With the interests and intense energies being redirected to politicking ahead of the 2027 election which would come a full cycle later this year, governance appears to be taking a backseat as attentions have shifted significantly to the upcoming general elections when there is ample time for electioneering as prescribed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, recently released timetable.
In a nation with several concerns of leadership and governance, it is very depressing that gladiators across political parties have jettisoned the essence of governance to concentrate on power struggle even when the time is not suitable, leaving virtually everything on the altar of personal interests.
AljazirahNigeria observed vividly that apart from a few states where some governors are not jostling for re-elections, yet working assiduously to return to a traditional turf in the red chamber – the Senate, where ex-governors often aspire to be upon leaving office, the others are busy jumping ship in a glare spectacle suggesting clear overtures towards becoming relevant in the political schemes ahead. Governments are now on near sabbatical, perhaps waiting to resume duties should their 2027 ambitions sail through.
The number one duty of every government is the protection of lives which is consider as sacred. The next adjunct is the need to keep property safe, however; both still leave a yawning gap within the nation’s body polity.
With the scary reports of calamitous infringement from terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and unknown gunmen across the country, there is no doubt that the situation requires a meaningful attention from all stakeholders notwithstanding the ambitions rocking their minds. President Bola Tinubu declared an emergency on insecurity, overhauling the nation’s security machinery with marching orders that the growing scenarios be tamed but with distractions from political foes and friends it is yet doubtful if he has the full concentration as it were to scrutinize if his orders are still being religiously upheld.
With a four-year election cycle, we are yet to arrive at the destination of full-blown campaigns as required by the law. Elections are held every four years to fill vacant or soon-to-be-vacant positions, as political office holders are allowed a four-year tenure—renewable once in the case of the president and state governors but there are even concerns at various legislative houses at both the federal and state levels where their activities have taken a back burner in statecraft.
It is not unusual in Nigeria to experience intense electioneering activities which is often characterised by disorder and maladies of unmitigated proportions but coming this earlier is everything all well-meaning Nigerians must suppress. Whether during general or off-cycle elections, the stakes are typically high and all contenders would want a win at all cost.
In this vein, politicians engage in alignment and realignment of political forces.
Besides, politicians scramble to position themselves strategically—no one wants to be on the losing side. Opposition figures seek ways to join the ruling camp or develop strategies to secure victory, while incumbents fight to retain power.
Notwithstanding distractions across party lines and actors, it is commendable that the nation’s electoral body, the Independent National Election Commission, had severally cautioned political parties and candidates against early electioneering, describing such actions as violations of the Electoral Act.
Agreed that Nigerians have the right and liberty to engage in political discussions and express their views on the next general elections, any open campaign or canvassing votes for the 2027 general elections is not only by law inappropriate but a violation of the Electoral Act and it is actionable.
AljazirahNigeria cautions on the need for more decorum in handling the nation’s fledgling democracy as the 2027 approaches.
Even as it is necessary to play by the rules by waiting for the due season when full-blown electioneering should begin.
