2027: Nigeria’s Civil War Has Never Ended — Reuben Abati Warns

2027: Nigeria’s Civil War Has Never Ended — Reuben Abati Warns

Renowned journalist and political analyst, Dr. Reuben Abati, has raised fresh concerns about Nigeria’s political trajectory ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that the nation is still grappling with unresolved contradictions dating back to the civil war era.

Speaking on Arise News Morning Show on Monday, Abati expressed skepticism over Labour Party leader Peter Obi’s proposal for a single-term presidency, dismissing it as a desperate political gimmick that lacks national appeal—particularly in the North.

“Any politician that comes to you to say, ‘I am going to do only one term,’ that is a sign of desperation. It will not work,” Abati stated during the live broadcast. “Just like this gambit of serving food, carrying plates, and doing ‘boy boy’ at parties. It’s all optics. It doesn’t translate into serious politics.”

Addressing the wider political context, Abati delved into the underlying tensions that continue to shape Nigeria’s power dynamics. He asserted that the scars of the Nigerian Civil War, which ended over five decades ago, remain unhealed and continue to influence regional perceptions and alliances.

“The second challenge is the assumption that the North will buy into this idea of a one-term presidency. No, they won’t,” Abati said firmly. “The civil war in this country has never ended. I don’t believe Northerners, who are already aggrieved with a Yoruba president, will just shift and embrace the possibility of an Igbo president.”

The former presidential spokesperson under Goodluck Jonathan’s administration warned that Nigeria’s unity remains fragile due to what he described as deep-rooted contradictions—ethnic mistrust, regional grievances, and unresolved historical wounds.

“There are contradictions in this country that have not been sorted out,” he added, calling for a more honest national conversation about inclusion, justice, and reconciliation.