By Nworisa Michael
A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has warned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could face electoral backlash in 2027 if economic hardship and insecurity continue across the country.
Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, Galadima drew parallels with the 2015 general election, when former President Goodluck Jonathan was voted out of office.
He argued that Nigerians have previously demonstrated their willingness to remove an incumbent government over insecurity and could do so again if current challenges are not addressed.
“They should remember that when things were far less severe in 2015, Nigerians rose and removed that government,” he said, referencing the electoral defeat of Jonathan’s administration.
Galadima criticised the APC-led government’s handling of security and economic reforms, dismissing claims that living conditions have improved. According to him, rising food prices, inflation and the cost of farm inputs particularly fertiliser have placed heavy burdens on rural communities.
He alleged that current policies have weakened agricultural productivity, warning that high production costs and increased grain imports could further strain local farmers. He expressed concern that reduced farming activity in parts of the North-East may worsen food shortages if urgent measures are not taken.
The NNPP chieftain also cautioned against suppressing dissent, stating that public frustration should not be underestimated. He cited reports of arrests linked to political commentary as signs of growing tension.
The 2015 transition saw the APC campaign strongly on security concerns, including insurgency in the North-East and the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, issues that dominated national discourse at the time.
He was quoted to have stated, “If you can remove Jonathan’s government for insecurity in the Northeast, what would you be doing to the APC government? I think we have to cut them into pieces.”
Since assuming office in 2023, President Bola Tinubu has implemented major economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification. While the Federal Government maintains that the policies are necessary to stabilise the economy, critics argue that inflation and living costs remain high.
With political activities gradually building ahead of the 2027 general elections, opposition figures have continued to scrutinise the government’s security record and economic policies, framing them as key issues likely to influence voter decisions.
