*By Rt. Comrade Emmanuel Johnny, Director General, Civil Society Campaign Council*
The Director General of the Civil Society Campaign Council, Rt. Comrade Emmanuel Johnny, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to urgently return to the grassroots and reconnect with the Nigerian masses if he hopes to secure victory in the 2027 presidential election.
Rt. Comrade Johnny said the political atmosphere in the country has changed completely. Nigerians are no longer moved by big names, party structures, or the endorsement of political elites. What the people want now is food on their table, jobs for their children, security in their communities, and visible impact from government in their daily lives.
"Mr. President should by now know that many of the elites he relies on, including some ministers, Law makers and governors, are not working in his best interest. A good number of them have been rejected by the masses because of poor leadership, greed, and a culture of serving only themselves and their families while the people continue to suffer," Rt. Comrade Johnny stated.
He warned that continued dependence on political elites who have lost touch with the people will only damage the President’s re-election chances. He said the just concluded Osun State Governorship election is a clear signal that should not be ignored.
"If, despite the full solidarity of the APC structure in Osun, the governorship result did not favour our party, then the message is clear. The masses are speaking. Is it because of hunger and economic hardship? Is it because of unemployment? Is it because of the arrogance and greed of some political elites? These questions must be answered honestly and urgently."
*THE WAY BACK TO THE PEOPLE IS THROUGH SERVICE DELIVERY*
Comrade Johnny said the fastest way for Mr. President to go back to the people is to ensure that the budget works for the people and that government delivers services that touch lives directly.
Government institutions must be properly funded to function effectively. funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies should be prioritized so they can carry out their mandate. Contractors who have completed jobs must be paid so that abandoned projects can be completed and jobs created for our youths. The issue of unemployment must be addressed with deliberate policies that engage young Nigerians and reduce poverty. The general needs of society such as health, education, roads, security and food security must be placed at the center of governance.
"The poor masses must feel the impact of this administration. We must stop the practice of releasing all the money to governors and political elites while the common man is left with nothing. Let the market woman in Kano, the student in Port Harcourt, the farmer in Benue and the artisan in Lagos feel the impact of government more. When the people can say government is working in their lives, then victory in 2027 is sure," he said.
*ELITES HAVE LOST CONTROL. THE MASSES HAVE MADE UP THEIR MIND*
Rt. Comrade Johnny observed that Nigerians are no longer afraid of intimidation by the gathering of elites. The people have made up their minds to defend their choice, protect their votes and stand firm for leaders who stand with them.
"The people are wiser now. They are stronger. They are determined to resist intimidation and vote according to their conscience. No amount of elite conspiracy can change that in 2027."
He said many heads of government agencies, ministers, and even governors have become greedy and disconnected from the people. Most lawmakers are also not connecting with their constituencies. They still believe elections can be "worked over" the way it was done in previous years. That era is gone for good.
"Mr. President must drop any political office holder who refuses to work with the poor masses and connect with them. Any minister, governor, or lawmaker who cannot win his or her polling unit does not have the capacity to deliver Mr. President in 2027. This matter should not be taken lightly or for granted."
*A DIRECT WARNING TO THE APC STRUCTURE*
The Civil Society Campaign Council DG said overdependence on governors, ministers, and party elites is a dangerous path to 2027.
"The more Mr. President puts his hope in elites instead of the masses, the more difficult the journey to victory becomes. The political elites around Mr. President are not telling him the truth. The Osun election has exposed their insincerity and lack of connection with the grassroots."
He added that even ordinary supporters of the APC government are frustrated. They are not frustrated because they have abandoned the party, but because they feel abandoned by the system.
*THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW*
Rt. Comrade Johnny urged President Tinubu to act fast. He said there is still time to correct course, restore hope, and win the trust of Nigerians again.
"The earlier Mr. President decides to work directly with the masses by addressing hunger, poverty, and unemployment, the better for him and for the party. Let the people see projects. Let them see jobs. Let them see relief in their pockets. That is how elections are won."
Johnny reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, accountability, and people-centered governance. Johnny called on the Presidency to open wider channels of engagement with civil society organizations, labor unions, youth groups, market associations, and community leaders as part of a national strategy to rebuild trust ahead of 2027.
"2027 will not be won in Abuja alone. It will be won in the streets, in the villages, and in the polling units. And that is where Mr. President must go."
*Rt. Comrade Emmanuel Johnny* Director General Civil Society Campaign Council
