2027: Why Opposition Leaders Should Not Underestimate Tinubu – Ribadu

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a strong warning to opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them not to underestimate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Ribadu praised the President’s leadership as visionary and transformative, insisting that critics belong to a past era marked by outdated thinking and failed governance.

Speaking at the National Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja, Ribadu said Nigeria is now safer, more stable, and increasingly attractive for investment, thanks to reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration. He described the President as a “digital and enlightened leader,” dismissing persistent criticisms from opposition leaders as the rantings of political figures “long expired in relevance.”

“We have quality leadership today in our country. Mr. President is a digital President. He is educated and deeply informed. People who underestimate him are doing so at their own peril,” Ribadu stated.

He noted that the security situation in historically volatile regions such as the Niger Delta and the South-East has improved significantly due to coordinated efforts between the government, security agencies, and tech partners. “The Niger Delta is safer than ever before. The South-East is returning to normalcy. Those fueling unrest from abroad will be tracked and prosecuted,” he warned.

Ribadu also dismissed claims by critics that the country is declining under Tinubu’s leadership, labelling them as “people who looted and plundered this country” and are now “shouting on television.” He emphasized that Nigerians have become more discerning and are no longer swayed by propaganda.

His comments came amid escalating political tensions between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a growing opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The ADC has accused the presidency of fabricating claims of a planned coup to justify repression of opposition leaders. In a statement, ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described recent statements by presidential aides as a coordinated attempt to silence dissent.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, had tweeted that opposition forces were “banding together to overthrow an administration that has been the most focused, most transformative in our history.” The ADC dismissed the statement as reckless and dangerous, warning that it signalled an attempt to criminalize legitimate opposition.

“We are not soldiers, we are politicians. We don’t have bullets; we only have the ballots,” the ADC said, reaffirming its commitment to democratic change through peaceful and constitutional means.

Adding to the political intrigue, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, claimed that several APC governors and senior party members were quietly backing the opposition coalition. Lawal, who recently resigned from the APC, stated that internal dissent within the ruling party has reached a tipping point, with many former allies of the President seeking alternatives.

“Many people got frustrated that you cannot talk truth to power in APC. Now some governors are working with the coalition, even if they haven’t said so publicly,” Lawal said.

In a related development, Senator Ireti Kingibe, who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party, revealed she is now working with the ADC. She cited the Labour Party’s internal divisions and lack of cohesion as reasons for seeking an alternative platform, especially ahead of the upcoming FCT local elections.

“Labour Party is in a quagmire. I do not see it, in its current state, as a vehicle that can win elections,” she said, while affirming her continued membership of the LP — at least for now.

However, not all opposition figures are on board with the coalition. Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, reaffirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), rejecting any suggestion that he would join the emerging alliance. In a video posted online, Moro stressed that he had been with the PDP since 1998 and had no intention of leaving.

Meanwhile, PDP leaders in Ondo State have distanced themselves from recent defections to the ADC by some former governorship aspirants. Speaking at a press briefing, they reaffirmed the PDP’s strength and focus heading into the 2027 elections.

“The PDP remains strong, united, and focused, both at the national and state levels,” they declared, urging members not to be misled by temporary political alignments.

In Abuja, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor also dismissed suggestions that the party is losing steam. He said the current period of relative quiet within the party reflects internal consolidation and unity ahead of the party’s upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

“The PDP is not folding; it is preparing. And Nigerians will soon see the results of that preparation,” he said.