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The Presidency has dismissed growing speculation that President Bola Tinubu is avoiding political competition ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the President is not intimidated by opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. The clarification followed increasing criticism from opposition politicians who accused the ruling APC of attempting to weaken rival parties through defections and political pressure. (punchng.com)
Speaking during a media engagement, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga stated that Tinubu remained fully prepared for any democratic contest and had no reason to fear either Atiku or Obi. According to him, the President’s administration was focused on governance and economic reforms rather than political distractions, adding that opposition parties were responsible for resolving their own internal crises. He rejected claims that the APC was deliberately targeting opposition leaders or trying to force defections ahead of the next election cycle. (punchng.com)
The statement comes amid intensified political realignments across Nigeria as parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections. Atiku has continued consultations with opposition stakeholders following reports of coalition talks aimed at challenging Tinubu’s re-election bid, while Peter Obi recently secured clearance for another presidential primary under the Nigeria Democratic Congress platform. Several political analysts believe the opposition may attempt to form a united front to avoid repeating the divided voting pattern witnessed during the 2023 presidential election. (punchng.com)
Tinubu, who recently secured overwhelming victories in APC presidential primaries conducted across several states, has continued receiving endorsements from governors, lawmakers, and party leaders supporting his second-term ambition. However, concerns over inflation, economic hardship, insecurity, and unemployment remain major issues likely to shape the political atmosphere ahead of 2027. Analysts say the coming months could witness more defections, coalition negotiations, and public confrontations as both the ruling party and opposition camps intensify preparations for what is expected to become another fiercely contested election season in Nigeria. (punchng.com)
