The Presidency has downplayed concerns that the outcome of Ghana’s recent presidential election, in which the ruling party lost, could influence President Bola Tinubu’s prospects of retaining power in Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Adviser on Policy Communication, responded to such speculations on Wednesday, asserting that Nigeria’s political and economic circumstances are distinct from Ghana’s.
Bwala emphasized that Nigeria’s situation is unique and that the policies being implemented by President Tinubu’s administration are tailored to address the specific needs of Nigerians. He pointed out that the government’s focus is on tackling everyday challenges, such as hunger and agricultural development, which directly impact the lives of citizens.
He explained, “If you compare the situations in both countries, you’ll see that the circumstances are not the same. I’m not blaming the government of Ghana, but the application of policies differs. In Ghana, the situation over the past year has unfolded differently, and the indices show that it’s not the same as what we’re seeing in Nigeria. The President’s efforts to redirect the economy are on the right path, and he is confident about the future.”
Bwala further stressed that Nigerians are focused on the tangible improvements they experience in their daily lives. “What matters most to the Nigerian people is how the government addresses their immediate needs. They don’t care about superficial factors like race or political affiliation; they care about what affects them at their dinner tables. As long as the administration is addressing these concerns, the people will continue to support the President. This is why we’re receiving commendations from across the country.”
In response to rumors of a political coalition forming against Tinubu’s re-election bid, Bwala reiterated that the President remains undistracted by opposition rhetoric. “It is not yet time for politicking. When the time comes, we’ll be ready for everyone,” he said.
He also reminded the public that President Tinubu is constitutionally eligible to seek a second term in office. “God willing, if Mr. President is in good health and life, he will follow the constitutional path and run for re-election,” Bwala concluded.
These remarks come on the heels of the Ghanaian presidential election, where former President John Mahama defeated the incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, leading to speculation about potential shifts in political dynamics in the region.
