By Comfort Olayinka
In a bold statement, Dr. Bashir Lamido, the Pioneer Leader of Arewa Summit International, has confidently ruled out the possibility of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu losing his re-election bid in 2027.
Lamido, speaking on the sidelines of the Abuja Expo and the Ruhe Global Resources International Education Fair on Wednesday, emphasized that the powerful political heavyweights supporting Tinubu’s re-election make his victory almost certain.
Key figures such as Abdul’aziz Yari, Orji Uzor Kalu, Abdullahi Ganduje, and James Ibori were highlighted by Lamido as instrumental allies in the president’s campaign, ensuring that the opposition will struggle to challenge the ruling party.
He further questioned the opposition coalition’s ability to form a united front, citing internal strife within major opposition parties like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP).
According to Lamido, the lack of cohesion in the opposition could hinder their prospects in 2027, particularly with various presidential hopefuls vying for the party’s ticket, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Yemi Osinbajo, Rotimi Amaechi, and Bukola Saraki, who are unwilling to relinquish their ambitions.
Lamido also reflected on the strategic nature of President Tinubu, recalling how he has consolidated support from former rivals such as Senators Abdul’aziz Yari and Orji Uzor Kalu, as well as Chief James Ibori and Abdullahi Ganduje.
He praised Tinubu’s political acumen, noting that these leaders, despite being presidential materials themselves, have now rallied behind the president’s re-election bid.
While acknowledging the hardship caused by Tinubu’s key economic reforms, Lamido remained optimistic about the long-term benefits, arguing that the temporary difficulties are necessary for building a stronger and more stable economy.
With such powerful political alliances and a strategic approach to governance, Lamido concluded that President Tinubu’s re-election is all but secured in 2027.
“But you see,” he continued, “ Tinubu is very smart and strategic. At a time people were thinking that Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Chief James Ibori were going to join opposition and work together to unseat president. I learnt that Nasir El-Rufai tried all he could to sow discord between the president and Abdullahi Ganduje by sending him to Saudi Arabia on Ambassadorial duty. Today, the President has closed ranks with them and they are his very reliable allies. The four of them are presidential materials but have already endorsed the president. The president cannot lose when he has men like them. “ he said
Explaining further, he said, “ the coalition are yet to take a stand, meanwhile the president’s men are already watering the ground. Yari is engaged with heavy empowerment in the North, Kalu is doing same in the South and even extension to the North likewise others. A Presidential source once mentioned they meet with the president regularly. So there is direction and purpose and events are being streamlined for victory.”
