The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Shehu Gabam, has warned that the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu could be his biggest obstacle in seeking re-election in 2027.
Gabam highlighted several controversial decisions by the Tinubu administration, including the abrupt removal of the petrol subsidy, the unification of foreign exchange rates, the electricity tariff hike, and the increase in telecommunications tariffs. He argued that if President Tinubu does not reassess these policies and make changes, especially within his cabinet, his chances of securing another term in office would be slim.
“Tinubu needs to review some of his policies. He needs to rejig his cabinet if he wants to leave a positive legacy in the next two years,” Gabam said during a televised interview. He added that without significant policy changes, the president would struggle to maintain his popularity.
Gabam drew parallels between Tinubu’s government and the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that protests against Jonathan in 2012 marked a turning point in his presidency, and he was ultimately unable to survive another election. Gabam also cautioned that relying on financial resources for re-election would not guarantee success. “You will only rig if you are popular,” he stated.
On the issue of the current administration’s relationship with opposition voices, Gabam criticized what he described as the government’s hostile approach to dissent. He suggested that the government was becoming increasingly autocratic, with those offering advice or criticism being treated as enemies. He further claimed that this authoritarian approach mirrored that of state governors who silenced opposition.
In his comments, Gabam suggested that the government should consider amending Nigeria’s constitution to establish a one-party state if they were unwilling to tolerate opposition.
In response to accusations that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was bribing opposition parties, Gabam firmly denied such claims. He rejected allegations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who had suggested that the APC was offering N50 million bribes to opposition parties to weaken their leadership. Gabam insisted that the SDP had not received any bribes from the government and emphasized that the party’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions was non-negotiable.
“We are not designed to compromise institutions; we are trying to build institutions,” he stated. “If the government does not want opposition, they can amend the constitution to make Nigeria a one-party system.”
