Maxi Okwu, former APGA national chairman, predicts President Bola Tinubu’s reelection in 2027 as inevitable, citing Tinubu’s political skills and the state of Nigeria’s electoral system. Okwu’s bold assertion comes amid growing concerns over the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the challenges facing opposition parties.
In a bold prediction, Maxi Okwu, former national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has asserted that President Bola Tinubu‘s reelection in 2027 is virtually guaranteed. According to Okwu, Nigeria’s current electoral system, coupled with Tinubu’s political acumen, ensures his victory is a foregone conclusion. He made these remarks during an exclusive interview with Daily Post where he analyzed various political developments in the country, including the just-concluded governorship elections in Edo State, the state of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the future of key political figures like Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State.
Tinubu’s Political Mastery and Electoral Advantage
Maxi Okwu was unequivocal in his assessment of Tinubu’s political prowess, stating that the President is the first “real politician” to hold the country’s highest office. He emphasized that Tinubu’s deep understanding of Nigeria’s political landscape and his ability to maneuver within it will make it almost impossible for any opposition to defeat him in 2027.
“Anybody who thinks Tinubu will lose in 2027 is dreaming,” Okwu said, pointing to the structure and management of Nigeria’s electoral process as a key factor in Tinubu’s advantage. He lamented the decline of trust in INEC, describing the electoral body as having lost credibility due to various lapses, including inconsistencies in the use of electronic voting systems like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV).
“People no longer have confidence in INEC,” he added. “Even with all the electronic improvements, human factors have undermined the process. Tinubu knows exactly what to do to secure his victory.”
Inevitable Victory for Tinubu in 2027
Reflecting on the future of Nigeria’s political environment, Maxi Okwu declared that there is little hope for those seeking to challenge Tinubu’s reelection. He argued that the electoral system’s flaws, combined with Tinubu’s strategic approach, leave the opposition with slim chances of success. Maxi Okwu suggested that political watchers and opposition figures should prepare for a repeat of 2023, when Tinubu ascended to the presidency despite the widespread challenges during the electoral process.
“If Tinubu is still alive and healthy in 2027, his reelection is almost certain. He has the political skill set, and the electoral management in Nigeria right now is heavily in his favor,” Okwu stated.
Electoral Integrity Concerns and National Implications
Okwu’s comments also extended to the broader issue of electoral integrity in Nigeria. He expressed concern over the persistent gaps in Nigeria’s voting process, particularly the manipulation of results at the collation stage. He criticized the reliance on manual calculations in private rooms after results are uploaded electronically from polling stations, calling it a regression to “the Stone Age.”
“We can’t have a transparent election if results can be changed in backrooms,” Maxi Okwu argued, referencing how elections are conducted in the United States as a model Nigeria should aspire to follow. “In America, the county results are the final results, and media outlets can project outcomes immediately. Here, we wait for one lecturer in a room to decide the fate of the election.”
The Future of APGA and Soludo’s Political Path
Addressing the state of APGA and the political future of Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Okwu speculated that Soludo’s political alignment might shift toward the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Okwu suggested that Soludo’s relationship with APGA is strained, and unless he reconciles with key party figures, such as Edozien Njoku and Chekwas Okorie, his best option may be to join the APC ahead of the 2025 elections in Anambra.
“If Soludo doesn’t make peace within APGA, I don’t see him going to the PDP. He is likely bound for the APC,” Okwu predicted. He also mentioned the growing influence of the APC in states like Anambra and Ondo, further bolstering Tinubu’s standing ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
A Nation at Crossroads
Maxi Okwu’s remarks reflect a broader sense of disillusionment with Nigeria’s current political climate. He voiced his frustration with the state of governance under Tinubu, particularly on issues of human rights, economic hardship, and the administration’s response to public dissent.
“The human rights record under Tinubu is disheartening,” Okwu lamented, citing recent events like the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero and the invasion of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). He expressed disappointment that the same President who once championed pro-democracy causes is now overseeing such violations.
In his closing remarks, Okwu expressed a sense of resignation, urging Nigerians to brace themselves for what he sees as an inevitable continuation of the current political order in 2027.
