As Nigeria emerges from the 2023 general elections and moves deeper into 2025, the country stands at a critical juncture in its political journey. The elections, widely described as one of the most fiercely contested in recent history, reshaped not only who governs but how governance is perceived across the nation. With new leaders at the helm and shifting alliances across party lines, the Nigerian political landscape is undergoing significant transformation. The question now is: what lies ahead?
A New Political Order?
The 2023 elections marked a departure from the traditional dominance of the two major parties—the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). While the APC retained power at the federal level, the emergence of the Labour Party as a strong third force, led by Peter Obi’s populist movement, disrupted the usual binary contest. This unexpected showing by a relatively smaller party reflected growing disillusionment among the youth and urban voters, many of whom demanded a cleaner, more accountable governance structure.
This development has changed the equation for 2027 and beyond. The success of new political voices, even if limited in actual electoral wins, signals a shift in political consciousness. Parties now know that appealing to the traditional power blocs—regional, ethnic, and religious—is no longer sufficient. They must address issues like unemployment, insecurity, and poverty with sincerity and action.
Youth and the Power of Civic Engagement
The 2023 elections witnessed unprecedented political participation among young Nigerians. From social media campaigns to grassroots mobilization and voter registration drives, the youth demographic asserted its place in the nation’s political affairs. Although frustrations over electoral irregularities and judicial outcomes remain, many in this age group are becoming increasingly engaged in shaping the future.
In the post-election period, youth-led movements and civic organizations continue to push for electoral reforms, transparency, and increased accountability. Initiatives like the #FixPolitics movement and tech-driven platforms such as BudgIT and YIAGA Africa are contributing to more informed citizen engagement. The challenge now is converting electoral enthusiasm into long-term political power—possibly through grassroots political education, local elections, and greater representation in policymaking.
Governance: Continuity or Change?
At the federal level, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has had a mixed reception. His government has embarked on significant reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and unification of the exchange rate. These policies, though necessary for long-term economic stability, have triggered immediate hardships for Nigerians, with inflation soaring and living conditions worsening for many.
The ability of the Tinubu-led government to manage this economic restructuring while maintaining public trust will define its legacy. Success will depend not only on macroeconomic indicators but also on how well the administration communicates with citizens, cushions the effects on vulnerable populations, and demonstrates accountability.
On the legislative front, the National Assembly is being watched closely for how it exercises its oversight functions. The level of independence displayed—or lack thereof—will influence public confidence in democratic institutions.
Regional Dynamics and Ethnic Politics
Post-election Nigeria also continues to grapple with the enduring influence of identity politics. While the emergence of more diverse political voices is a step forward, ethnicity, religion, and regionalism still play significant roles in political alignment. Tensions in the Southeast over separatist agitations, insecurity in the North, and underdevelopment in the Niger Delta remain key national concerns.
For genuine national cohesion to emerge, there needs to be a deliberate shift from the politics of identity to the politics of performance. Leaders must promote inclusion, fairness, and balanced development across geopolitical zones. More importantly, the political class must begin to prioritize competence over loyalty, merit over patronage.
The Judiciary and Electoral Justice
The post-election period saw a flurry of court cases contesting the outcomes of both presidential and gubernatorial elections. While the courts upheld the results in most cases, public confidence in judicial independence remains shaky.
To restore trust, the Nigerian judiciary must not only be impartial but also be seen to be so. The process of electoral justice must be transparent, time-bound, and fair. In future elections, strengthening the independence of the courts and ensuring that electoral tribunals operate without interference will be critical to preserving democracy.
The Role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
INEC faced considerable criticism after the 2023 elections, particularly concerning the failure of electronic transmission of results and logistical shortcomings. Although the commission had raised hopes with its introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and IReV portal, the reality on election day fell short of expectations.
In this post-election era, INEC must rebuild its credibility through reforms, transparency, and stakeholder engagement. Civil society, the media, and the international community will continue to scrutinize its activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Road to 2027: What Should We Expect?
Looking ahead, several themes are likely to define Nigeria’s political trajectory:
Rise of Alternative Political Forces: The growth of third-party platforms may continue, especially if young politicians and civic actors consolidate their gains and develop structures at the grassroots level.
Electoral Reform: Stakeholders are already calling for amendments to the Electoral Act to close loopholes and strengthen INEC’s operations. How much political will exists to enact these reforms remains to be seen.
Accountability and Governance: Nigerians are increasingly demanding more from their leaders. From social media to town hall meetings, citizens are holding government officials accountable, and this trend is unlikely to wane.
Security and Economic Management: The government’s ability to tackle insecurity, boost local production, and stabilize the economy will be central to its political survival. Failure in these areas could create openings for opposition forces.
Youth Inclusion: The clamor for generational change in leadership is loud. As more young Nigerians get politically active, parties that ignore them do so at their peril.
Post-election Nigeria is a nation in transition. The political landscape is more dynamic than ever, driven by shifting public expectations, youthful activism, and the need for inclusive governance. While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, it also presents opportunities for renewal. If political leaders are willing to listen, reform, and act in the public interest, Nigeria can take meaningful steps toward a more stable and progressive democratic future.
The question remains: will the political class rise to the moment, or will the people have to demand it—again?
