Politicians are preparing for 2027; Nigerians are preparing to survive today.
Nigeria is approaching another defining moment in its democratic journey. With the 2027 general elections drawing closer, political activities are gathering momentum. Alliances are shifting, politicians are changing camps, and opposition figures are exploring new arrangements. Yet, away from the political drama, millions of Nigerians are occupied with a more immediate concern: how to survive the next day.
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government has defended its economic reforms, particularly fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange policy changes, arguing that difficult decisions were necessary to correct longstanding economic distortions. While economic assessments have acknowledged improvements in some areas of stability, the bigger question remains whether these improvements are translating into better living conditions for ordinary citizens.
For many households, economic recovery is still something they hear about more often than they experience. Food prices, transportation, rent and other essentials continue to stretch already limited incomes. At this point, some Nigerians are probably wondering whether their salaries are working for them or whether they are simply reporting for duty before disappearing.
Beyond the economic challenges, insecurity continues to threaten lives, livelihoods and community development. Farmers need safe access to their farmlands, businesses need a stable environment, and families deserve to live without constantly worrying about attacks or abductions. National security cannot remain a campaign slogan; it must become a visible reality.
Meanwhile, the political class appears increasingly busy preparing for 2027. Politicians who disagreed yesterday are discovering common interests today, while former allies are suddenly becoming ideological opponents. In Nigerian politics, yesterday’s enemy can become tomorrow’s political brother, provided the meeting point is favourable. But beyond these dramatic realignments, Nigerians must ask what these alliances actually offer the country.
There are also growing concerns about political intimidation, electoral credibility and the safety of political participants. Democracy cannot flourish where citizens are afraid to express their political preferences or support candidates of their choice.
Perhaps Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not simply deciding who occupies Aso Rock but building a political culture where leadership is consistently held accountable. Supporting a government should not require defending every decision it makes. Equally, opposing an administration should not mean condemning every policy it introduces.
Democracy is not a football match where supporters must defend every action of their team, even when the referee has clearly blown the whistle.
As 2027 approaches, Nigerians must look beyond political endorsements, expensive rallies and attractive campaign promises. The real issues are security, employment, affordable living, education, healthcare and responsible governance.
Ultimately, the ballot belongs to the people, not the politicians. Elections should be opportunities to reward performance, question failure and demand better leadership.
The question is simple: will Nigerians vote based on what politicians promise them or what their experiences tell them?
Because a nation cannot make meaningful progress when political loyalty becomes more important than national interest.
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