Christopher Okigbo’s prophetic poem, Come Thunder, written in 1967, ominously warned of a devastating upheaval amidst Nigeria’s political turmoil—a turbulence that tragically erupted into civil war that same year. Fast forward over fifty years, and Nigeria stands once again at a volatile political crossroads, this time simmering in the prelude to the 2027 presidential election. Yet, unlike past leaders who approached governance with a sense of responsibility and restraint, today’s political elites, entrenched in self-serving ambitions, fuel divisions rather than unity.
Recent displays of political posturing, including declarations of unwavering allegiance to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid just months into his administration, expose a troubling disregard for democratic norms and the urgency of Nigeria’s mounting crises. High-profile endorsements from figures wielding immense influence across party lines suggest a consolidation of power detached from the will of the broader populace. Meanwhile, orchestrated defections and calls for regional representation mask opportunistic maneuvers aimed at entrenching elite dominance rather than genuinely addressing Nigeria’s deep-seated socio-economic disparities.
Beneath this political theatre, Nigeria’s security landscape deteriorates at an alarming rate. Boko Haram continues its insurgency unchecked in the Northeast, while newer extremist factions exploit government weaknesses to spread violence across the North West and North Central regions. States such as Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi bear the brunt of relentless attacks, with hundreds of innocent lives lost and communities displaced. The government’s failure to secure its citizens, amplified by political interference and the sidelining of competent military leadership, reveals a system more focused on maintaining appearances than delivering real security.
Calls from experienced military leaders urging citizens to take up arms for self-defense highlight a grim reality: the state’s monopoly on security is crumbling. This erosion of trust between the governed and their protectors is compounded by the stark contrast between the protected elites, who enjoy heavy security details, and vulnerable rural populations left exposed to violence. Such disparities underscore a governance model that prioritizes preserving power over ensuring public safety.
The political spectacle surrounding the 2027 election, driven by unrestrained ambition and factional jockeying, risks inflaming tensions reminiscent of the dark days Okigbo foresaw. The reckless march towards politicizing every aspect of national life threatens to distract from urgent matters: restoring security, reviving the economy, and fostering genuine national cohesion.
In stark contrast to the disciplined leadership exemplified by past statesmen—who deferred personal ambitions in favor of stability—the current political class exhibits a dangerous blend of greed and nepotism. This approach not only undermines democratic progress but also perpetuates the cycle of insecurity and disenfranchisement afflicting millions of Nigerians.
It is clear that unless a new political vision emerges—one that champions national unity, prioritizes security reforms, and curtails the parasitic influence of entrenched elites—the thunderous storm of instability looms ever closer. Voices advocating for a pragmatic, grassroots-driven alternative signal the urgent need to break from failed patterns of governance and reclaim Nigeria’s promise before it slips irrevocably into chaos.
Source: Noah Wire Services