The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have strongly criticized recent statements made by a spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, about the President’s ambition to run and win the 2027 presidential election.
The remarks, seen as boasting by many, have sparked a storm of controversy. According to Bwala, Tinubu will contest and secure a second term in office in 2027. However, CUPP and Atiku, who himself ran for the presidency in the 2023 general election, say it is too early and unrealistic to make such claims, especially considering the current economic hardships many Nigerians are enduring.
The statement about Tinubu’s second term was made at a time when millions of Nigerians are facing severe challenges. With inflation soaring, unemployment high, and poverty deepening, critics argue that such ambitious electoral claims show a lack of understanding of the people’s struggles.
Chief Peter Ameh, the National Secretary of CUPP, condemned the statement. He said it reflects the growing perception that the government is increasingly disconnected from the average Nigerian. Ameh emphasized that it is difficult for Nigerians to see the current administration as in tune with their needs when they are grappling with the effects of harsh economic policies.
“The declaration from the Presidency that President Bola Tinubu will not only contest but also win the 2027 Presidential Election has raised fundamental questions about the priorities of this administration,” said Ameh. “This statement is seen by many as tone-deaf, especially when Nigerians are struggling to meet basic needs due to soaring prices and economic instability.”
The CUPP official pointed out that while the nation faces significant issues, such as poverty and insecurity, the government is instead focusing on making ambitious electoral claims. “This approach is not only out of touch but could also be seen as a diversionary tactic. While the people cry out for help, the government is busy making promises about future elections.”
Ameh’s remarks mirror widespread concerns about the current administration’s focus on political survival rather than addressing immediate issues such as the deteriorating economy, lack of infrastructure, and growing insecurity. He continued, “At a time when the nation is on its knees, the government’s attention should be on fixing the economy and security, not on boasting about electoral victories.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also weighed in on the issue. Speaking through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku stressed that the ultimate decision about who becomes Nigeria’s president in 2027 lies with the Nigerian people.
“We have no reason to respond to the Presidency’s claim about the 2027 election,” said Atiku. “Nigerians will be the ultimate deciders of who becomes president. Our position has been clear.”
Atiku, who contested in the 2023 presidential election, stated that President Tinubu has already demonstrated through his policies that he may not deserve another term. He pointed to the growing divide between the northern and southern regions of Nigeria in terms of political leadership.
The former Vice President drew attention to the imbalance in leadership between the North and South since the return of democracy in 1999. According to Atiku, the South will have enjoyed 17 years of leadership by 2027, including 8 years under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, 5 years under Goodluck Jonathan, and 4 years under Tinubu. In contrast, the North would have only had 11 years, with 3 years under Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and 8 years under Muhammadu Buhari.
Atiku argued that this imbalance in leadership could affect the fairness and equity of the political system. “By 2027, there will be a disparity of six years between the North and South in terms of political leadership, and this raises questions about the fairness of the process,” he said.
The comments by both Atiku and CUPP reflect broader concerns about the direction of the country’s democracy and leadership. Many Nigerians are questioning the priorities of the current government and whether it truly understands the challenges faced by its citizens.
For many, the declaration about Tinubu’s 2027 candidacy appears to be a political statement rather than a reflection of the nation’s needs. In a country struggling with economic turmoil, many Nigerians feel that the government should be focused on providing relief rather than engaging in early political campaigning.
In recent weeks, the government has faced criticism over its handling of the economy. Inflation has reached record levels, and unemployment remains high, leading to widespread poverty. These issues have sparked protests across the country, with many demanding immediate action from the government.
Some analysts argue that the government’s focus on 2027 is an attempt to divert attention away from its failures in managing the economy and providing basic services to the public. Critics have pointed out that the current leadership has failed to deliver on many of its promises, and many Nigerians are questioning whether a second term would bring any real change.
As the political battle for the 2027 election heats up, the question remains whether the government will focus on solving the problems facing the country or continue making bold political statements that do little to address the everyday struggles of Nigerians.
