Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, has made a bold prediction regarding Nigeria's political future, stating that President Bola Tinubu will be defeated in the 2027 presidential election. In a recent interview, the senator asserted that Tinubu's 2023 victory lacked genuine public support and that ongoing hardships have galvanized Nigerians to ensure he does not secure re-election.
During his appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today on Monday, Senator Abaribe emphasized the public's growing dissatisfaction. "He will lose in 2027 because I know what Nigerians are feeling outside," he said, highlighting the economic challenges facing the nation. He further claimed, "Tinubu never won the 2023 election, and everybody knows that," pointing to what he described as irregularities in the electoral process and a lack of broad acceptance.
Abaribe, a vocal opposition figure, argued that politicians publicly supporting Tinubu often cannot express the same views in their home communities due to widespread discontent. "Most politicians supporting Tinubu can't go home to say it," he noted, underscoring a perceived disconnect between the administration and the populace.
He expressed confidence that the opposition is better prepared this time, stating, "We are going to meet him in the field, and we will see how he will couple together that thing that will make him win again; it won't work."
The senator's remarks come amid ongoing debates about Nigeria's 2023 elections, which were contested by opposition parties, including the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party. While the Supreme Court upheld Tinubu's victory, allegations of electoral flaws have persisted. Abaribe's prediction reflects a broader sentiment among critics who believe the current administration's policies have exacerbated economic woes, fueling determination for change in 2027.
Senator Abaribe has been a prominent voice in Nigerian politics, serving in the Senate since 2007 and known for his advocacy on issues affecting the Southeast region. His latest comments are likely to intensify political discourse as the country approaches the next electoral cycle.