Dahiru a Political analyst has argued that the political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election may not be determined by the defection of state governors alone.
According to Dahiru, even if all 36 state governors were to defect to the ruling (APC), former Anambra State governor could still defeat President Tinubu at the polls—provided he emerges as the presidential candidate of the (ADC).
Dahiru argued that Nigeria’s electoral dynamics are increasingly shifting away from elite political structures toward voter-driven movements. In his view, the traditional influence of governors, who once played decisive roles in delivering bloc votes during elections, has weakened significantly in recent electoral cycles.
He noted that the growing political awareness among voters—especially young Nigerians and urban populations—has reduced the ability of governors and political power brokers to determine electoral outcomes solely through political machinery.
The analyst also pointed to the 2023 presidential election as an example of how grassroots mobilization and public sentiment can reshape Nigeria’s political map. Despite lacking the extensive state-level structures typically associated with major parties, Peter Obi was able to build a nationwide support base that cut across ethnic and regional lines.
Dahiru therefore believes that if ADC succeeds in consolidating opposition forces and presenting Obi as its presidential candidate, the party could emerge as a formidable platform capable of challenging the political dominance of the APC in the 2027 elections.
He stressed that the real contest in 2027 may not be about the number of governors aligned with a political party, but rather about who commands the trust, credibility, and enthusiasm of the Nigerian electorate.
As political realignments continue ahead of the next electoral cycle, Dahiru’s remarks add to the growing debate about whether Nigeria is witnessing a transition from traditional elite-controlled politics to a more citizen-driven democratic process.
