Nigeria Tinubu’s Economic Policies Could Lead to 2027 Election Loss, Says SDP Chair

Shehu Gabam, the SDP Chairman, warns that President Bola Tinubu’s controversial policies, such as petrol subsidy removal and forex rate unification, could jeopardize his chances of re-election in 2027. Gabam urges Tinubu to review his administration’s strategies and amend his cabinet to avoid a repeat of Jonathan's downfall.

Shehu Gabam, the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has raised concerns over President Bola Tinubu's chances of securing a second term in office, criticizing the administration's controversial economic policies. Gabam specifically highlighted the removal of the petrol subsidy, the unification of forex rates, and the increase in both electricity and telecom tariffs as factors that could harm Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Gabam argued that these unpopular decisions have sparked widespread discontent among Nigerians and warned that continuing with these policies could lead to a similar fate as former President Goodluck Jonathan, who faced significant protests during his second term. Gabam emphasized that Tinubu would need to revise his approach, particularly by reviewing his cabinet and policies, to avoid damaging his political future.

The SDP chair also criticized the current government's attitude towards opposition, claiming that political leaders are increasingly hostile to advice and alternative views. He even suggested that the government might consider constitutional changes to consolidate power in a one-party system, which he believes is a growing trend in Nigerian politics.

Furthermore, Gabam addressed accusations that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) bribed opposition parties with N50m to weaken their influence. He denied the allegations, stating that the SDP had never accepted such offers and remained committed to upholding democratic principles in Nigeria.