A public affairs analyst, Buhari Yusuf, warned on Monday that the political pact between former presidential hopefuls Peter Obi and Rabi’u Kwankwaso – which hinges on a single‑term presidency – could prove hazardous for Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
Speaking in an interview with Trust TV, Yusuf addressed the upcoming 2027 general elections and the emerging alliance between the two leaders. He said the “Obi‑Kwankwaso calculation” – the notion that a four‑year tenure would serve as a placeholder for the northern establishment before a power shift – was “dangerous” for the country.
“The idea of limiting the presidency to a single term as a political correctness exercise is misguided,” Yusuf argued. He suggested that Obi’s push for a one‑term arrangement may stem from a perception that the current political environment is “asphyxiated,” leaving little room for effective governance.
Yusuf also flagged broader concerns about the health of Nigeria’s democracy. “The lack of a wider parameter for democratic operation is worrying,” he said, adding that the electorate could face “a serious butter‑up party” as political actors resort to flattery and manipulation to win votes.
The analyst noted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is well aware of Nigerian voter psychology – the tendency to embrace novelty. “The APC knows that voters are drawn to new ideas, so they will likely craft a narrative that appeals to that sentiment,” Yusuf explained, likening the strategy to a lover’s overtures that seek to win affection.
Yusuf’s remarks come as the 2027 election calendar begins to take shape and political coalitions are being tested. The Obi‑Kwankwaso partnership, which emerged after both candidates lost the 2023 presidential race, has been touted as a bid to consolidate opposition strength, yet its emphasis on a single‑term transition raises questions about long‑term governance plans.
Observers will be watching how the alliance’s agenda resonates with voters, especially in a climate where the electorate’s appetite for change is balanced against concerns over political stability. Yusuf’s cautionary note underscores the stakes of the upcoming electoral contest and the potential ramifications of the “single‑term” narrative for Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
