A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People's Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has declared that the outcome of the 2027 presidential election will be determined solely by Nigerians and not by political godfathers or influential individuals.
Eze stated this while reacting to comments attributed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in which he reportedly boasted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would never become President and that he possessed the political structure to stop such an ambition in 2027.
In a statement issued on Monday and made available to journalists, Eze described the alleged remarks as "childish, clownish and empty political grandstanding," arguing that no individual has the constitutional or democratic authority to determine who emerges as Nigeria's President.
He challenged Wike to explain the nature of the political structure he frequently refers to, questioning whether it was one built on the confidence of the electorate or one allegedly sustained through intimidation, manipulation of institutions, abuse of state power and other anti-democratic practices.
"It is important that Wike tells Nigerians what he means by structure. Is it the structure of the people or the structure of power? Is it founded on democratic principles or built around intimidation and manipulation? Nigerians deserve answers," Eze said.
The ADC stalwart maintained that the country's worsening economic hardship, rising cost of living, insecurity and widespread poverty had fundamentally changed the political consciousness of Nigerians, making it increasingly difficult for any individual or political bloc to impose leaders on the electorate.
According to him, the era when a handful of influential politicians could determine the country's political future behind closed doors is gradually coming to an end, as citizens, particularly young people, are becoming more politically aware and determined to defend their democratic rights.
Eze further cautioned against what he described as the illusion of permanent political relevance, noting that history has shown that political influence is temporary and ultimately subject to the will of the people.
He urged public office holders to concentrate on addressing the nation's pressing socio-economic challenges instead of engaging in premature political campaigns and declarations ahead of the 2027 general election.
The former nPDP spokesman also expressed confidence in the capacity of the ADC to provide Nigerians with a credible platform for democratic reforms, insisting that political calculations that may have worked in previous elections would not necessarily guarantee victory in 2027.
He noted that the political landscape in Rivers State and the South-South had changed considerably, with many stakeholders now recognizing the need for unity in efforts to address Nigeria's economic and governance challenges.
Eze stressed that no amount of intimidation, propaganda or political manoeuvring would suppress Nigerians' aspirations for accountable leadership and good governance.
"The unfortunate impression being created is that the destiny of Nigeria rests in the hands of one individual. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Nigeria belongs to over 300 million citizens, and the occupant of Aso Rock in 2027 will be determined by Nigerians and Nigerians alone," he said.
He advised Wike to focus on his responsibilities as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory rather than making statements that portray him as a political kingmaker.
Eze concluded that the sovereign will of Nigerians remains supreme and that the 2027 presidential election would be decided by the electorate through the ballot box, not by political influence or personal ambition.
