2027: No contest, Tinubu has already won – APC ex-vice chair

Former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West, Bankole Oluwajana, claims that President Bola Tinubu has already secured victory in the 2027 presidential election due to the absence of a serious opposition. Speaking to The PUNCH in Lagos, Oluwajana stated that the opposition parties lack the necessary structure, making them incapable of mounting a serious challenge.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently published the final list of presidential candidates and their running mates for the January 2027 elections, with Tinubu representing the APC, Atiku Abubakar from the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi from the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and Adewole Adebayo from the Social Democratic Party. Oluwajana emphasized that a proper opposition requires structure, which the opposition parties currently lack.

According to Oluwajana, the opposition candidates can be grouped into three categories: dreamers, driven by prophets and misled; serial contenders who bring together angry individuals and former associates; and unduly ambitious young men without structure, who believe that chaos will lead to power. He criticized the opposition's lack of organization and unity, stating that a combination of figures like Rauf Aregbesola, David Mark, and Atiku would be impossible to achieve.

Oluwajana defended President Tinubu's economic policies, including subsidy and naira deregulation, describing them as progressive steps towards a better future for Nigeria. He highlighted the increase in foreign reserves from $28 billion under President Jonathan to $54 billion under Tinubu, attributing the growth to the implemented policies. Oluwajana warned that reversing these policies would be disastrous for the economy.

Regarding the APC's loss in the Osun State gubernatorial election, Oluwajana criticized the leadership of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, stating that his weak charisma, poor human relations, and introverted nature hindered the party's performance. He suggested that alternative candidates such as Ajibola Bashiru, Iyiola Omisore, Benedict Alabi, Francis Fadahunsi, Babajide Omoworare, and Bisi Akande would have been better leaders for the APC in Osun.