Emeka Anyaoku: In 2027 Vote Only for Restructuring Parties

ABUJA — Elder statesman and former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku has called on Nigerians to vote only for parties and candidates committed to restructuring the country’s governance system in the 2027 general elections. He made the call in a statement published on Friday.

Anyaoku said Nigeria’s persistent security failures, economic inequality, and regional tensions are all rooted in a fundamentally flawed governance structure. He said genuine restructuring, which would devolve more power and resources to states and local governments, is the only sustainable solution.

“I urge every Nigerian of voting age to cast their ballot in 2027 for parties and candidates who are genuinely committed to restructuring Nigeria’s governance. This is the most important issue facing our country today,” Anyaoku said in his statement.

The 84-year-old statesman is one of Nigeria’s most respected voices on governance and democracy. His statement carries moral weight across party lines and geopolitical zones. It adds to growing momentum among civil society and elder statesmen calling for structural reforms ahead of 2027.

The Restructuring Debate

Restructuring has been a contested idea in Nigerian politics for decades. Proponents say the current federal structure concentrates too much power and revenue at the centre, leaving states unable to develop independently. They argue that a true federalism would allow regions to grow at their own pace.

However, opponents of restructuring, particularly in some northern states, fear that devolving power too quickly would deepen inequality and could threaten national unity. They argue that the focus should be on better governance within the existing structure rather than constitutional restructuring.

Furthermore, several opposition parties have included restructuring in their manifestos. The ADC, PDP, and LP have all used the term in their political communications. However, critics say promises of restructuring rarely survive the transition from opposition to government in Nigeria.

A Call That Could Resonate

Anyaoku’s call is particularly significant given the current political climate. With the 2027 opposition deeply fragmented and President Tinubu’s APC dominating the primary season, a unifying message around restructuring could provide opposition parties with a shared platform.

In addition, younger Nigerian voters have shown growing interest in governance reform and decentralisation. Surveys consistently show that young Nigerians believe state and local governments are better positioned than the federal government to deliver services they need.

Civil society groups said they will amplify Anyaoku’s call through voter education campaigns. They plan to produce voter guides rating parties and candidates on their specific commitments to restructuring ahead of the 2027 election season.