As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 elections, the political scene is buzzing with activity. Politicians are switching parties, forming new alliances, and pulling out all the stops to win over voters. This game of power and opportunism is not new in Nigerian politics, but it raises big questions about trust, loyalty, and the future of the country.
Why are politicians decamping? How are they funding their campaigns? And why do the masses seem to fall for their tactics every time.
The Great Party Switch: Why Politicians Decamp
In Nigeria, politicians changing parties—also called decamping—has become as common as election season itself. Posts on X and recent news show that big names like Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom moved to APC (All Progressive Congress)and others are rumored to be eyeing a move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or other parties.
Some, like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, are even said to be considering new coalitions to challenge the ruling party in 2027.Why do they do it? It’s simple: power and opportunity. Politicians often jump ship to join the party they think will win or offer them better chances for positions, influence, or resources. For example, when Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, endorsed President Bola Tinubu for 2027, it caused a firestorm in the PDP.
Many called it “opportunism,” saying Wike was chasing power rather than sticking to principles. This isn’t just about one person—it’s a pattern. Politicians move where the “national cake” is being shared, as one X user put it.
This constant switching creates a sense of instability. Voters see politicians flip-flopping, and it erodes trust. If a leader can’t stay loyal to their party, how can they be trusted to keep promises to the people? Yet, this game of musical chairs continues because it works for those playing it.
Showy Tactics to Win the Masses
During election season, Nigerian politicians pull out every trick in the book to look good. You’ll see them teaching in classrooms, fixing phones, or handing out bags of rice to poor communities. These acts are designed to win votes, especially from the less privileged who make up a large chunk of Nigeria’s population.
The masses cheer, take the gifts, and oftendon’t ask the tough questions: Why are these politicians only showing up now? Where were they when schools lacked desks or roads went unfixed?
These stunts are part of what’s called “stomach infrastructure”—giving small handouts to win loyalty. A politician might visit a village, pose for pictures while giving out cash, or promise to finish abandoned projects like roads or hospitals.
For example, some governors are now rushing to complete projects left behind by past administrations, claiming credit to boost their image for 2027. The masses, struggling with hunger and poverty, often fall for these gestures because they need immediate help.
As Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State said, “The day hunger decamps, they should come and tell us.” Until then, these tactics keep working.
Follow the Money: How Campaigns Are Funded
Election campaigns in Nigeria are expensive, and the money doesn’t always come from clean sources. Politicians need funds for rallies, posters, TV ads, and yes, those handouts to voters. But where does the cash come from? Some of it is from personal wealth or party funds, but there are darker sides too.
Corruption is a big issue—Nigeria ranked 104th out of 180 countries on the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index. Some politicians allegedly dip into public funds or take kickbacks from contracts.
Others rely on wealthy sponsors who expect favors if their candidate wins. Vote-buying is another problem. In some countries, like Taiwan, vote-buying has been reduced, but in Nigeria, it’s still common, especially in rural areas.
Politicians hand out cash or goods on election day, knowing that many voters, desperate for money, will take it and vote for them. This cycle of “money politics” keeps the system broken, with leaders more focused on winning than governing well.
Controversial Strategies and Power Plays
Nigerian politics is also a game of who can outshine or outspend the next person. Politicians use controversial tactics to grab attention. For instance, forming alliances with unlikely partners can shake things up. Recent reports suggest opposition leaders like Atiku, and Peter Obi,are planning a coalition to challenge the APC in 2027.
These alliances often have little to do with shared values and more to do with beating the competition.Then there’s the smear game. Politicians spread rumors or use social media to tarnish rivals.
In Ghana, AI-powered bots on X were caught spreading disinformation to boost a ruling party. Nigeria isn’t far behind, with fake news and propaganda spiking during elections. These tactics distract from real issues like abandoned projects or insecurity, which have left Nigerians divided and frustrated.
What the Masses Think
The Nigerian masses are fed up, but they’re also caught in a trap. Many feel politicians only care about them during elections. As musician K1 De Ultimate, a Tinubu supporter, said, “The citizens are crying and wailing” over economic hardship and poor infrastructure.
Yet, when election day comes, the same politicians show up with gifts, and some voters forget their anger. This creates a cycle of cynicism.
People know politicians are playing games, but poverty makes them vulnerable to promises and handouts. The PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, called the 2027 election a “referendum on the daily struggles of the Nigerian people.” He’s right—voters have the power to demand better. But will they?
Breaking the Cycle
So, what’s the way forward? Nigerians, especially the youth, need to start asking tough questions. Why are politicians decamping? Are they serving the people or themselves? CEOs, NGO founders, and everyday citizens can push for change by holding leaders accountable.
Transparency in campaign funding, stronger anti-corruption laws, and voter education can help break the cycle of opportunism. The 2027 elections could be a turning point. If the masses demand real solutions instead of falling for flashy gestures, they can force politicians to focus on fixing Nigeria’s problems—like abandoned projects, insecurity, and poverty.
As Bukola Saraki said, people are tired of the status quo, and they’re ready for change. It’s up to Nigerians to make sure that change is real, not just another political game. This isn’t just about 2027—it’s about Nigeria’s future. Politicians may keep decamping and scheming, but the power lies with the people. Let’s use it wisely.
