Nkiruka Nistoran, publisher of NN News Media, has raised concerns over what she calls a premature and misguided celebration by APC supporters following the recent by-elections across 13 Nigerian states.
In a series of posts on her X (formerly Twitter) accounts, Nistoran pointed out that the newly formed political coalition only fielded candidates in two states Anambra and Kaduna out of the 13 where elections were held. Despite this limited participation, APC supporters have been widely celebrating, interpreting the results as a sign of growing support.
“Did you know the coalition only fielded candidates in Anambra and Kaduna out of the 13 states holding by-elections? So why are APC supporters celebrating?” she wrote.
Nistoran argued that these elections were about individual candidates, not a referendum on national party strength. In states where the coalition didn’t run, voters simply chose whoever they preferred locally, and such results shouldn’t be misread as indicators for the 2027 general election.
“Don’t misread this as a sign of what’s to come in 2027,” she warned. “Coalition voters won’t be voting for Tinubu the same way they voted for their preferred candidates in these by-elections.”
APC supporters claimed the South-East in the bag are “Delusional
Referring to Anambra, where APGA emerged victoriously, Nistoran criticized APC supporters for exaggerating the party’s success.
“A by-election just wrapped up in Anambra, and APGA clinched the win. Yet, judging by the way APC supporters are celebrating, you’d think their party came out on top,” she said.
She delivered a strong prediction about APC’s standing in the South-East, stating clearly:
“Come the general election, APC won’t sniff 25% of the vote for Tinubu in the South-East. Anyone claiming the region is locked down for APC might want to schedule a check-up delusion is a serious condition.
Tinubu’s 2027 Outlook: Coalition vs. Reality
Taking a broader look at 2027, Nistoran warned the coalition not to be complacent, stressing that the next election will be unpredictable and fiercely contested.
“My advice to the coalition: Prepare for anything. The next election will be unpredictable.”
She also reiterated her long-standing stance against a southern presidential ticket, emphasizing that such a move would only benefit the incumbent.
“Let me be clear, I still oppose any southern presidential ticket. Giving it to the South would be a win for Tinubu.”
Kwankwaso alliance could backfire on Tinubu
Nistoran speculated that the recent election outcomes have introduced confusion within the APC, particularly regarding potential alliances.
“It seems the by-election created confusion within the APC. If Tinubu chooses Kwankwaso, it could backfire he risks losing support from both sides.”
She believes that both NNPP and APC wins reflect strategic miscalculations on Tinubu’s part. She pointed to Kaduna, where the coalition fielded a candidate, as a case study.
“In Kaduna, the area where the election was held has long been known for its opposition to the former governor Nasiru El-Rufai, which likely influenced the results.”
GEJ vs. Tinubu: A Comparison of Eras
Nistoran drew a stark comparison between President Tinubu and former President Goodluck Jonathan (GEJ), suggesting that life for the average Nigerian has worsened under the current administration.
“You said Tinubu is not Goodluck Jonathan but let me remind you, Nigerians today are not the same Nigerians from GEJ’s era. Back then, life was better for the average citizen.”
She ended with a confident prediction:
“Under Tinubu, things have taken a turn for the worse. So come 2027, Nigerians will be ready. The tables will turn, and it will be clear: the Nigeria of GEJ’s time is not the Nigeria we see under Tinubu.”
Coalition’s Fast Rise: A Promising Sign
Nistoran praised the performance of the newly launched coalition, especially considering that it was unveiled only two months ago. Despite its infancy, it managed to make significant strides in a local contest.
“I commend the coalition for making impressive strides in the recent by-election, especially considering they were unveiled just two months ago.”
She drew a historical comparison to the APC’s formation in 2014, stating that even with more time, APC didn’t achieve such momentum in its early days.
“Their performance stands in contrast to APC in 2014, which, despite having a full year after its merger, failed to secure victory in a similar contest.”
