EMMANUEL PETER ADAYEHI, PhD
The Nigerian state is not President Tinubu’s private estate. Nigeria cannot be run as a single-party, totalitarian system. Nigeria is a plural society whose federal character is constitutionally mandated.
This nation has been shaped for 63 years by military dictatorship and civilian administration — a system that has appeared democratic but has often fallen short of true democracy. Since independence on October 1, 1960, and since becoming a republic on October 1, 1963, political actors have differed in ideology yet maintained a balance that has kept Nigeria together.
Anyone who claims the Nigerian state is Tinubu’s private estate undermines the efforts of past leaders who nurtured Nigeria to what it is today. The evidence against the “private estate” thesis is geographic. The National Bureau of Statistics shows the North West records 74.8% multidimensional poverty and 40.1% out-of-school rates for children aged 6–11, while the South West records 32.0% MPI and 8.9% out-of-school rates [NBS, 2022; UNESCO, 2022]. If Nigeria were a functional estate, these regional disparities would not persist across 63 years of governance. Instead, states like Sokoto at 85% MPI and Bayelsa at 88% MPI [NBS] illustrate service delivery collapse, not centralized control.[2022]
As we march toward the 2027 general elections, I call on all compatriots. We are critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s affairs. It is incumbent on us to take responsibility for our journey into 2027. Generations yet unborn will judge whether we reclaimed the republic or watched it become an estate.
Our national identity must be a trademark of credibility, economic growth, and development. Nigeria must become a modern actor in global affairs, known for sound decision-making. For years to come, Nigeria will be seen as representing the pride and brand of Africa.
On this note, I urge us to be the image of Africa — a country that epitomizes academic excellence worldwide. We must commit collectively to fiscal responsibility and good governance that transcend regional identity, ethnicity, and religion.
Our focus must be on measurable outcomes: increasing access to electricity, paved roads, affordable energy, reduced cost of living, accredited hospitals, and quality educational institutions. This requires electing competent leaders who will guarantee that the lives and property of every Nigerian are protected, who will uphold constitutional protections for the weak and vulnerable, and who will guarantee freedom of speech.
Let this commitment be our new national resolve as we navigate this complex political terrain. We must unite against corrupt practices and related offenses. Today, corruption has taken center stage. Insecurity is present across every region, with 212 reported offences per 100,000 population in 2023 [NBS]. Yet NBS data show states with the highest MPI also record the highest offence rates: 311 per 100,000 in Sokoto versus 144 in Lagos, suggesting poverty and insecurity correlate with state absence, not state overreach.[2024]
I want us to rise to the occasion by strengthening our resolve to rebuild Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. We must act without doubt or panic, despite the challenges we face today. Africa and the world are waiting for us, compatriots, come 2027.
Conclusion
Nigeria has survived military rule, civil war, and flawed elections because its people refused to surrender their collective ownership. In 2027, we must reject the notion that one individual owns this nation. The Federal Republic belongs to approximately 223.8 million Nigerians [United Nations, 2024]. Our task is to elect leaders who will restore institutions, protect rights, and deliver development. If we fail, history will record that we watched a republic become an estate. If we act, history will record that this generation reclaimed Nigeria. The choice is ours. The time is now.
Citations & Data
1. National Archives of Nigeria. Constitutional History of Nigeria. 1963.
2. United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs. World Population Prospects 2024. New York: UN, 2024. Nigeria population: 223.8 million.
3. National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Nigeria Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Survey 2022. Abuja: NBS, 2022. National MPI: 63.0%; Sokoto: 85%; Bayelsa: 88%.
4. UNESCO. Global Education Monitoring Report 2022: Statistical Annex. Paris: UNESCO, 2022. Out-of-school children aged 6–18: 20.2 million; North West 6–11: 40.1%.
5. National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Crime Statistics: Reported Offences 2023. Abuja: NBS, 2024. National rate: 212 per 100,000.
6. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). Federal character principle, Section 14(3).