“97 DAYS TO ELECTION, BABA IS TOO WEAK TO COME OUT, YET OTHER CANDIDATES ARE BEING BLOCKED FROM CAMPAIGNING” — ISAAC FAYOSE

By NaijaParrot October 9, 2026 ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigerian businessman and social commentator Isaac Fayose has criticised the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections, alleging that opposition candidates are facing restrictions while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration remain in power. Fayose’s remarks reflect his concerns about the freedom of opposition parties to organise rallies, reach voters and campaign across the country as preparations for the elections continue.

The businessman has previously accused the Tinubu administration of suppressing opposition activities, claiming that political parties are struggling to campaign freely in some parts of Nigeria. FAYOSE QUESTIONS THE POLITICAL PLAYING FIELD In his latest reported comments, Fayose questioned the situation in which, according to him, opposition candidates face obstacles while the incumbent president is allegedly not actively engaging in public campaigning. His reference to “Baba” appears to be directed at President Tinubu. However, the precise context of the statement, including the specific activities he believes are being restricted, requires further clarification. Fayose’s central argument is that political competition should provide all candidates with a fair opportunity to present their programmes and seek public support. His allegations have added to the wider debate about political freedom, opposition participation and the conditions under which Nigeria’s next general election will be conducted. PREVIOUS ALLEGATIONS OF RESTRICTIONS ON OPPOSITION PARTIES In September, Fayose raised similar concerns about opposition campaigning ahead of the 2027 presidential election. He alleged that opposition parties were encountering difficulties in Kaduna, Lagos and Benue states. He also referred to an alleged tear-gassing incident involving members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna. Those claims were reported as Fayose’s allegations and were not, by themselves, independent proof of a coordinated effort by the Federal Government to prevent opposition parties from campaigning. 

 WHY CAMPAIGN FREEDOM MATTERS 

 The ability of political parties to organise lawful rallies, communicate their policies and reach voters is an important part of democratic competition. Where restrictions are imposed, authorities should be able to explain their legal basis, while affected political parties should have access to appropriate channels for challenging decisions they consider unfair. At the same time, allegations of political interference require evidence and responses from the relevant authorities before definitive conclusions can be reached. 

 GOVERNMENT RESPONSE AWAITED 

 As of the time of this report, a specific response from the Presidency addressing Fayose’s latest reported remark was not available in the sources reviewed. It also remains unclear which particular campaign events or candidates he was referring to in his latest statement. NaijaParrot will continue to monitor the political developments and report verified responses from the Federal Government, opposition parties and relevant electoral authorities. NaijaParrot — Hear It First! Hear It True!