Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has declared that President Bola Tinubu will not retain power beyond 2027, claiming that his leadership has already distanced him from the people. Adebayo insists that Tinubu has effectively removed himself from power through policies and governance decisions that have alienated Nigerians.
His statement comes as opposition forces mobilize for what is expected to be a highly contested 2027 presidential election, with growing dissatisfaction over economic hardship and political discontent.
Adebayo: Tinubu Has Already Lost the Mandate
Adebayo argued that Tinubu’s government has failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians, particularly in tackling economic instability, insecurity, and corruption.
“It is not about whether we will remove Tinubu in 2027; he has already removed himself from power. The people will simply make it official,” Adebayo said.
He emphasized that opposition parties are not plotting a forced removal, but rather rallying support for a democratic transition that reflects the will of the people.
El-Rufai’s Defection: A Sign of APC’s Weakening Grip?
Adding to the political shake-up, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP has fueled speculation that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is losing key allies ahead of 2027.
El-Rufai, once a close ally of Tinubu, has publicly expressed disappointment in the APC’s leadership, accusing the party of betraying its founding principles. Sources indicate that El-Rufai is working behind the scenes to unite opposition figures, potentially creating a strong alternative coalition.
Adebayo acknowledged El-Rufai’s influence, stating:
“We welcome anyone committed to real change. If El-Rufai’s defection is genuine, it signals that even those who built the APC no longer believe in it.”
Political Analysts: 2027 Could Be a Turning Point
Political analysts believe the 2027 election will be one of Nigeria’s most competitive, with opposition figures capitalizing on public dissatisfaction. Key factors that could shape the election include:
- Economic Hardship – Rising inflation and cost of living have put pressure on Tinubu’s administration.
- Security Challenges – Persistent insecurity in the North and other regions could sway voter sentiment.
- Internal APC Divisions – High-profile defections, such as El-Rufai’s, could weaken the ruling party’s structure.
- Regional Political Dynamics – The North, which played a major role in Tinubu’s 2023 victory, may be reconsidering its support.
Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, recently predicted that Tinubu’s re-election bid is at risk, citing political tensions and dissatisfaction among key northern stakeholders.
“Tinubu must be careful. His second term is not guaranteed,” Ayodele warned.
Presidency and APC Dismiss Opposition Threats
Despite the growing opposition movement, the presidency and APC leadership remain confident, dismissing Adebayo’s remarks and El-Rufai’s defection as political theatrics.
An APC insider stated:
“The opposition is trying to create a crisis where none exists. Tinubu will continue his reforms, and Nigerians will see the benefits before 2027.”
However, with opposition figures actively strategizing, the battle for 2027 is already gaining momentum.
What’s Next?
With the 2027 election still years away, political realignments are only beginning. If the opposition can present a unified front, Tinubu may face one of the toughest reelection battles in Nigerian history.
Whether Adebayo’s prediction will come true remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Nigerian politics is gearing up for a major showdown.
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