Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s claim that President Bola Tinubu’s second term is already secured is another reason why Nigerian citizens must stay alert and demand good governance.

Development Diaries reports that in a recent event, Senator Akpabio assured the president not to lose sleep over his re-election as his second term in office is guaranteed, notwithstanding the ongoing plot by the opposition.

Firstly, with many Nigerians struggling due to high inflation, rising food prices, and increasing unemployment, the focus should be on improving lives, not assuming another term in office.

Secondly, elections are meant to give people the power to choose their leaders, but Akpabio’s statement makes it seem like the outcome is already decided.

This raises an important question: will the 2027 election truly reflect the people’s choice?

In a democracy, leaders should be judged by their performance, but can we say democracy has been sustained in this manner?

President Tinubu’s government has been widely criticised for failing to reduce hardship, and instead of working to solve these problems, the ruling party is talking about securing another term.

If elections are free and fair, there should be no certainty about the outcome three years before the vote. Akpabio’s words indicate that the election results might be manipulated in favour of the ruling party.

Elections should not be a mere formality where those in power decide who stays. The 2023 election already had reports of irregularities, with observers questioning how transparent the process was.

If Nigeria is truly a democracy, then elections should be open, competitive, and based on the people’s will, not the wishes of political leaders.

If citizens are already suffering and leaders are not addressing their needs, how can they assume victory in the next election?

As 2027 approaches, Development Diaries calls on Nigerians to stay alert and demand good governance. It is not enough to vote; people must also hold their leaders accountable and keep demanding free and fair elections.

Nigerians should register to vote, make their voices heard, and choose leaders who will work for them—not just for their party’s interests.