Senator Victor Lar, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed his views on the 2027 general election, stating that opposition parties lack the capacity to win the presidential election. In an interview, Lar noted that the typical Nigerian is dissatisfied and facing unprecedented challenges due to the removal of the petroleum subsidy, which may lead to low turnout in the forthcoming general elections. He, however, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its preparations, saying the commission has tried to follow all benchmarks and landmarks for the 2027 elections.
Lar emphasized that the APC is more viable than any other party in Nigeria, with a significant number of governors and more hands working for the party. He noted that the opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are fragmented and lack the unity and integration to challenge the APC. Lar mentioned that even if opposition parties were to present a single candidate, it would be challenging for them to dislodge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
The senator also commented on the changing dynamics of Nigerian politics, stating that people are more interested in the individual holding a party's ticket than the platform itself. He cited the Osun State governorship election as an example, where voters chose the candidate over the popular political party. Lar advised political parties to take their primary elections seriously and not just designate anyone based on primordial opinion.
Lar expressed confidence that President Tinubu would survive the onslaught from opposition parties, citing the advantages of incumbency. He noted that it would be difficult for Tinubu to lose, especially with the APC likely to have a majority in the National Assembly. Lar also mentioned that Tinubu would likely get 25% votes in most states, making it easier for him to win.
The senator also shared his views on Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 election, stating that Obi had wasted much goodwill and was no longer politically relevant. Lar attributed Obi's loss of popularity to poor management of his followers, citing the decamping of many of his supporters to other parties, including the APC.
Lar also commented on the controversy between the APC Governor's Forum and the Rainbow Coalition, led by Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike. He noted that the APC had become too arrogant and complacent, overlooking the basic tenet of popular participation in the selection of candidates. Lar stated that this had led to antagonism within the party.
In conclusion, Lar reiterated that the APC would still win the 2027 presidential election, citing the party's viability and the fragmentation of opposition parties. He also emphasized the need for political parties to take their primary elections seriously and for INEC to continue with its preparations for the election.
Key points
- Opposition parties in Nigeria lack the capacity to win the 2027 presidential election.
- The APC is more viable than any other party in Nigeria, with a significant number of governors and more hands working for the party.
- President Tinubu has the advantages of incumbency, making it easier for him to win the 2027 presidential election.
