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A cross section of Nigerian voters yesterday, criticised the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 presidential election as insensitive and an act of self-preservation by politicians within the ruling party.

On Thursday, the APC’s 22 governors, all its members in the National Assembly, and its National Working Committee (NWC), alongside zonal leaderships, endorsed and adopted President Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate — barely two years into his administration and despite the fact that the president is yet to formally announce his intention to seek re-election.

Reacting to the development, Nigerians who spoke with Daily Trust yesterday expressed disappointment but said the move did not come as a surprise. Many of them lamented the unbearable cost of living and said the administration had failed to meet expectations.

In interviews, citizens from various walks of life voiced frustration over economic hardship, insecurity, and worsening poverty under the current government.

Rashida Muhammad, an administrative officer at a real estate firm in Abuja, was blunt in her assessment of Tinubu’s leadership.

“Tinubu does not deserve a second term. Look at how poorly he has performed in his first tenure. The country is at its lowest point right now,” she said.

Rashida pointed out that the cost of everything has doubled, and more people are going hungry daily. She said basic items she once purchased without thought have now become luxuries.

“I’ve had to cut back on a lot of things. The cost of living right now is just out of hand. I have nothing to say to the President because he already knows what’s going on and has done nothing about it.”

For Tafewa Muhammad, a farmer and fish seller, the politicians’ endorsement of Tinubu for a second term was predictable, reflecting the self-serving nature of Nigeria’s political class.

“They’re not interested in public welfare. It’s all about personal benefits, personal finances. Corruption is so deep now, it’s become normal,” he said.

Tafewa also criticised the government’s policy direction, especially the rollout of compressed natural gas (CNG) without making it affordable or accessible.

“They introduced CNG, but it’s too expensive to convert, and the gas is hard to get. Why bring out an alternative people can’t use,” he queried.

He added that his business has suffered severely since Tinubu took office. “Fish feed that used to cost N7,000 to N10,000 now sells for over N21,000. We’ve had to take loans to stay afloat. Inflation wiped out last year’s profits.”

Asked what he would say to the president if given the chance, Tafewa replied: “We are not asking for miracles. Just fix the power problem. Everything else can follow.”

Chidera Vitalis Ononiwu, a secondary school teacher, believes Nigeria’s problems go beyond the economy.

“The situation is a total mess. There’s no direction and no strong political will. Security is bleeding. We need federal leadership that can issue clear directives, and more regional security outfits,” he said.

Ononiwu also dismissed the growing support for Tinubu as politically motivated. “Some politicians are supporting Tinubu to remain politically relevant and to push us towards a one-party system. They’re greedy and have no ideology.”

She called for a different kind of leadership, adding that “Nigeria needs a pragmatic leader, someone who combines Democratic and Republican values, understands global issues, promotes accountability, and prioritises welfare.”

Philip Simon Dauda warned that Nigeria is “slipping into a one-party state,” arguing that politicians are prioritising political survival over governance.

“The president hasn’t even completed two years, yet the focus is already on 2027,” he said, lamenting the weakened state of the opposition.

Tunde Nafiu echoed similar fears, describing the current climate as “creeping dictatorship.”

In Kano, reactions were similar. Alhaji Ibrahim Dantani, a farmer, said: “This endorsement by APC Governors doesn’t surprise me. They are politicians and will always support one another no matter the situation on the ground. But as a common man, I’m struggling to feed my family. Food prices are skyrocketing, fertiliser is expensive, and there’s no light. If they think this kind of suffering is a good record to endorse, then they are far from the reality ordinary people face.”

Aisha Mohammed, a school teacher, told our correspondent: “Endorsing Tinubu for 2027 at this point is premature and insensitive. Many civil servants are not paid on time, and even when paid, the money can’t sustain a household for a week. I don’t understand what the Governors are celebrating. Nigerians want solutions, not political rallies disguised as endorsements.”

Yusuf Aliyu, a community youth leader in the state, added: “I believe some of these governors are just playing it safe, trying to secure their political future. But if you go to the markets or ride public transport, you’ll hear the real opinion of Nigerians. People are angry, tired, and hungry. If the APC thinks endorsement equals grassroots support, they are mistaken. 2027 is still far, but people are already asking questions.”

Endorsements signal Nigerians must prepare for 2027 – Analysts weigh in

As the torrent of endorsements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to dominate headlines, political analysts have weighed in on the current administration’s performance—and what the show of support means for Nigeria’s political future.

Professor Hassan Saliu, National Chairman of the Nigeria Political Science Association (NPSA), acknowledged that although Tinubu has been in office for just about two years, some government policies urgently need reassessment.

“While some policies are commendable, others have failed to improve the living conditions of Nigerians,” Saliu said. “There is a pressing need to review these interventions to ensure better outcomes for the people.”

Addressing the wave of defections and endorsements flooding the ruling party, the Professor noted: “This is expected in a political environment where politics is the only functioning sector—a place where returns are treated like business profits. In the absence of ideology or principles, money becomes the driving force. That explains the mass migration of politicians to the ruling party.”

Saliu lamented that despite such political movements, poverty is on the rise. “Even if the president isn’t directly responsible for the defections, he must take a hard look at this trend and find ways to ease the mounting political tension.”

However, he expressed doubt that the government would make any dramatic policy shifts. “The administration is already celebrating its achievements, signaling a reluctance to accept criticism.”

He urged Nigerians to use the remaining two years of the administration either to endorse its performance or prepare to vote for new leadership. “But we should avoid overheating the political climate. The presidential term is four years, and only half has passed. Nigerians must remain patient and vigilant, steering clear of actions that could worsen tensions,” he advised.

Seyid Hassan Cisse, a lecturer in Policies and Governance at Kwara State University, stressed that the Tinubu administration must acknowledge that more is expected than what has been delivered so far.

Cisse urged the government to focus on alleviating hardship in the remaining years, especially considering controversial policies like the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira—measures he described as “killing and frustrating.”

“We believe the government can still revitalize the people by revisiting these policies. With elections approaching, there should be renewed effort,” Cisse said. “Despite the challenges, the administration should reexamine the petrol policy and restore economic balance, aligning policies with tangible benefits and positive public perception.”

He maintained that much can still be achieved in less than two years if the government prioritizes well and recalibrates its economic policies toward the people. “Any government willing to act decisively can achieve results in that timeframe,” he said.

Regarding the wave of defections, Cisse viewed it as a potentially effective strategy if the government uses the time wisely to consolidate its base. “The key is to make good use of the remaining period,” he added.

Meanwhile, Professor Kamilu Sani Fage of Bayero University, Kano, said the endorsements are unsurprising given the realities of Nigerian politics.

“Our politicians prioritize self-interest over national interest. That explains the race to endorse the president,” he said. “One reason is that some former governors want automatic tickets to contest the next election. Another is that those in their last term seek to align with the government to benefit from the next administration. Also, some are likely fearful of repercussions from agencies like the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS, which have been used to coerce support for the government,” he said.

He argued that the endorsements are not only expected but also unconstitutional at this stage. “By electoral law, campaign activities are to start 150 days before the election. Here, we are far from that, yet politicians are racing to endorse.”

Fage stressed the disconnect between political ambitions and the harsh realities facing ordinary Nigerians: “While insecurity, poverty, hunger, unemployment, and inflation ravage the country, politicians focus more on elections than service delivery. This self-serving behaviour is uncalled for and unconstitutional.”

Dr. Kabiru Sufi, a politics lecturer also based in Kano, described the current political landscape as one of intense “political horse trading” ahead of 2027.

“We are all heading towards the 2027 election, and political activities have begun in earnest,” he said. “Defections in the National Assembly and among governors, and moves by the opposition to counter the ruling APC, all signal the start of the 2027 politicking.”

Sufi said the APC governors’ endorsement of Tinubu is partly a response to opposition moves. “They want to show that the president commands strong support not only from defectors but also from within the party leadership.”

He recalled the significance of Governors’ endorsements before the 2023 elections. “PDP lost the presidential election partly because Jonathan failed to secure the backing of five PDP governors. Traditionally, Governors’ endorsements carry weight.”

However, Sufi noted that the 2023 election somewhat diminished this influence, citing how Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, with no Governor’s endorsement, attracted substantial votes. “This slightly reduced the Governors’ importance, but their backing still signals political horse trading.”

He suggested that Governors supporting Tinubu may be positioning themselves to secure re-election tickets and political favours in 2027. “This is a clear indication that politicking for 2027 started early in 2025.”

Sufi also highlighted that Governors want to be key players in national politics and are using their support for the President to consolidate power. “By backing Tinubu, they are shutting down any opposition within the APC. Any real challenge will likely come from outside the party.”

He concluded: “We should expect more political moves as the election approaches, with Governors playing an active role in shaping the contest.”

But a Professor of Political Sociology at the University of Abuja, Abubakar Kari, told Daily Trust that the rush for endorsement of President Tinubu is sequel to opposition leaders’ early move to unseat the President in 2027.

Kari said it would be “politically incorrect” for the ruling party to fold its arms and watch opposition parties gang up against it and the president.

He said the formation of anti-Tinubu coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar when the President was barely two years into his first term of office triggered the reaction from the APC.

Jackson Lekan Ojo, another political analyst, however, dismissed the significance of the endorsements, saying they will not determine the outcome of the 2027 election.

“The 2027 election will be between Tinubu and Nigerians, who will exercise their franchise either for or against his bid for a second term,” Ojo said.

He also criticised the APC for ‘‘violating campaign regulations’’. “The ruling party is proving to be lawless by conducting campaign activities when the electoral umpire has yet to release official guidelines.”

“We are still in governance, not politics, yet these politicians have blurred the line, distracting the government system,” Ojo added.

He warned that the endorsements are unlikely to influence voters. “The party’s decision is not the decision of the populace. The best campaign strategy is performance. Instead of joining Tinubu to tackle insecurity, poverty, and the collapse of education and health sectors, they mock Nigerians by endorsing him.”

Ojo cautioned that the endorsements may damage the president’s future electoral prospects rather than help them.

Britishpea:
Endorsing him means they want him to continue. Tinubu has increased the allocations of the governors to about 300% and National Assembly members each earns nothing less than 1B for constituency project. They earn way more than they have ever been since 1999

So who else should endorse the president for a second term if not them!

Are they not the coordinators of the votes during elections? 90% of those complainants don’t go out to vote!

Britishpea:
Endorsing him means they want him to continue. Tinubu has increased the allocations of the governors to about 300% and National Assembly members each earns nothing less than 1B for constituency project. They earn way more than they have ever been since 1999

So who else should endorse the president for a second term if not them!

Are they not the coordinators of the votes during elections? 90% of those complainants don’t go out to vote!

CreativeOrbit:
So let me get this straight—you're saying that because Tinubu has increased the personal benefits of governors and lawmakers, it justifies their endorsement of him for a second term? Are you even listening to yourself? Since when did self-serving greed become a benchmark for national leadership?

What you’re defending isn’t governance; it’s a transactional racket where public funds are weaponized to buy loyalty from the political elite, all at the expense of the people. Increased allocations to governors? A billion naira for each National Assembly member under the guise of "constituency projects"? Show us the impact. Where are the results? Or do you think Nigerians are too blind or too beaten down to question this blatant looting?

You say, “Who else should endorse him?” How about the Nigerian people? Or do they not count in your idea of democracy anymore?

And your lazy jab about voters not coming out—do you even care to ask why? Maybe it’s because people are sick of a political system rigged in favor of politicians who endorse each other while the country crumbles. Maybe it's because no matter who they vote for, they end up with leaders more loyal to their bank accounts than the citizens.

Now let me ask you—is this what you think a president should be doing? Using national resources to bribe the political class into backing him? Is that your idea of leadership? If so, then you’re part of the problem.

kclub83:
you point is contradicting what the man was pointing out about governors endorsing the president. Maybe you should read over again

CreativeOrbit:
Don’t patronize me with that lazy “read again” nonsense. I read it just fine the first time—and what’s actually contradicting here is your ability to process what was said.

The man’s point was that governors and lawmakers are endorsing the president because he’s funneled more money their way—not because of national progress, not because of any transformative leadership, but because their pockets are heavier. That’s not a justification—it’s an indictment.

So when I call that out as corruption, not merit, you say I’m contradicting him? No—I’m exposing him. You’re just too comfortable with mediocrity and greed masquerading as governance to admit it.

Here’s the bottom line: if a president needs to grease the hands of governors and lawmakers with outrageous allocations just to earn their endorsement, that’s not democracy—that’s organized looting. And if you’re defending that, then don’t pretend you care about Nigeria. You're just defending a feeding trough because your favorite pigs are the ones eating.

Now go read that again—slowly this time.

Britishpea:
Endorsing him means they want him to continue. Tinubu has increased the allocations of the governors to about 300% and National Assembly members each earns nothing less than 1B for constituency project. They earn way more than they have ever been since 1999

So who else should endorse the president for a second term if not them!

Are they not the coordinators of the votes during elections? 90% of those complainants don’t go out to vote!

Nemere2020:
https://dailytrust.com/tinubus-endorsement-what-nigerians-think/

WanderTryangle:
So because Tinubu padded the pockets of governors and lawmakers with a 300% increase in allocations and stuffed National Assembly members with at least 1 billion naira each under the laughable excuse of “constituency projects,” you think that justifies their endorsement? Are you hearing yourself? Is this your idea of governance or a well-oiled criminal enterprise?

Let’s call this what it is: state-sanctioned bribery. You’re celebrating the fact that our so-called leaders are endorsing a president not because of vision, not because of progress, not because of results—but because he paid them off with public funds. Do you realize how deranged and dangerous that logic is?

You say “who else should endorse him?” Try this: the citizens. The people getting crushed daily under economic hardship. The ones who can no longer afford food, fuel, or basic healthcare. The ones whose lives are falling apart while the ruling class gorges themselves on obscene wealth stolen in broad daylight.

Let’s talk about these “constituency projects” you mentioned. Where are they? Name them. Point them out. Go to the average Nigerian’s community and ask them what 1 billion naira has done for them. Most will laugh at the absurdity. Because what you're defending isn't service to the people—it's high-level corruption dressed up as development.

You then have the audacity to blame voter apathy, as if it’s some personal failure of the masses. Maybe people don’t vote because they already know the outcome is bought and paid for behind closed doors by the same politicians you say are the “coordinators of votes.” How convenient for you. And how insulting to millions of Nigerians.

So let me ask you straight:
Is this what you think a president should be doing—weaponizing national wealth to buy endorsements from corrupt elites while the country sinks further into poverty, insecurity, and hopelessness? Is this your standard for leadership? Because if it is, then you’re endorsing a system of decay, and you have no moral ground to speak on progress or democracy.

WanderTryangle:
So because Tinubu padded the pockets of governors and lawmakers with a 300% increase in allocations and stuffed National Assembly members with at least 1 billion naira each under the laughable excuse of “constituency projects,” you think that justifies their endorsement? Are you hearing yourself? Is this your idea of governance or a well-oiled criminal enterprise?

Let’s call this what it is: state-sanctioned bribery. You’re celebrating the fact that our so-called leaders are endorsing a president not because of vision, not because of progress, not because of results—but because he paid them off with public funds. Do you realize how deranged and dangerous that logic is?

You say “who else should endorse him?” Try this: the citizens. The people getting crushed daily under economic hardship. The ones who can no longer afford food, fuel, or basic healthcare. The ones whose lives are falling apart while the ruling class gorges themselves on obscene wealth stolen in broad daylight.

Let’s talk about these “constituency projects” you mentioned. Where are they? Name them. Point them out. Go to the average Nigerian’s community and ask them what 1 billion naira has done for them. Most will laugh at the absurdity. Because what you're defending isn't service to the people—it's high-level corruption dressed up as development.

You then have the audacity to blame voter apathy, as if it’s some personal failure of the masses. Maybe people don’t vote because they already know the outcome is bought and paid for behind closed doors by the same politicians you say are the “coordinators of votes.” How convenient for you. And how insulting to millions of Nigerians.

So let me ask you straight:
Is this what you think a president should be doing—weaponizing national wealth to buy endorsements from corrupt elites while the country sinks further into poverty, insecurity, and hopelessness? Is this your standard for leadership? Because if it is, then you’re endorsing a system of decay, and you have no moral ground to speak on progress or democracy.