The Limits of Careless Statements as 2027 Approaches

Nigeria’s 2027 election campaign has begun, and politicians across the country are leaving little to chance as they pursue their electoral ambitions. They have every right to present their manifestos and promote their candidacies through legal and decent means. But many, this article argues, have chosen a different path.

With the tacit support of their parties, politicians are increasingly treating politics as a contest in which any tactic is acceptable if it delivers victory. The result, according to the article, is a political arena filled with public statements that are unbefitting, indefensible and embarrassing to the speakers’ families and associates.

The article singles out former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, described as an elder statesman and veteran presidential contender. It accuses him of making a careless and baseless claim about President Bola Tinubu’s age, describing Tinubu as 90 years old. The writer questions how that could be plausible when former Osun Governor Bisi Akande and former Ogun Governor Segun Osoba, both widely known to be older than Tinubu, have not reached 90.

For the writer, the statement shows a lack of self-respect and regard for truth. It also raises a broader political question: if a politician of Atiku’s standing can make such a claim while pursuing power, what might he do if entrusted with government? The article leaves that judgment to Nigerian voters.

Atiku, the article says, is not alone. It also refers to Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, who was reportedly caught on video making another controversial statement to residents. The piece presents both examples as evidence that political competition is eroding standards of public conduct as the 2027 elections draw closer.