Opposition chieftains of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adamu Isyaku, and the Labour Party (LP), Abba Sadiq Ilya, have questioned the implications of a Hausa campaign song performed by Jamilu Jadda Garko at the All Progressives Congress (APC) North-West presidential campaign rally in Kaduna.
The song, reportedly sponsored by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has generated debate over its message ahead of the 2027 general election.
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Titled “Ko Kubi Doka Ka a Rubuta, Za a Sanar Bola Ya Ci Zabe,” the song contains a phrase suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be declared the winner of the forthcoming presidential election.
Isyaku and Ilya expressed concern that the lyrics could be interpreted as suggesting that the outcome of the election had been determined before Nigerians cast their votes.
They argued that such messaging could create confusion among party members and raise questions about public confidence in the electoral process.
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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 commencement of the party’s North-West campaign activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The controversy has drawn attention to the role of political songs and slogans in shaping public perceptions during election campaigns.
Hausa-language music remains a popular tool for political mobilisation across northern Nigeria, where campaign songs are frequently used to promote candidates, communicate party messages and rally grassroots support.
While critics may interpret the song’s wording as suggesting certainty about the election outcome, supporters could regard it as an expression of confidence in President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
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The performance, however, does not by itself establish that the APC intends to manipulate the election or that the outcome has been predetermined.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, the concerns attributed to the opposition chieftains highlight the importance of responsible political communication and transparent electoral procedures in sustaining public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.