2027: Tinubu’s 2nd term ambition premature, unrealistic, say Atiku, CUPP
The political landscape ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Presidential Election is heating up, as the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar have voiced strong opposition to recent statements made by Daniel Bwala, one of President Bola Tinubu’s spokesmen. Bwala had boldly declared that Tinubu would not only contest the 2027 Presidential Election but would also win it. This assertion, however, has drawn sharp criticism from both Atiku and CUPP, who argue that such predictions are premature, unrealistic, and tone-deaf to the current economic struggles faced by the Nigerian populace.
In a statement, the National Secretary of CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh, expressed dismay at the timing of Bwala’s remarks, emphasizing that they come at a period when millions of Nigerians are reeling under severe economic hardship. With the government’s policies being widely criticized for worsening inflation, unemployment, and poverty, CUPP believes the boast of a guaranteed 2027 victory is an ill-conceived effort that reflects a lack of empathy for the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Ameh stressed that the administration’s focus on electoral victories, rather than the urgent needs of the people, only reinforces the perception that the government is disconnected from the everyday struggles of its citizens. “This boastful statement… has been perceived as tone-deaf and out of touch with the harsh realities on the ground,” he said.
He called on the government to focus on addressing issues like poverty, insecurity, and infrastructure decay—issues that continue to plague the nation. Ameh’s statement also implied that the declaration might be an attempt to divert attention from these pressing concerns or manipulate public opinion by prematurely asserting electoral success.
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Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who contested the 2023 presidential election and is expected to be a key figure in the 2027 race, also weighed in on the controversy. Through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku downplayed the significance of Bwala’s comments, stating that the choice of who will lead Nigeria in 2027 rests solely with the Nigerian people. “There is no need going back and forth on this matter. Nigerians will be the ultimate deciders of who becomes president,” Atiku remarked.
Further elaborating on his stance, Atiku highlighted the imbalance in Nigeria’s power-sharing arrangements since the return to democracy in 1999. According to Atiku, by 2027, the South will have experienced 17 years of leadership (with 8 years under Obasanjo, 5 years under Jonathan, and 4 years under Tinubu), while the North will have only held power for 11 years (with 3 years under Yar’Adua and 8 years under Buhari). This six-year disparity, Atiku claimed, should be addressed to ensure equity in Nigeria’s political leadership.
Both CUPP and Atiku have called for a shift in focus from electoral predictions to governance that is responsive to the pressing issues facing the Nigerian people. They emphasized that Nigerians deserve a government that is attentive to their needs and one that prioritises solving the country’s systemic challenges rather than engaging in premature claims of electoral success.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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