The Secretary of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, Dr. Chikezie Obasi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to take deliberate steps to open Nigeria’s political space and allow opposition parties to campaign freely ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obasi made the call during a Freedom Square Live programme held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, on the theme, “2027 Elections: Gagging the Opposition and the Threat to Democracy.”

Responding to a question on the immediate action needed to protect Nigeria’s democracy, the analyst recommended that the President convene relevant political stakeholders and ensure that all parties were allowed to participate in the electoral process without unnecessary restrictions.

He argued that allowing opposition parties to operate freely would not necessarily undermine the President’s electoral prospects, expressing confidence that an incumbent could still win an election conducted under fair conditions.

“The President should call every person involved, liberalise the political space, allow opponents to campaign, and I can tell you he will still win the election,” Obasi said.

He maintained that political competition should be based on the ability of candidates to convince voters through their programmes and performance rather than restrictions that prevent opponents from reaching the electorate.

Obasi also stressed that the legitimacy of an electoral victory was strengthened when all political actors were given a fair opportunity to participate.

Another contribution during the programme supported the call for equal participation, arguing that political leaders must not only make commitments to democratic principles but also ensure that agreed rules were implemented and enforced.

The speakers called on political actors to respect electoral rules and allow Nigerians to determine their preferred leaders through a credible democratic process.