Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider his ambition to seek re-election in 2027. Frank cited a recent protest against Tinubu at a mosque in Abuja as evidence of growing public dissatisfaction with his administration. The incident occurred at the Shehu Shagari Mosque in Area 1, Garki, Abuja, on Friday.
According to Frank, the protest should serve as a warning to Tinubu about the prevailing mood across the country. He advised Tinubu to listen to Nigerians, abandon his re-election bid, and guarantee a free, fair, and credible electoral process in 2027. Some protesters booed Tinubu after prayers, chanting “Ba ma yi”, meaning “we don’t want you”. Videos showed individuals removing and destroying Tinubu’s campaign posters and billboards in parts of Area 1.
While condemning the use of a religious gathering to express political grievances, Frank commended Tinubu's security personnel for protecting him and preventing the situation from escalating. However, he maintained that the public reaction should not be dismissed, describing it as a reflection of widespread dissatisfaction with the administration. Frank emphasized that the President should accept the political reality rather than rely on assurances from associates.
Frank questioned claims by some political associates that Tinubu enjoys strong support in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He argued that the incident in Abuja contradicted such assurances. According to Frank, the confidence expressed by political figures about Tinubu's electoral prospects did not necessarily reflect the feelings of ordinary Nigerians.
The former APC spokesman warned that those around Tinubu might be shielding him from the level of public dissatisfaction with his administration. Frank stated that he was giving Tinubu this advice because he genuinely wanted him to listen to the truth. He added that Tinubu should seriously consider stepping aside from the 2027 presidential contest.
Frank also questioned promises of electoral support reportedly made by some political leaders, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo. He argued that assurances of delivering 80 per cent of votes in Abuja and 2.5 million votes in Edo State might not translate into actual electoral support.
The reactions witnessed in Abuja and Jos, according to Frank, demonstrate a growing disconnect between what political associates tell Tinubu and the actual situation on the ground. Frank urged Tinubu to take the Abuja mosque protest as a wake-up call and reconsider his 2027 re-election bid.
Key points
- Timi Frank urges Tinubu to reconsider his 2027 re-election bid due to growing public dissatisfaction.
