APC Chieftain Defends Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid, Says Opposition Driven by Vendetta

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Otuekong John, has said that politicians seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election are motivated by personal vendettas rather than genuine concern for Nigeria’s progress.

John, who serves as the Director General of the APC Media Network, an affiliate of the party in the state, made the remarks in a statement titled “Northern Interest Aligned with President Tinubu’s Re-election Bid” issued in Uyo on Sunday.

He described the forthcoming 2027 presidential election as a “critical juncture” in Nigeria’s democratic journey, stressing that Tinubu’s administration has recorded “groundbreaking achievements” that justify his bid for a second term.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership has ensured fair and even development across the country. Those opposing him are driven by selfish interests or personal vendettas rather than the nation’s welfare,” he said.

The APC chieftain further dismissed the chances of opposition aspirants, arguing that none of them have offered credible policy alternatives beyond rhetoric and criticism.

John also tied Tinubu’s reelection to Nigeria’s political stability, particularly the long-standing rotational power arrangement between North and South. He maintained that supporting Tinubu’s second term would guarantee a peaceful transfer of power to the North in 2031.

“It would be naive and foolhardy for any Northerner to challenge President Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027, given the North’s uninterrupted eight-year tenure under President Muhammadu Buhari. It is only logical for Northern leaders to support Tinubu now and position themselves for 2031,” he stated.

According to him, any deviation from this arrangement could push the North’s return to power as far as 2035.

He also criticised southern politicians advocating for a single-term presidency, describing their stance as “a ruse to deceive Nigerians.”

“History has shown that once in power, politicians often prioritise their personal ambitions over campaign promises. Claims of stepping aside after one term are nothing more than political gimmicks,” John added.