Pioneer Leader of Arewa Summit International, Dr. Bashir Lamido, has dismissed any possibility of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu losing his re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking at the sidelines of the “Abuja Expo” and “Ruhe Global Resources International Education Fair” held on Wednesday in Abuja, Lamido asserted that the strong backing of political heavyweights makes Tinubu’s victory almost certain.
He identified former Zamfara State Governor Abdul’aziz Yari, former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and former Delta State Governor James Ibori as key figures whose support will weaken opposition efforts and secure Tinubu’s second term.
Lamido questioned the opposition’s ability to form a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.
“When you talk about the possibility of the opposition coalition taking power from the ruling party, you should also ask yourself if they can even work together.
“The major opposition parties, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), are facing serious internal crises. Does the Social Democratic Party (SDP) even have the capacity to lead a coalition ahead of 2027?” he queried.
He also raised concerns about the opposition’s lack of consensus on a presidential candidate.
“Who will fly their ticket? Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi? Nasir El-Rufai or Yemi Osinbajo? Rotimi Amaechi or Bukola Saraki? They all have presidential ambitions and are unwilling to step down for one another,” he stated.
According to Lamido, Tinubu has outmanoeuvred political opponents by consolidating key alliances.
“At a time when many believed that Senator Yari, Senator Kalu, and Chief Ibori were considering joining the opposition to unseat the president, Tinubu strategically closed ranks with them.
“I heard that Nasir El-Rufai tried to create division between the president and Ganduje by pushing for his appointment as an ambassador to Saudi Arabia, but today, they are close allies.
“These figures are all strong presidential contenders, yet they have chosen to support Tinubu. With such powerful allies, the president cannot lose,” he said.
Lamido further noted that while the opposition is still struggling to organize itself, Tinubu’s camp is already strengthening its grassroots presence.
“Yari is rolling out major empowerment programs in the North, Kalu is doing the same in the South and extending his influence to the North as well.
“A presidential source confirmed that they meet with Tinubu regularly. There is clear direction and purpose, and plans are already being streamlined for victory,” he explained.
On Tinubu’s economic policies, Lamido acknowledged that the president’s key reforms are causing hardships for ordinary Nigerians.
However, he argued that the difficulties are temporary and necessary for long-term economic stability.
“The hardship is inevitable, especially in the short term, but in the long run, the economy will be more robust and stable,” he concluded.
