Opposition figures and public analysts on Monday, have criticized President Bola Tinubu’s reported 11-million-vote outcome in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary, describing the figures as “allocated,” “questionable,” and politically troubling ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The concerns were raised during VOP This Morning’s program on Voice of the People TV, where legal experts, political commentators, and opposition representatives questioned the credibility of the reported turnout and broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic process.
Speaking during the live interview, lawyer and representative of the New Democratic Coalition (NDC), Ladi Johnson, alleged that the reported figures appeared aimed at shaping a political narrative ahead of future elections.
“No, I think that just shows you that they think they’re laying the foundation to rig that, that’s all they’re doing,” Mr Johnson said.
The remarks come amid growing opposition consultations and coalition talks ahead of the 2027 elections, with several political actors discussing possible alliances against the ruling APC.
Mr Johnson also criticized the APC-led administration’s economic messaging, arguing that worsening living conditions remain a major concern for Nigerians.
“Look, millions of Nigerians, tens of millions have fallen into poverty in the last three-plus years. So it’s just a joke.”
Projecting political resistance ahead of 2027, Mr Johnson added:
“The will of the people of the country will prevail… and this will be a one-term president.”
He further linked the controversy to wider concerns about political pressure and opposition suppression.
“This is indicative of the sort of government we have, the people they mobilize to break down the opposition and even members of their own party.”
Mr Johnson also pointed to electricity shortages, infrastructure gaps, and insecurity as key issues that could shape voter sentiment in the next election cycle.
Questions over vote count
Also speaking during the broadcast, lawyer and public affairs analyst Mr Darlington Agumuo urged Nigerians to critically examine the credibility of the reported APC primary figures.
“Please, I will appeal to every analyst, I will appeal to every Nigerian: Please don’t ever reckon with this APC primary and the way they counted their vote.”
He questioned the reported turnout and counting process, describing the figures as difficult to reconcile.
“The number they are giving us, that number did not vote in this primary. They just allocated figures.”
Mr Agumuo also compared the reported APC primary numbers with President Tinubu’s 2023 election results in some states, arguing that the figures raised concerns over consistency and transparency.
He added that the outcome had generated more skepticism than celebration among critics.
‘A skit’ — Policy analyst criticizes outcome
In a separate intervention, policy analyst and public commentator Dr Bright Anieva Coker described the reported APC primary exercise as political theatre.
“For me, that was a skit. They just put up a skit to entertain Nigerians.”
Dr Cooker also questioned the economic realities facing citizens despite policy announcements by the federal government.
“They’re talking about the 70,000 Naira minimum wage… we should be concerned about the purchasing power. What can 70,000 Naira purchase?”
He revisited campaign-era promises around electricity and insecurity, arguing that many Nigerians remain dissatisfied with current realities.
“The issue of insecurity, has it actually abated? It is increasing every day.”
Dr Cooker further alleged that political distractions often overshadow deeper governance concerns, while urging Nigerians to stay engaged in democratic participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Panelists also pointed to reported voting spikes in some states and internal party tensions, including claims of parallel primaries and grassroots divisions, as signs of broader political strain within the ruling party.
While the APC has continued to defend its internal processes, the comments from opposition voices and analysts reflect growing scrutiny over electoral credibility, governance performance, and public trust as Nigeria moves closer to another major election cycle.
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