Abuja, FCT — As political conversations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, the presidency has begun laying the groundwork for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s potential second-term bid.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, made a compelling case on Wednesday, July 30, during an interview with Trust Radio, insisting that Tinubu deserves the same two-term opportunity granted to his predecessor, the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
“This president is a Nigerian. He deserves the same two terms that Buhari had. Let’s not sacrifice the country for personal ambition,” Onanuga said.
‘Tinubu Till 2031’ Gains Momentum
Amid growing speculation about Tinubu’s political future, insiders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) suggest the ruling party is strongly considering offering the president an automatic ticket to run in 2027. According to an April report by The Punch, party officials close to the APC secretariat confirmed that the president would likely receive the “first right of refusal,” a privilege extended to incumbents in many political systems.
The phrase “Tinubu till 2031” has begun to surface in political discourse, especially among key allies positioning the president for continuity in leadership.
Akume to Northern Politicians: ‘Wait Until 2031’
Echoing Onanuga’s sentiments, George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), urged political leaders in the northern region to postpone presidential aspirations until 2031.
Speaking at a two-day interactive session in Kaduna themed “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizens’ Engagement for National Unity”, Akume praised Tinubu’s leadership, describing his achievements as “foundational and remarkable.”
“President Tinubu has spent two years and two months in office, and his achievements are already significant. I urge northern politicians to wait until 2031 and not derail the progress already being made,” he said.
Opposition Pushback and Insecurity Warnings
Despite growing support within the ruling party, opposition parties have begun mobilizing against Tinubu’s reelection prospects, with critiques focusing on governance, economic reforms, and national insecurity.
Adding a spiritual dimension to the debate, Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, warned President Tinubu to be cautious about political defections and internal sabotage.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Ayodele alleged that elements within the presidency, including individuals inside Aso Rock, may be complicit in worsening security conditions—potentially to undermine the president’s second-term bid.
“Insecurity may be used as a tool to disrupt his ambition. There are forces within the system working against him,” the statement read.
What’s Next for 2027?
While the official campaign window remains closed, the race to 2027 is clearly underway. President Tinubu’s allies are framing his administration as a transformational one deserving of continuity, while opposition figures and civil society groups push back amid mounting national challenges.
The months ahead will likely see intensifying political realignments as the APC, opposition coalitions, and regional power brokers begin to define the next phase of Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
