A leadership and governance expert, Anthony Ubani, has expressed worry over developments leading up to Nigeria’s next general election, noting that the country is drifting towards another dangerous electoral moment.
Ubani who disclosed this to journalists in Lagos, said his worry stems from the ruling party’s ‘confidence’ in winning the 2027 general elections, especially the presidential election despite widespread complaints of hardship under the All Progressives Congress-led government.
He also expressed concern over the European Union’s alleged withdrawal from observing the election because of insecurity or hostile treatment.
However, the EU clarified that it would participate through a much smaller Electoral Expert Mission of between two and four experts.
While asserting that foreign observers could watch Nigeria fail, he urged President Bola Tinubu to understand the difference between winning an election and earning a legitimate mandate.
“A credible victory strengthens a president, while a disputed victory follows him everywhere.
“INEC should understand that Nigerians owe it no automatic trust after 2023, as confidence is not a press statement but earned through conduct. Nigeria is neither condemned to a bad election nor entitled to a good one.
“The next general election can still be rescued, only if citizens refuse to sleepwalk into it. When election day comes, Nigerians must be choosing a president, not attending a coronation,” he stated.
