By Uzair Adam
Ko Da Naka, in collaboration with Afaq Educational Foundation, has called on Nigerians to reject President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if his administration fails to address economic hardship and insecurity in the country.
The groups made the call in a communiqué issued after a national conference on “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections,” held in Kano on Sunday.
The Daily Reality reports that Ko Da Naka is a civic organisation committed to promoting good governance and community development, while Afaq Educational Foundation focuses on education and community development initiatives.
The conference, attended by about 1,000 participants, deliberated on the economy, insecurity, migration of skilled professionals, the role of religious scholars in promoting truth and justice, and the 2027 general elections.
On the economy, the participants expressed dissatisfaction with the policies of the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy, changes to the naira exchange-rate system, increases in electricity tariffs and tax reforms.
According to the communiqué, the policies had increased the burden on ordinary Nigerians at a time when rising living costs and unemployment were already threatening citizens’ well-being.
“The government has continued to insist on pursuing these policies, which are increasing hardship among the people,” the communiqué stated.
The groups criticised the administration for prioritising revenue growth rather than reviewing policies they said were worsening the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.
The participants consequently resolved that it would be inappropriate to re-elect the Tinubu administration in 2027 if it failed to change what they described as harmful economic policies.
On security, the groups expressed concern over continued killings and kidnappings by bandits, as well as other acts of terrorism across the country.
The communiqué particularly called for urgent action to address insecurity in the North-West and other affected parts of Nigeria.
It warned that failure to improve the security situation should compel President Tinubu to reconsider seeking another term in office.
“Alternatively, the President should refrain from contesting the 2027 election,” the communiqué stated.
It added that if he chose to contest despite the security challenges, Nigerians should reject his candidacy and give an opportunity to those capable of providing better leadership.
The groups also condemned the continued migration of Nigerian doctors, teachers, engineers and other professionals to foreign countries.
They attributed the trend to unemployment, inadequate facilities, poor working conditions and the difficult economic situation in the country.
The communiqué urged the government to improve salaries and working conditions while providing opportunities for professional development.
It also called for programmes that would encourage skilled Nigerians abroad to return home, warning that failure to address the situation should result in a change of government at the next election.
“If the government fails to do this, it should be replaced at the next election,” the participants resolved.
On the role of religious scholars, the groups urged clerics not to become political stooges or support injustice for personal benefit.
Instead, they said religious scholars should speak truth to power and defend justice irrespective of political party, ethnicity or religion.
“Religious scholars should praise what is good and criticise what is wrong, regardless of political party, tribe or religion,” the communiqué stated.
It further urged religious leaders to educate Nigerians on the importance of choosing competent leaders as the 2027 general elections approach.
The participants said Nigeria’s future was more important than any political party, ethnic group or region, urging citizens to use their votes to seek leadership capable of bringing relief from hardship, prosperity, security, employment, justice and development.
The groups advised Nigerians to assess all candidates carefully, taking into consideration their experience, integrity, competence and policies rather than voting based solely on religion, ethnicity, region or political affiliation.
The communiqué also urged Nigerians to continue praying for divine guidance in choosing leaders.
It prayed that Almighty Allah would guide the country’s leaders and provide Nigerians with good leadership in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
The Daily Reality reports that economic hardship, insecurity and the migration of skilled professionals remain major issues in Nigeria, with the concerns expected to feature prominently in political debates ahead of the 2027 elections.