Dr. Bashir Lamido, the Pioneer Leader of Arewa Summit International, has expressed strong confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027, dismissing the possibility of a loss. Speaking at the sidelines of the Abuja Expo and Ruhe Global Resources International Education Fair, Lamido highlighted the significant political support Tinubu enjoys from influential figures such as Abdul’aziz Yari, Orji Kalu, Abdullahi Ganduje, and James Ibori. According to Lamido, their alliance with Tinubu will significantly weaken the opposition and ensure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Lamido cast doubt on the opposition’s ability to form a cohesive coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. He pointed to internal conflicts within major opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), questioning their capacity to unite under a single candidate. He also raised concerns about the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) ability to lead such a coalition. Lamido emphasized the personal ambitions of key opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Yemi Osinbajo, Rotimi Amaechi, and Bukola Saraki, suggesting that their individual aspirations could hinder the formation of a united front.
Lamido praised Tinubu’s political acumen, noting that the president has successfully secured the loyalty of influential politicians who were once speculated to join the opposition. He mentioned that figures like Yari, Kalu, Ibori, and Ganduje have now aligned themselves with Tinubu, further solidifying his position. Lamido also highlighted the strategic efforts of Tinubu’s allies, such as Yari’s empowerment initiatives in the North and Kalu’s activities in the South, which are seen as efforts to bolster support for the president.
While acknowledging the economic challenges faced by Nigerians due to Tinubu’s reforms, Lamido argued that these hardships are a necessary short-term sacrifice for long-term economic stability and growth. He maintained that the president’s policies, though painful in the immediate term, are laying the groundwork for a more robust and stable economy in the future.
Overall, Lamido’s remarks underscore the confidence within Tinubu’s camp about his re-election prospects, while also highlighting the challenges facing the opposition in mounting a credible challenge in 2027.
