Five weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban on campaign activities for the 2027 general elections, political activities in Nigeria have yet to pick up. The usual bubbling activities that often dot the political space, such as rallies, jingles, and manifestos during campaigns, are not happening. INEC lifted the ban on campaign on August 19 for the Presidential/National Assembly and September 9 for the Governorship/State House of Assembly.
Despite the lifting of the ban, uncertainty and confusion dominate the political space as most parties and their candidates contend with internal squabbles and litigations over choice of candidates. From the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a paradigm shift from the old campaign model is evident.
The NDC is battling internal conflicts with the OK (Obi/Kwankwaso) team over the constitution of its campaign council. Meanwhile, the ADC is set to kick-start its campaign activities after its presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, put together his campaign team, chaired by Kashim Ibrahim-Imam. Former Kaduna state Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Senator Austin Akobundu will serve as deputy and Director-General and Campaign Manager, respectively.
A political analyst, Olasijibomi Daniels, observed that every political party is currently battling low morale at the grassroots due to fuel price hikes and other economic challenges. According to him, parties have not settled their internal structures, and it is difficult to build momentum when fighting over who will be the Director-General of the campaign. The cost of this shaky start is huge, as campaigns that started early in 2023 built dominance on social media and on the ground.
Many ward coordinators across the country are waiting for campaign funds before they can start mobilizing. An ADC member from the Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT said they are deeply disturbed that the campaign proper has not started and are waiting for campaign funds to begin grassroots mobilization. A grassroots politician of the APC also said they are set to commence campaign but need the release of campaign funds.
A Lagos-based political commentator, Asimi George, said the opposition parties are their own problem, as all candidates refused to drop their ego and rally behind one candidate to challenge the APC. He noted that the idea of one candidate, ego, and zoning are tearing the coalition apart, and that's why taking off with their campaigns at their individual level, they won't go far.
However, the APC said it has commenced its mobilisation, with grassroots engagements and structure mobilisation underway. The party's National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party was not waiting for the formal launch of the national campaign before engaging Nigerians. According to him, political activities are already ongoing across the states and at the grassroots, with party structures mobilising and engaging communities.
Key points
- Nigerian political parties are adopting new campaign models for the 2027 general elections.
- Ward coordinators are waiting for funds to start mobilizing at the grassroots level.
- Internal conflicts and litigations are affecting the campaign activities of various parties.
