2027: Nigeria Maybe Set Ablaze If Tinubu, INEC Stop Opposition Parties From Producing Presidential Candidates -Ozobo Warns

By Monday Peters, Abuja

Rights activist Amb. (Comrade) Ozobo Austin has warned that Nigeria could be plunged into “anarchy and a state of coma” if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) move to prevent opposition parties from fielding presidential candidates in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Ozobo said any attempt to impose a one-party system may trigger “great massacre” and “serious calamity” across the country.

“There maybe a great massacre if Tinubu prevents opposition parties from producing presidential candidates in 2027,” the activist stated.

“Nigeria will be doomed and thrown into a state of coma, anarchy if INEC connives with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop opposition parties from selecting their presidential candidates.”

Ozobo argued that blocking opposition candidates would delegitimize the 2027 polls and could spark nationwide unrest.

“I don’t think there will be an election in Nigeria come 2027 if the president imposes a one-party system in the country. There will be serious calamity and the country may be set ablaze if such a thing happens,” he said.

He called on aides and advisers to both the President and INEC to caution against any such move.

“So the handlers of Tinubu and INEC should kindly advise them to
have a rethink on the move to stop opposition parties from producing presidential candidates in 2027,” Ozobo added.

The warning comes amid rising political tension as parties continue to accuse the Presidency of sponsoring factions and divisions among opposition parties.
However, Nigeria operates a multi-party democracy, with 19 political parties currently registered by INEC.

In recent months, opposition parties including the PDP, ADC, Labour Party, and NNPP have accused the ruling APC of using state institutions to weaken dissent. The Presidency and INEC have consistently denied any plans to undermine multi-party democracy.

Ozobo, a Niger Delta-based activist, is known for his outspoken commentary on governance, human rights, and electoral issues. He has previously criticised both federal and state governments over policy and political developments.

However, political analysts say the 2027 elections will be a major test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly INEC’s independence and the judiciary’s role in electoral disputes.