President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed the opposition parties’ chances of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, insisting that they lack the political strength and achievements to defeat his administration.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the remarks during a presidential campaign rally in Akure, the Ondo State capital, where he criticised opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential hopeful, Peter Obi.
According to the president, while opposition politicians have concentrated their political activities on social media, his administration has continued to take its achievements and policy messages directly to Nigerians across the country.
Shettima, speaking on Tinubu’s behalf, questioned Atiku’s leadership record, arguing that the former vice president had failed to establish political unity in his home state.
He claimed that Atiku had been unable to secure the support of former governors from his state, describing the situation as evidence of his inability to provide effective leadership at the national level.
The vice president argued that a politician who could not achieve political harmony within his own state should not be expected to offer meaningful solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
Shettima also took aim at Peter Obi, questioning his record as a former governor of Anambra State and dismissing his capacity to provide the kind of leadership Nigerians require.
He argued that Obi had no significant achievements to present as a basis for seeking the country’s highest political office.
The remarks formed part of the APC’s political messaging at the Akure rally, where party leaders used the gathering to mobilise support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gists9ja reports that Shettima also presented party flags to APC candidates in Ondo State, expressing confidence that the party had resolved its internal disagreements and was prepared for the forthcoming electoral contest.
He commended party stakeholders for putting their differences aside, noting that the unity displayed at the rally was a positive indication of their readiness to work together towards the party’s electoral success.
The vice president subsequently challenged APC leaders and supporters in Ondo State to deliver a strong electoral performance in 2027.
He pointed out that the state had approximately 2.1 million registered voters, insisting that the party should target nothing less than 1.2 million votes in the next general elections.
Shettima maintained that the APC must translate the enthusiasm displayed at the rally into electoral support when Nigerians go to the polls.
The Akure rally comes amid growing political activities and exchanges between the ruling party and opposition figures as preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
However, the criticisms directed at Atiku and Obi represent the APC leadership’s political position, while the opposition figures have their own records and positions on the country’s leadership and governance.
