The Presidency has stated that President Bola Tinubu's increasing backing from governors gives him a significant edge over opposition candidates in the 2027 presidential election. Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, made this assertion on Channels Television's Politics Today. He emphasized that governors control political structures in their respective states and can mobilize grassroots support for Tinubu. This development has considerably changed the political landscape since the 2023 election.
According to Bwala, Tinubu's support base has been strengthened by people who have benefited from his administration's policies. These include beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), agricultural programs, manufacturing incentives, CrediCorp, and infrastructure projects. Bwala described these developments as "facts, verifiable data" that demonstrate Tinubu's progress since assuming office in 2023. The President's political position has been significantly bolstered by the support of governors and the beneficiaries of his administration's policies.
Bwala dismissed suggestions that the administration's confidence ahead of 2027 is based solely on divisions within the opposition. He stated that the administration's record in office would form an important part of its campaign. Bwala's comments come amid renewed debate over Tinubu's popularity and the ability of the opposition to challenge his bid for a second term. The opposition has been critical of Tinubu's administration, citing issues such as poverty and hunger.
Bwala responded to an assessment by The Economist that Nigerians may re-elect Tinubu despite disapproval of his administration. He argued that claims about the President's popularity should be backed by representative opinion surveys. Bwala cited examples of people who have benefited from the administration's policies, such as NELFUND beneficiaries, and asked if they would hate the President. He emphasized that public sentiment towards the administration should be assessed based on a comprehensive evaluation of its policies and programs.
On concerns over rising poverty and hunger, Bwala acknowledged that more Nigerians have fallen into poverty. However, he attributed the hardship partly to the economic reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration. Bwala stated that the reforms were necessary to address longstanding economic problems, despite the short-term discomfort experienced by Nigerians. He expressed confidence that the administration's efforts would ultimately lead to improved economic conditions.
Bwala defended Tinubu's statement that Nigeria had moved from the "doldrums" towards prosperity. He explained that the President was not suggesting that Nigerians would suddenly begin experiencing prosperity from October 1. Bwala cited examples of prosperity already reaching Nigerians, such as NELFUND beneficiaries, subsidized healthcare, infrastructure projects, and support for small and medium-sized businesses. He emphasized that these developments demonstrate the administration's commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians.
Bwala also claimed that the opposition has lost several influential political figures who played key roles in their 2023 campaigns. He stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar no longer has the support of governors who worked for his 2023 campaign, while Peter Obi has also lost some critical political allies. Bwala expressed confidence in Tinubu's prospects in the 2027 contest, citing the significant difference in political support around the President compared to the 2023 election.
Key points
- The Presidency says President Bola Tinubu's growing support from governors ahead of the 2027 presidential election gives him a stronger political structure and an advantage over opposition candidates.
- Tinubu's support base has been strengthened by people who have benefited from his administration's policies, including beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and agricultural programs.
- Bwala dismissed suggestions that the administration's confidence ahead of 2027 is based solely on divisions within the opposition, stating that the administration's record in office would form an important part of its campaign.
