morganable politics/elections
Responding to concerns that voters in Kaduna State might turn against the APC due to economic hardship and dissatisfaction with governance, the minister dismissed the notion outright.
KaNo —
The Federal Government on Thursday dismissed claims by opposition figures Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso that President Bola Tinubu would be defeated in the 2027 general elections, insisting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains firmly positioned to retain power at the centre.
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, stated that the APC was confident of winning not only the presidential election but also governorship and other elective positions, particularly in Kaduna State.
He rejected assertions of growing discontent against the ruling party in the North, describing such claims as exaggerated and driven by perception rather than reality.
Musa made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s programme, Politics Today, hours after Obi and Kwankwaso addressed supporters and warned against alleged attempts to manipulate the 2027 polls.
Responding to concerns that voters in Kaduna State might turn against the APC due to economic hardship and dissatisfaction with governance, the minister dismissed the notion outright.
“That’s a perception,” Musa said. “Everybody has his own perception to deal with. People will always have the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
“I cannot say cannot lose. APC will win in Kaduna. That I know,” he said.
Gen Christopher Musa Express Confidence On APC’s Victory
When asked to clarify whether his prediction applied only to the governorship race or extended to other contests, Musa replied, “Definitely. Presidential, governorship, and all levels.”
The defence minister, who hails from the northern region, also addressed claims of growing resentment toward the APC and the Tinubu administration across the North.
He argued that such sentiments were being amplified by individuals who felt sidelined or dissatisfied with their personal circumstances.
“There are some people, because probably they are not where they think they are, the tendency is they want to whip up sentiments. APC is this, APC is that,” he said.
Musa further defended the administration’s policies, acknowledging that some of the reforms introduced by President Tinubu had been difficult but necessary for long-term national stability and economic growth.
“The President has taken very painful decisions, and I can tell you these are decisions that are coming in gradually,” he said.
“You can look at the economy and all these things—we’re coming in gradually. At a time, people will now realise that what we thought was one way is actually another,” he added.
He concluded his remarks with a firm assertion: “APC will win.”
Obi, Kwankwaso Say Elections Must Be Credible
Earlier in the day, Obi and Kwankwaso had struck a defiant tone while addressing supporters, insisting that the 2027 elections would not be manipulated and that voters would resist any attempt to subvert their will.
Obi, speaking at a town hall meeting tagged “Obi Talks Nigeria” in Port Harcourt, assured supporters that intimidation at polling units would no longer be tolerated.
“Nobody will intimidate us again at the polling booth,” he said. “If you get to any polling booth today, the highest number of officials you see is five, while voters are far more. There’s no way a few individuals will intimidate the majority.”
The former Anambra State governor, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, argued that it would be unrealistic for anyone to assume that the 2027 elections could be manipulated in the same manner he alleged occurred in 2023.
Obi finished third in the 2023 race behind Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, while Tinubu defeated 17 other candidates to emerge victorious with 8,794,726 votes. Atiku came second with 6,984,520 votes, and Obi secured 6,101,533 votes.
Despite the official declaration, Obi has consistently maintained that the election was marred by irregularities, including voter intimidation and manipulation of results.
He has also claimed victory in several states, including Rivers, a position that has remained contentious since the polls.
“We will make sure we have coordination to ensure that intimidation does not arise,” he said. “The people at polling units are Nigerians facing hardship. All they want is for their votes to count.”
Obi Raises Concern Over INEC’s IReV
He also raised concerns about the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s result transmission system, particularly the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which played a controversial role in the 2023 elections.
“Yes, they will try to manipulate the IReV, but it will not be easy this time,” Obi said, adding that alternative systems would be deployed to ensure transparency.
“There will be so many IReVs this time. If there is a network glitch, we will provide another one. We will not allow glitches to determine our future,” he stated.
In a more dramatic tone, Obi declared his personal commitment to defending electoral integrity.
“Somebody said we are ready to die. Let me tell you, I’m ready to die too,” he said, drawing loud reactions from supporters.
Kwankwaso, speaking alongside Obi, emphasised the need for strong and capable leadership to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, economic instability, and unemployment.
Political analysts say the exchange between the ruling party and opposition figures signals an early start to the 2027 electioneering season, with narratives around electoral integrity, economic performance, and regional support already taking centre stage.
While the APC continues to project confidence based on incumbency and its nationwide political structure, opposition leaders appear determined to mobilise grassroots support and push for reforms aimed at ensuring credible elections.
