecture.
Beyond security, Obasanjo expressed concern over Nigeria’s broader governance direction, including its international standing and internal democratic processes. He warned that weakening institutions and reduced accountability mechanisms could further strain national stability if not urgently addressed.
His comments have added fresh momentum to early political positioning ahead of 2027, where discussions around incumbency, opposition coalitions, and electoral viability are already gaining attention among political actors.
Political observers note that Obasanjo’s remarks are likely to fuel renewed debate across party lines, particularly as opposition figures continue to assess strategies capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the next general election.
