Pioneer Leader of Arewa Summit International, Dr. Bashir Lamido, has dismissed any possibility of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu losing his re-election bid in 2027.
According to Lamido, the formidable political figures backing Tinubu make defeat almost impossible.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Abuja Expo and Ruhe Global Resources International Education Fair on Wednesday, he named Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and former Delta State Governor James Ibori as key allies whose support will neutralize opposition efforts and secure victory for the ruling APC.
Lamido cast doubt on the opposition coalition’s ability to form a united front ahead of 2027.
“When you talk about the coalition taking power from the ruling party, ask yourself: can they even agree? The major opposition platforms—the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP)—are deeply divided. Does the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have the strength to lead a coalition?” he questioned.
He also raised concerns over the choice of a consensus candidate.
“Who will fly the ticket? Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi? Nasir El-Rufai or Yemi Osinbajo? Rotimi Amaechi or Bukola Saraki? All of them have presidential ambitions and are unwilling to step down for another.”
Lamido praised Tinubu’s political strategy, highlighting how he secured the loyalty of key figures once rumored to be aligning with the opposition.
“At a time, people thought Yari, Kalu, and Ibori would join forces to unseat the president. There were even efforts by Nasir El-Rufai to create a rift between Tinubu and Ganduje by pushing for his appointment as an ambassador to Saudi Arabia. But today, the president has solidified his alliance with them. These men are all presidential materials, yet they stand firmly behind him. With their backing, Tinubu cannot lose,” he stated.
He further emphasized that while the opposition remains in disarray, Tinubu’s camp is actively strengthening its grassroots support.
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“Yari is driving massive empowerment programs in the North, Kalu is doing the same in the South and even extending his influence beyond. A presidential source mentioned that they meet with Tinubu regularly. There is a clear direction, a strategy, and a roadmap to victory.”
On Tinubu’s economic policies, Lamido acknowledged the widespread hardship but insisted that the reforms, though painful in the short term, would lead to long-term economic stability.
“The president’s key reforms are causing hardship for ordinary Nigerians, who are already facing difficult conditions. However, these tough times are inevitable. In the long run, the economy will be more robust and stable,” he assured.
