…Reminiscent of ‘Youths Earnestly Ask for Abacha’
ABUJA — Barring any last-minute twist, all 36 state governors across Nigeria are set to formally endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027, in what many observers describe as a throwback to the 1997 “Youths Earnestly Ask for Abacha” campaign.
The event, according to credible sources, will take place in Abuja, where governors under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and those from opposition parties are expected to converge and publicly declare support for the President’s second-term bid.
Sources told THE RADARR that the unusual alliance was the outcome of a political understanding reached early in the life of Tinubu’s administration. Many governors, reportedly facing post-election tribunal threats to their mandates, were said to have negotiated a “soft landing” in exchange for loyalty to the President and commitment to back his 2027 ambition.
The arrangement, insiders revealed, was allegedly brokered by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, both considered key political strategists in the Tinubu camp.
The source added that even governors currently serving out their second and final terms—who have no re-election concern are deeply involved in the plan to project Tinubu’s “continuity” agenda.
Despite widespread public discontent over what many Nigerians describe as the administration’s harsh economic policies, the governors reportedly believe Tinubu’s reforms remain the best path for national recovery.
“The 36 state governors have resolved to stand firmly with the President,” a source said. “The consensus is that stability at the federal level is critical for their own survival.”
The endorsement rally is expected to take place in Abuja once opposition governors finalise their transition into the APC, signaling a near-complete consolidation of political power around Tinubu.
Already, all the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) strong holds especially in the South-South and South-Eastern states have fallen to the influence of Tinubu ahead of 2027.
However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the development, warning that the move could spell danger for Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement, the party said:
“What we are witnessing is an attempt to railroad the country into a one-party state. This is dangerous, undemocratic, and totally unacceptable. The ADC offers Nigerians a credible alternative and will resist any effort to stifle democratic competition.”
Political analysts say the move, if successful, will effectively seal Tinubu’s dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections — a development some likened to the Machiavellian grip of power reminiscent of Nigeria’s late military ruler, General Sani Abacha.
It will be recalled that under the ill-fated Abacha transition programme, the then five political parties endorsed him as the only presidential candidate the cap fitted.
The defunct political parties were: United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), Congress for National Consensus (CNC), National Centre Party of Nigeria (NCPN), Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN) and Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM).
The pro-Abacha parties were described by the late Attorney General of the state, Chief Bola Ige as “the five fingers of a leprous hand”.
