As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has stirred political waters by urging potential presidential aspirants to abandon their ambitions.
His remarks come amidst speculations of an alliance between Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and Atiku Abubakar, his counterpart from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to challenge the current administration.
In a strongly-worded post on his official Facebook page, Igbokwe declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) is “destined” to remain in office until 2031, completing two full terms. According to him, the president requires eight years to “set the records straight.”
“If any presidential aspirant is dreaming of winning the 2027 elections, I will advise that candidate to perish the thought till 2031,” Igbokwe wrote. “PBAT is destined to remain in the seat of power till 2031.”
This statement comes amid growing speculation about Tinubu’s political opponents gearing up for another shot at the presidency.
Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, who fiercely contested the results of the 2023 election, have yet to confirm any formal alliance. However, the possibility of their collaboration has already ignited debates in political circles.
Igbokwe’s remarks underline the APC’s confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and its determination to maintain political dominance in Nigeria. Critics, however, have raised concerns about dismissing the democratic process and the aspirations of other political stakeholders ahead of the elections.
With 2027 still a few years away, the political landscape remains dynamic, and the unfolding alliances and declarations signal what could be a fiercely contested election season.