The Presidency has dismissed speculations that President Bola Tinubu is prioritizing the 2027 election, stating that his primary focus remains on improving Nigeria’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.
In a statement on Friday, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, emphasized that the President is more concerned with implementing economic reforms than engaging in political maneuvering. He stated that Tinubu is focused on delivering shared prosperity rather than being preoccupied with the next election.
His remarks come amid increasing political realignments, particularly the defection of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). El-Rufai cited a “divergence in values” within the APC as his reason for leaving, sparking speculation about a potential opposition coalition ahead of 2027.
Following his exit, calls have emerged for opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola to join the SDP. In a recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service, El-Rufai clarified that the goal was not a merger but a unified platform to challenge Tinubu’s administration.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, under whom El-Rufai was a key political ally, responded to the defection with indifference, stating that politicians are free to make their own choices. His reaction suggests a hands-off approach to the shifting political landscape.
Meanwhile, Dare reiterated that Tinubu remains focused on economic recovery, citing improvements in foreign reserves, inflation rates, trade surplus, and investment inflows exceeding $50 billion. He noted that despite political distractions, the administration is making progress in stabilizing the economy.
“We are seeing prices drop. The President is in the driver’s seat and has stayed the course of his decisions,” Dare said, reinforcing Tinubu’s commitment to economic reforms.
While discussions about 2027 continue, the Presidency insists that Tinubu is more concerned with leaving a legacy of economic stability than securing re-election. Dare concluded that at the end of his first term, the President wants to be remembered for making a tangible impact on Nigerians and turning the economy around.
