2027: Group Seeks Sanctions For Underperforming Ministers, Agency Heads

Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, a political advocacy group, the BAT Ideological Group (BAT-IG) has called for strict political sanctions on underperforming public officeholders, including ministers and heads of parastatals.

The group also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deny such officials any opportunity to return to office.

In an open letter signed by its convener, Bamidele Atoyebi, the group said the approaching election cycle presents a critical opportunity to enforce accountability across all levels of government.

According to BAT-IG, elected officials who fail to translate increased federal allocations and resources into visible development projects should not be rewarded with party tickets or re-election bids.

Atoyebi argued that poor governance has contributed to persistent national challenges, including insecurity, weak healthcare systems, and inadequate infrastructure, and stressed that such failures must carry political consequences.

He further urged the President to extend accountability measures beyond governors to include ministers, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), members of the National Assembly, and local government chairmen.

The group maintained that denying underperforming officials further political opportunities would serve as a deterrent and compel leaders to prioritise service delivery.

The letter also raised concerns over the management of security votes, limited investment in rural infrastructure, and inadequate support for primary healthcare and education, issues it said continue to negatively impact citizens.

While reaffirming its support for the Tinubu administration, BAT-IG emphasised the need for decisive action to ensure public office holders are held accountable for their performance.

It added that enforcing political accountability would strengthen governance and better align leadership outcomes with public expectations.

Atoyebi said, “The time is ripe for accountability. We urge the President to demand verifiable scorecards that reflect good governance. Where performance falls short, there must be consequences.

“Public office holders must understand that leadership comes with responsibility and accountability. Those who fail to deliver should not be given another chance to manage public resources.

“This political reckoning should extend to ministers, heads of MDAs, lawmakers, and local government chairmen whose performance has not translated into meaningful development for citizens.”