By Abdulaziz Na’ibi Abubakar
ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu, the political trajectory of Bello Matawalle in Zamfara in 2023 serves as a cautionary tale for your re-election bid in 2027. Matawalle’s fall illustrates that political consolidation cannot substitute for good governance, a lesson you must heed to avoid a similar fate. Nigerians are increasingly prioritizing performance over party loyalty, and your current focus on forcing opposition figures to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) risks alienating voters. Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar has an opportunity to earn the goodwill of Nigerians by staying focused on their needs, positioning himself as a viable alternative in 2027. Below is a warning to you and encouragement for Atiku, grounded in the parallels between Matawalle’s experience and your present approach.
Warning to President Tinubu: Prioritize Governance Over Political Maneuvering
Bello Matawalle’s tenure as Zamfara’s governor is a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting governance for politics. Elected in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Matawalle defected to the APC in 2021, bringing along Zamfara’s political heavyweights—senators, representatives, and state lawmakers—in a bid to secure his re-election. However, he faced accusations of abandoning governance, with Zamfara plagued by rampant banditry, poverty, and infrastructural decay. Reports highlighted financial mismanagement, including the alleged diversion of N70 billion, which further eroded public trust. Despite his political dominance and reported attempts at rigging, intimidation, and blackmail, Matawalle lost the 2023 governorship election to PDP’s Dauda Lawal. The people of Zamfara, frustrated by poor governance, voted for change, proving their loyalty lies with effective leadership, not political alliances.
Mr. President, your actions mirror Matawalle’s in troubling ways. Since assuming office in May 2023, you have been accused of pressuring opposition governors and lawmakers to defect to the APC, weakening parties like the PDP and Labour Party (LP). For example, the political crisis in Rivers State, involving attempts to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is perceived as part of a strategy to expand APC control. Your economic policies, such as the removal of the fuel subsidy and Naira floatation, have led to soaring inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, disproportionately affecting ordinary Nigerians. These challenges, coupled with persistent insecurity in regions like the Northwest and Northeast, have fueled public discontent, particularly in the North, a critical voting bloc that supported you in 2023.
The 2023 elections revealed a growing demand for accountability, with low voter turnout (27%). Your narrow victory (36.61% of the vote) and electoral irregularities already undermine public trust. If you continue prioritizing political consolidation over addressing insecurity, unemployment, and economic hardship, you risk losing the goodwill of Nigerians, just as Matawalle did.
You must refocus on governance. Tackle insecurity decisively, particularly in banditry-prone areas. Implement policies to create jobs and stabilize the economy, addressing the poverty affecting millions. Strengthen electoral integrity through a transparent Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rebuild trust. Nigerians have shown they will reject leaders who prioritize politics over their welfare, and 2027 could see you face the same judgment Matawalle did in 2023.
Dear Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 election was a setback, but the political landscape is shifting in your favor as Tinubu’s missteps echo Matawalle’s errors. Nigerians are frustrated with the APC’s governance, and 2027 presents a golden opportunity to earn their trust. Your long-standing commitment to public service, economic liberalization advocacy, and pan-Nigerian vision position you as a credible alternative, but you must continue building goodwill through principled leadership.
Unlike Tinubu, who appears focused on political consolidation, you have the chance to champion the issues Nigerians care about: economic recovery, security, and unity. Engage actively with citizens, particularly the youth, who’re ready to drive the 2027 surge and are disillusioned with the status quo. Leverage platforms like X to amplify your message, addressing concerns about inflation, unemployment, and insecurity. Your experience as Vice President (1999–2007), during which Nigeria saw economic reforms and debt relief, will resonate with voters seeking stability.
Zamfara people rejected Matawalle for neglecting their needs, and Nigerians would surely do the same to Tinubu. By staying focused on earning the people’s trust, 2027 will indeed be your time to lead Nigeria toward a brighter future.
The choice is clear: governance will triumph over politics, and the people will decide.
