A political commentator, Femi Oke, has expressed disappointment over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention, describing it as uninspiring and unlikely to energize party members or Nigeria’s youth ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting after the president’s address, Oke acknowledged the APC for what he called a “well-organised” opening day of the convention but noted that the president’s performance did not meet expectations at a time when the country is grappling with significant challenges.
According to him, Nigeria requires leadership that can inspire confidence and hope, stressing that none of the leading political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi, have demonstrated strong oratory capable of galvanizing the broader population beyond their core supporters.
He argued that while Obi and Amaechi may appeal more to younger Nigerians due to their relative age, their messaging often lacks depth and is filled with what he described as “empty promises and populist sentiments.”
Oke also raised concerns about President Tinubu’s physical appearance during the speech, suggesting the president appeared unwell, though no official statement has been made regarding his health.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the analyst predicted that political structures and party machinery would play a more decisive role than rhetoric or public speaking ability. He noted that incumbency advantage could prove difficult to overcome, especially if opposition parties fail to present a united front.
He further criticized the absence of presidential debates in Nigeria’s political culture, pointing out that past leaders, including Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari, did not participate in debates, describing the trend as harmful to democratic accountability.
Oke also referenced former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, noting that competence, youthfulness, and communication skills alone are insufficient to secure electoral victory without strong political backing.
While reaffirming his loyalty to the APC, Oke maintained that party members must remain honest in their assessments, warning that more effort is needed to inspire confidence among Nigerians.
He added that attention is now shifting to upcoming political activities within the opposition, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as stakeholders watch closely for signs of unity or internal discord ahead of the next election cycle.
