Dr. Bashir Lamido, the pioneer leader of Arewa Summit International, has expressed confidence that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu will secure re-election in 2027, dismissing the possibility of defeat. According to Lamido, the strong backing of key political figures will make it virtually impossible for the president to lose.
Speaking to journalists at the sidelines of the Abuja Expo and Ruhe Global Resources International Education Fair on Wednesday, Lamido highlighted several prominent politicians whose support for Tinubu’s re-election would give the ruling party an edge. He named Abdul’aziz Yari, Orji Uzor Kalu, Abdullahi Ganduje, and James Ibori as crucial figures whose collaboration will neutralize opposition efforts and secure a victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Lamido also cast doubt on the opposition’s ability to form a cohesive coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. “When discussing the opposition’s chances of challenging the ruling party, one must ask: can they even agree on a unified front?” he said. He pointed out the deep internal conflicts within major opposition parties like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), which are currently struggling with factionalism. Lamido questioned the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) potential role in leading such a coalition.
Furthermore, he raised concerns about who would represent the opposition in the presidential race, noting the multiple contenders within both PDP and LP, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Yemi Osinbajo, Rotimi Amaechi, and Bukola Saraki, all of whom have their eyes on the presidency but are unlikely to set aside their ambitions for one another.
Lamido also praised President Tinubu’s political strategy, recalling how figures like Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and Chief James Ibori, once rumored to be leaning toward the opposition, have now fully aligned with the president. “Despite attempts by figures like Nasir El-Rufai to sow discord, Tinubu has successfully united these key allies, ensuring their unwavering support,” he added.
On the president’s economic policies, Lamido acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians due to ongoing reforms but argued that these short-term challenges would lead to a more stable and robust economy in the long run.
