The Political Intelligence Group (PIG) has called on Nigeria's politicians to shift their focus from personal attacks and insults to issue-based campaigns as the 2027 general elections draw near. At a press conference in Lagos, PIG convener Lai Omotola emphasized the need for politicians to prioritize the country's pressing issues, such as the economy, over religious and ethnic sentiments. This appeal comes as the electoral landscape begins to take shape, with various political actors vying for position.
According to PIG, the 2027 presidential election may be determined more by factors such as religion and ethnicity than by the economy or other vital campaign issues. Omotola expressed concern that the prevailing economic conditions in the country and other critical issues may play a lesser role in determining the winner of the presidential contest. This prediction is based on the group's analysis of current political realities, which suggests that politicians may be prioritizing sectarian interests over national issues.
PIG has released its October electoral map, which projects the outcome of the 2027 election based on prevailing political realities. The group emphasizes that this projection should not be taken as the final outcome of the election, but rather as an indication of what the result could be if the election were held in October. The monthly electoral map is designed to help political parties identify areas of strength and weakness, and to inform their campaign strategies.
The October projection takes into account significant political developments that occurred in September, including the denial of entry into Benue State to former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Other developments that shaped the projection include the controversy over President Bola Tinubu's working vacation and allegations of presidential absenteeism, as well as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's renewed campaign on fuel subsidy.
PIG also cited the increasing mobilisation by political parties through rallies and other campaign activities. According to the group, the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to be mobilising more than other parties, followed by the NDC. However, the NDC has yet to form a Presidential Campaign Council, while the ADC has formed a council but has not yet launched major campaigns.
The group identified an emerging confrontation between APC governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as another significant political development that could have implications for the 2027 contest. This development, along with others, has informed PIG's October electoral map, which projects that the APC will win 19 states, down from 20 in its September projection.
The release of the October electoral map has generated significant interest among political actors and observers, with many seeking to understand the implications of PIG's projections for the 2027 election. As the campaigns intensify, politicians would do well to heed PIG's call to focus on issue-based campaigns, rather than resorting to personal attacks and insults. By doing so, they can help to ensure that the election is determined by the issues that matter most to Nigerians.
Key points
- The Political Intelligence Group has urged Nigerian politicians to prioritize issue-based campaigns over personal attacks and insults as the 2027 general elections approach.
- PIG's October electoral map projects that the APC will win 19 states, down from 20 in its September projection.
- The group cites the increasing mobilisation by political parties and emerging confrontations between key political actors as significant developments that could shape the 2027 contest.
