RismadarVoice Reporters
October 19, 2026
Broadcast journalist Rufai Oseni has warned that President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could face unexpected electoral challenges in 2027, claiming that many voters in Northern Nigeria are dissatisfied with the administration.
Oseni made the remarks on Monday during a discussion on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he examined political developments and the ruling party’s prospects ahead of the general elections.
He cautioned politicians against interpreting enthusiastic public receptions or financial inducements as evidence of genuine electoral support, arguing that such displays might not reflect voters’ intentions at the ballot box.
According to the broadcaster, political leaders risk misjudging public sentiment if they rely solely on crowds, endorsements and the activities of influential political figures.
Oseni maintained that dissatisfaction with the administration was widespread across parts of the North and warned that the outcome of the presidential election could surprise the APC.
He acknowledged that his assessment might be criticised as a generalisation, explaining that it was based on his interpretation of public sentiment, political developments and feedback from the region.
However, he did not present a specific nationwide or regional opinion poll establishing the extent of the dissatisfaction during the remarks reported.
The journalist also questioned the political loyalty of governors who recently defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
He suggested that some of the defections were driven more by internal crises within the PDP than by ideological commitment to the ruling party.
Oseni argued that such political realignments could create uncertainty about whether the defecting governors would fully mobilise their political structures for the APC during the elections.
His comments come amid continuing defections, party negotiations and political alliances as Nigeria’s major political parties prepare for the 2027 contest.
Although defections could strengthen the APC’s organisational presence in several states, Oseni’s remarks raise questions about whether the movement of political leaders necessarily translates into support among ordinary voters.
His assessment remains a political opinion rather than a confirmed measurement of voting intentions across Northern Nigeria.
The eventual outcome will depend on voter preferences, party mobilisation, candidates and developments leading up to the elections.
