2027 ELECTION: EMOTION AND SENTIMENTAL POLITICS CANNOT WIN VOTES

By Musa Bakare

As the 2027 general elections approach, the political landscape in Nigeria is starting to take shape, revealing a stark contrast between the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the opposition parties. It is becoming increasingly clear that emotional and sentimental politics employed by the opposition will not resonate with the electorate as effectively as a performance-based approach of President Tinubu.

Nigerian voters have become more discerning and pragmatic, seeking candidates and parties that can deliver on their promises of development, security, and economic prosperity. The success of the APC in the previous elections underscores the party’s commitment to these issues, emphasizing tangible outcomes over mere rhetoric.

President Tinubu’s administration has made significant strides in key areas such as infrastructure development, economic reform, and security enhancement. These achievements resonate strongly with the electorate, who are eager for policies that lead to improvement in their daily lives. Voters have become increasingly aware of the difference between promises and actual results, and their desire for accountability has grown.

Opposition parties, on the other hand are relying on emotional appeals and nostalgia, perhaps hoping to capitalize on past grievances. However, as history has shown, such strategies can only take a party a little far.

The electorate is more focused on what a party or candidate can do rather than what has been done in the past. Sentimental politics may stir passion but it often fails to translate that passion into votes if it lacks a clear, performance-oriented plan.

The APC under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is positioning itself as the party for progress, promoting its achievements while also outlining a comprehensive agenda for the future. This dual focus of celebrating past accomplishments while offering a vision for continued growth is critical for winning the hearts and minds of voters.

Several key factors are working in favor of President Tinubu as the election nears. The party’s ability to deliver on its promises amidst a challenging global and domestic environment is a testament to its resilience and capability.

President Tinubu’s leadership, marked by a clear strategy for economic recovery and development, will be crucial in galvanizing support from various demographic groups, including young and women voters who seek genuine change, but also stability.

As we head towards the 2027 elections, Nigerian voters are increasingly prioritizing performance over emotive appeals. The APC, under President Tinubu’s guidance is on a clear path to maintain a stronger electoral footing by showcasing its track record and comprehensive plans for the future.

Opposition parties must recalibrate their strategies, probably ahead of 2031, if they are to pose a credible challenge; emotions alone will not sway the electorate in a landscape that increasingly values accountability and results.

Musa Asiru Bakare member of the APC political analyst who writes from Lokoja Kogi state
October 19, 2025