Opposition chieftains Adamu Isyaku of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Abba Sadiq Ilya of the Labour Party (LP) have expressed concern over a Hausa campaign song performed by Jamilu Jadda Garko at the All Progressives Congress (APC) North-West presidential campaign rally in Kaduna on Saturday, saying its message could create confusion among party members ahead of the 2027 general election.
The song, titled “Ko Kubi Doka Ka Rubuta, Za a Sanar Bola Ya Ci Zabe is a campaign song sponsored by the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle which contains a phrase that translates to “Bola will be declared the winner,” raising questions about political messaging and public confidence in the electoral process.
Isyaku and Ilya said the lyrics could be interpreted as suggesting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election was assured before Nigerians cast their votes.
According to the opposition figures, such messaging could confuse party members and raise questions about the fairness and credibility of the forthcoming election.
Garko, Chairman of the Da Hannu Na campaign team under the Arewa for Asiwaju movement, performed the song during the APC rally, which marked the opening of the party’s North-West campaign activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The song’s phrase, particularly the suggestion that Tinubu would be declared the winner, has become a subject of debate over the distinction between political confidence in a candidate and language that could be perceived as anticipating an election outcome.
For opposition parties, confidence in the electoral process remains an important consideration as political activities gather momentum.
Read also: Gov. Radda Gets APC Campaign Flag-Off Banner, Signalling 2027 Governorship Candidacy
They maintain that the outcome of an election should reflect the freely expressed choices of voters and be determined through transparent procedures.
The controversy also highlights the influence of campaign songs and slogans in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Hausa-language music is widely used to communicate political messages, mobilise grassroots supporters and promote candidates across the North-West.
However, the song’s wording could attract different interpretations.
While critics may question the implications of declaring a candidate the prospective winner before voting, supporters could regard it as an expression of confidence in Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The performance alone does not establish that Garko or the APC intends to manipulate the election or that its outcome has been predetermined.
Read also: *TINUBU LACKS EMPATHY, SHOULD LEARN FROM MACRON, SAYS ADC-PCC
As preparations for the 2027 general election continue, political parties and campaign organisations face growing public scrutiny over their messaging, conduct and commitment to democratic competition.
The concerns attributed to Isyaku and Ilya underscore the importance of political communication that does not undermine public confidence in the electoral process.