Nigerian Nurses Under Pressure To Support Tinubu’s 2027 Bid
Multiple sources have alleged that nurses employed by the Lagos State Government are facing pressure to register for Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and support the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to accounts from some nurses, several WhatsApp groups have been created to mobilise health workers in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid. One of the groups, reportedly named “Nurses4BAT,” appears to reference the President’s initials.
Sources claim that nurses who have previously submitted their professional credentials within official systems risk having their names added to the APC membership register without their consent.
“What we have noticed is that some persons who have not even indicated interest in joining the APC, as long as they have access to their credentials, they automatically list them as APC members,” one nurse alleged.
Another nurse corroborated the claims, describing what was characterised as subtle coercion within the system.
One of the messages circulating within the “Nurses4BAT” group — allegedly signed by Hon. Taiye-Ulebor Afusat, Head of Unit, Nursing Services, and identified in the message as ‘Nurses for BAT Welfare Officer’ — encouraged members to update their voter registration details.
The message read in part:
“Good morning, great political nurses of Lagos State. If you don’t have a voters card or you want to change your information or voting address, please go to this office close to the INEC office at Ikeja GRA.”
Another message reportedly directed members to contact a specific individual for assistance with voter registration, stating:
“Ask Mr Ajao, our contact person. Tell him you are from DNS Taiye Ulebor from LASUTH Nursing Directorate.”
Group members were also urged to maintain confidentiality, with a message advising:
“Please don’t share this information to anyone who is not a nurse.”
In a separate directive, members were told to act swiftly in obtaining voter cards and provide feedback once completed.
Sources further alleged that there may be an “arrangement” with an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to facilitate the voter registration process for the nurses, though no independent confirmation of this claim has been made.
Nigeria’s next presidential election is scheduled for February 20, 2027, according to INEC’s timetable.
The development comes amid ongoing concerns about electoral integrity in Nigeria, including allegations of vote-buying, irregularities in voter registration, and political pressure on public servants.
Earlier this month, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the APC of coercing civil servants across several states to participate in its electronic membership registration drive. In a statement, the ADC described the alleged practice as unconstitutional and a violation of the neutrality expected of civil servants.
According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, compelling public servants to align with a political party under threat of economic or career consequences amounts to coercion and undermines democratic principles.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Government, the APC, and INEC had not publicly responded to the allegations.
