2027 May Mirror 1979, Not 2023 Elections — Tambuwal

Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, says the political atmosphere shaping the 2027 general elections is likely to resemble Nigeria’s 1979 transition poll rather than the 2023 presidential election.

Tambuwal made the remark during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, stating that emerging alliances and voter behaviour ahead of 2027 point to a more complex and multi-candidate contest.

“Politics is dynamic, and everything about people is dynamic. 2027 may not necessarily be a replay of the 2023 elections,” he said.

Drawing historical parallels, he referenced the 1979 presidential election, which featured major figures such as Shehu Shagari, Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Aminu Kano and Waziri Ibrahim, describing it as a template for what he expects in 2027.

“I see a replay of 1979 in 2027 rather than the 2023 general elections. The dynamics of today are different,” he added.

Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and ex-governor of Sokoto State, also said he would not endorse any presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress, African Democratic Congress, until the party concludes its primaries.

On recent defections, he described the exits of opposition figures Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the ADC as personal decisions, insisting they should not be interpreted as internal crisis within the party.

He further stated that all aspirants in the ADC would be given fair opportunity to contest in the primaries, noting that no preferential arrangement had been made.

Tambuwal also dismissed claims that he is exiting politics after withdrawing from the senatorial race, saying his decision was driven by sacrifice and the need to create space for younger politicians.

On security, he said the ADC plans to strengthen Nigeria’s armed forces and police through increased recruitment to address terrorism and banditry.

He also criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that the ruling All Progressives Congress, All Progressives Congress, has not delivered policies that have improved the economic situation of Nigerians.

Tambuwal’s comparison to 1979 highlights one of Nigeria’s most contested elections, where Shagari emerged president with 33.77 percent of the vote amid a crowded field, later leading to a landmark legal dispute over the constitutional “two-thirds of states” requirement, which was upheld by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The 2023 election, by contrast, was marked by legal challenges after Tinubu’s victory over Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, with the Supreme Court affirming that the Federal Capital Territory does not carry special status in determining the spread requirement.

As the 2027 elections approach, political realignments continue across parties, with President Tinubu widely expected to seek re-election under the APC.