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Tinubu tells 2027 rivals: We’ll wrestle ourselves to the finishing line

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‘Tinubu Must Stay’ Movement Launches Ahead of 2027 Election

Tinubu tells 2027 rivals: We’ll wrestle ourselves to the finishing line

President Bola Tinubu has declared that he will not give up power without a political fight ahead of the 2027 presidential election, warning opponents seeking to unseat him to prepare for a tough but fair democratic contest.

The President made the remarks while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where discussions focused on national development, governance, education, security and the future of the country.

Tinubu, who is seeking re-election in 2027, said political opponents were free to challenge him but should not expect him to make the path to the presidency easy.

“Those who would take it from me will try. They will try. All is fair in politics, and there is equal opportunity,” the President said.

“I won’t offer them a red carpet. I won’t offer them the leash to tie me at home.

“No, we will wrestle each other to the finishing point. That’s the truth. That is fair in politics.”

The remarks come as political parties and prospective candidates begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) expected to defend its control of the presidency while opposition parties work to strengthen their chances through alliances and political realignments.

Among the prominent opposition figures expected to play major roles in the 2027 contest are Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Peter Obi, the candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Tinubu also defended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against allegations that it favours the ruling party, insisting that the electoral body had remained neutral and had not intimidated political actors.

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“INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anybody. If political opponents are crying wolf, then they are afraid of their own shadows and the uncertainty in the company they keep,” he said.

The President maintained that Nigeria’s democratic system provides equal opportunities for political parties and candidates to campaign, mobilise supporters and seek the mandate of voters.

He said electoral competition should be conducted within the law and that political disagreements should not undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

Tinubu also used the meeting to defend the performance of his administration, saying difficult reforms introduced since he assumed office were beginning to produce positive results.

According to him, the government had accepted responsibility for addressing the economic and structural challenges it inherited rather than avoiding difficult decisions.

“This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. The quality of life is improving,” Tinubu said.

“I inherited it. I didn’t run away. I asked for this job. I’m in it.”

The President identified the uninterrupted academic calendar in public universities as one of the achievements of his administration.

He said the absence of prolonged strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had enabled students to complete their academic programmes without the repeated disruptions that affected university education in previous years.

“None of your children in university today, and I would say they are all your children because you are Reverend Fathers, can say a four-year course is not four years,” Tinubu said.

“ASUU is not on strike. They are not bringing agony to your homes. Is that not an answer to our prayers? To me, that’s an answer.”

Tinubu also addressed the long-standing demand by the Catholic Church for the return of mission schools, explaining that state governments have the authority to decide on the ownership and administration of schools within their jurisdictions.

He recalled that mission schools were returned to their original owners during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State and urged the bishops to engage governors across the country on the matter.

“The schools are in the states. Preach to them, the governors of your states. They do the job,” he said.

“There is no need for a constitutional amendment for that. That is part of democracy. Choice.”

On national security and unity, Tinubu acknowledged that Nigeria continued to face significant challenges but expressed confidence that the country could overcome them through cooperation, responsible leadership and a shared commitment to national development.

“The security situation is what it is. We don’t have another country but here,” the President said.

“This Nigeria. And we revert to our national anthem in its complexity and diversity; we shall thrive, live, rejoice and be good to all of us.”

Tinubu said Nigeria’s founding leaders handed down a country that must be strengthened and preserved for future generations.

“Our founding fathers did their best. They left us a nation, and we owe it to our generations yet unborn to build a nation of unity, stability and prosperity for the future,” he added.

The meeting was led by Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso and lasted for about an hour. It provided an opportunity for the Catholic bishops and the President to exchange views on governance, education, security, national cohesion and other issues affecting Nigerians.

Tinubu’s comments are expected to generate fresh political debate as preparations for the 2027 presidential election gather momentum.

While the APC seeks to retain power and secure another term for the President, opposition parties are expected to intensify consultations and political alliances as they work to present a strong challenge in the next election.

Tinubu tells 2027 rivals: We’ll wrestle ourselves to the finishing line

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“I Won’t Slap Wike’s Son, I Won’t Kick Seyi Out — But Tinubu MUST Go!” Fayose Explodes

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2 days ago

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October 26, 2026

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Fayose's brother urges ex-Ekiti governor to reject REA chairmanship appointment

“I Won’t Slap Wike’s Son, I Won’t Kick Seyi Out — But Tinubu MUST Go!” Fayose Explodes

Abuja — Isaac Fayose has fired back at critics in dramatic fashion, declaring he will neither slap Nyesom Wike’s son nor kick President Bola Tinubu’s son Seyi out of his presence — but insisting with equal fury that the President must be voted out in 2027.

 

The businessman and younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose ignited a firestorm after photos surfaced of him hanging out with Seyi Tinubu and Joaquin Wike, son of the FCT Minister. Critics immediately accused him of betraying the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

 

Fayose, however, refused to back down. In a video posted on his Facebook page, he threw a rhetorical punch at his accusers: “Tinubu must go. Wike is a land grabber. That doesn’t mean that Wike’s son will come and greet me and I will slap him. Or President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi, will come and greet me and I will kick him.”

 

He doubled down on his loyalty to Obi, declaring: “I campaigned for Obi. Do you know how much I spent on the last election? I still support Peter Obi. I still want Tinubu out of power.”

 

The controversy exploded after Fayose posted a photograph with Joaquin Wike, calling the minister’s son his younger brother. The image set social media ablaze, with users questioning why a self-proclaimed “101% Obidient” supporter would be seen with the family of a top APC figure.

 

It is not the first time Fayose has faced such backlash. In July 2026, a video showed him alongside Seyi Tinubu and socialite Cubana Chief Priest at an Abuja gathering where prayers were offered for the President and Nigeria. Fayose dismissed the meeting as a private social visit, not a political endorsement.

 

The latest storm underscores the fever-pitch sensitivity in opposition circles as political actors jostle for position ahead of the 2027 presidential contest. Fayose insists he is drawing a clear line — political allegiance on one side, personal courtesy on the other — but his critics are not buying it.

 

As of press time, neither the NDC nor Peter Obi’s camp has issued an official statement.

 

“I Won’t Slap Wike’s Son, I Won’t Kick Seyi Out — But Tinubu MUST Go!” Fayose Explodes

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‘They Created Hunger, Poverty’: Tinubu Fires at Opposition as 2027 Re-election Campaign Begins

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October 25, 2026

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‘They Created Hunger, Poverty’: Tinubu Fires at Opposition as 2027 Re-election Campaign Begins
‘They Created Hunger, Poverty’: Tinubu Fires at Opposition as 2027 Re-election Campaign Begins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has blamed opposition politicians for the hunger and poverty confronting Nigerians, insisting that his administration is working to address the economic challenges as he formally launched his campaign for a second term in office.

Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday, October 24, 2026, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off rally at the Kaduna Township Stadium, where he urged Nigerians to renew his mandate in the 2027 presidential election.

The President’s comments come amid persistent public concerns over rising food prices, petrol costs, transportation expenses and declining purchasing power, with the economy expected to remain a major issue in the contest for the presidency.

Addressing supporters at the rally, Tinubu challenged opposition politicians who have criticised his administration over hunger and poverty, arguing that they were responsible for creating the problems they now accuse his government of failing to resolve.

“I hear my opponents talking about hunger and poverty. Who created it? They did. They created hunger, they created poverty. We are trying to eradicate them,” the President said.

Tinubu defended his administration’s economic policies, maintaining that his government was taking steps to improve the country’s finances, promote development and create conditions for greater prosperity.

He also commended APC governors for their efforts in their respective states and promised Nigerians improved economic opportunities if he secured a second term.

“To you, the children of our country, we promise prosperity in our second term. You will not regret going to the polls,” he told the gathering.

The President urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the forthcoming election. He also called on APC supporters to vote for the party’s candidates at the presidential, governorship and legislative levels.

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Tinubu further defended his administration’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy, insisting that the country would not return to the previous arrangement.

“Fuel subsidy is in our past: no more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more lies, no more smuggling of fuel,” he said.

The removal of the petrol subsidy, announced shortly after Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, remains one of the most consequential and controversial economic decisions of his administration.

The government has argued that the policy would reduce public expenditure, eliminate distortions in the petroleum market and free up resources for development. However, the increase in petrol prices following the reform has contributed to higher transportation and distribution costs, putting additional pressure on households and businesses.

The administration’s economic reforms, including changes to the foreign exchange system, have also generated debate over their long-term benefits and immediate effects on living standards.

Opposition politicians have repeatedly questioned the government’s management of the economy, arguing that the reforms have imposed significant hardship on Nigerians without delivering sufficient relief.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticised Tinubu’s attempt to blame opposition parties for the country’s economic difficulties.

Atiku argued that the APC had governed Nigeria since 2015, first under former President Muhammadu Buhari and subsequently under Tinubu, and should therefore accept responsibility for the country’s economic conditions during its period in power.

He maintained that Nigerians were experiencing significant hardship under the current administration and urged the President to address the concerns of citizens rather than blame political opponents.

The exchange highlights the growing political contest over responsibility for hunger, poverty and the cost-of-living crisis as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.

At the Kaduna rally, Vice-President Kashim Shettima also urged Nigerians, particularly voters in the North, to support Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Shettima recalled Tinubu’s previous support for northern presidential aspirants, including Atiku in 2007, Nuhu Ribadu in 2011 and Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 and 2019 elections. He argued that Tinubu had demonstrated political support for northern interests and called on voters to reciprocate.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani also appealed to northern voters to back the President, pointing to federal infrastructure projects, education initiatives and security interventions.

The rally attracted prominent APC figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, campaign Director-General Abdulaziz Yari, ministers, lawmakers and governors.

The event marked the beginning of Tinubu’s campaign for another presidential term, with the President asking Nigerians to give his administration additional time to pursue its economic and development agenda.

However, the debate over the causes of Nigeria’s economic hardship is likely to remain central to the election campaign. While the APC is defending its reforms and promising improved prosperity, opposition parties are demanding greater accountability for the impact of government policies on food affordability, employment, household incomes and living standards.

As the 2027 election approaches, voters will have to assess the competing claims of the ruling party and the opposition against their own experiences of the economy and the policy proposals presented by the candidates.

‘They Created Hunger, Poverty’: Tinubu Fires at Opposition as 2027 Re-election Campaign Begins

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2027: Shettima Urges North to Repay Tinubu’s Support With Re-election

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October 25, 2026

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2027 election: Tinubu's retention of Shettima strengthens APC in the North – Kwankwaso

2027: Shettima Urges North to Repay Tinubu’s Support With Re-election

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called on northern voters to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that the region owes the President a political debt for his longstanding support for northern leaders, including the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Shettima made the appeal on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign launch in Kaduna, where he urged voters to support Tinubu and other APC candidates across the country in the forthcoming general elections.

According to the Vice-President, Tinubu’s political history demonstrates a consistent willingness to support leaders from the North, making it imperative for the region to reciprocate by backing his administration for another four-year term.

“We have come to ask you to renew a second time for the APC from top to bottom,” Shettima said.

He cited Tinubu’s role in supporting political figures from the North, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, whom he said the President had provided a platform to contest the presidency in 2007 following his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party.

Shettima also recalled Tinubu’s support for Buhari during the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections, describing the former Lagos State governor’s loyalty as evidence of honour and political commitment.

“And you can bear witness that in 2015 and 2019, President Tinubu stood solidly behind the late President Muhammadu Buhari, throughout his first and second term victories. This is a mark of honour and our faith in a man of honour,” he said.

Beyond appealing to the North on the basis of political loyalty, Shettima defended the Tinubu administration’s performance, highlighting projects and institutional developments he said demonstrated its commitment to national growth and the development of Kaduna State.

He said the administration had promised to restore Kaduna’s status as a leading centre of learning and pointed to the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, the transition of the institution in Zaria to a federal university of education and the establishment of a state vocational institute in Rigachikun as evidence of progress.

The Vice-President also listed major infrastructure projects, including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, the Kano-Maradi railway, the Lagos-Kano rail corridor and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road, as part of the administration’s development agenda.

He further highlighted ongoing work on the Sokoto-Badagry highway, describing the project as a strategic investment that could expand agricultural production and unlock economic opportunities across the country.

According to Shettima, the highway would improve connectivity, open up agricultural communities and strengthen the movement of goods and services, with potential benefits for farmers and businesses.

His appeal in Kaduna combined a call for political reciprocity with a defence of the administration’s record, as the APC seeks to consolidate its support base ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Vice-President urged northern voters to consider Tinubu’s past political alliances and the administration’s stated achievements in deciding whether to renew the President’s mandate.

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