18/08/2025
APC’s Surprise Wins: What Do They Really Mean for 2027?
By Nasir Ibrahim Janbuzu
The recent election has left Nigerians pondering, and for good reason. On one hand, the streets are filled with grievances about economic hardship, inflation, and the rising cost of living. Many Nigerians attribute these challenges to the current administration. However, when it came to casting their ballots, an unexpected outcome emerged: the APC, the same party many are criticizing, secured victories in some surprising locations.
Take Adamawa, for instance. This is the home state of Atiku Abubakar, the opposition leader. One would assume that the APC would face significant resistance, but in Ganye Local Government, the APC emerged victorious. Similarly, in Kano, which is perceived as the stronghold of Kwankwasiyya, some APC candidates managed to secure wins. Furthermore, in Kaduna, where Malam Nasir El-Rufai has been a vocal anti-APC voice, the ruling party still secured victories in some areas.
This raises several questions: what exactly is happening? If Nigerians are genuinely dissatisfied with the APC, why are they still securing wins in "enemy territories"? Does this indicate that the people secretly support the administration's direction and are willing to give it more time? Or could it be that Nigerians do not fully comprehend the power they hold in their hands—the power to elect leaders and hold them accountable?
Of course, not everyone accepts the results. Opposition parties have been quick to dispute the outcome, alleging that the elections were rigged and manipulated using the power of incumbency. While this argument is not new in Nigerian politics and may hold some truth, it raises a more significant concern: if elections are solely about who manipulates the system more effectively, then where does the will of the people fit in?
This is why Saturday's vote feels more significant than just another state election. It is a precursor to 2027. Are we witnessing a ruling party that still has sufficient grassroots support to withstand the narrative of hardship? Or are these temporary wins built on shaky foundations of power and influence?
Ultimately, one thing is clear: Nigerians must decide whether they want to continue complaining on the sidelines or utilize the ballot as the ultimate tool for change. Because regardless of how powerful the ruling party may seem, it can never overpower the collective strength of the masses if they choose to show up and vote with a unified voice.
