2027: They haven’t earned the right to return — Falz on Tinubu government

Nigerian musician and activist Folarin “Falz” Falana has voiced sharp criticism against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that the government has not earned the right to return to power ahead of the 2027 general elections. During an interview on Arise News, Falz expressed frustration over the administration’s failure to deliver tangible improvements to citizens' lives, despite promises made prior to taking office. Falz stated that while officials claim to be implementing reforms, the average Nigerian continues to suffer under high inflation, rising costs of living, and widespread poverty. He emphasized that these challenges are deeply felt by ordinary citizens, who struggle daily with economic hardship and insecurity. The rapper further pointed out that many Nigerians live in fear, unable to travel freely due to ongoing security threats. He criticized the administration for failing to meet the self-imposed standards set by President Tinubu before his inauguration. According to Falz, Tinubu had promised to ensure 24-hour electricity access for citizens as a prerequisite for re-election. By not fulfilling this commitment, the administration has fallen short of its own benchmarks, according to the rapper. Falz clarified that he did not endorse any specific political candidate or party during the 2023 general elections. Instead, he focused on encouraging broader civic engagement, urging Nigerians to participate in the democratic process. He stressed that his goal was to promote a free and fair election system, ensuring that voters’ voices are heard. He explained that he deliberately avoids supporting individual politicians because he believes the country continues to cycle through the same political figures. Falz noted that this pattern makes it difficult to trust any one politician, as the leadership often remains unchanged despite repeated failures. In addition to criticizing the government, Falz emphasized the importance of youth participation in upcoming elections. He works with the Go Nigeria Civic Initiative, a group that includes prominent figures such as Atedo Peterside, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and Aisha Yesufu. Through this initiative, he encourages young Nigerians to engage in the political process and contribute to shaping the nation's future. Falz addressed concerns that elections in Nigeria are inherently flawed, with some claiming that votes do not influence outcomes. He countered that such claims ignore the reality that politicians still invest heavily in campaigns, suggesting that votes do matter. He argued that high voter turnout could complicate efforts to manipulate election results, thereby enhancing transparency and fairness. He also advocated for reforms in the electoral process, including the implementation of real-time result transmission systems. Such changes, he argued, would help build public confidence in the integrity of elections and reduce perceptions of fraud. Despite his criticisms, Falz remains hopeful about Nigeria’s future. He expressed a refusal to succumb to pessimism and pledged to continue promoting civic responsibility and active participation in governance. His message underscores the importance of sustained engagement in democracy, even amid ongoing challenges.