Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure significant votes from the South-East in the 2027 presidential election.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Shittu dismissed suggestions that the “Obi factor” — referring to Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi — would diminish Tinubu’s chances in the region.
“If you know the amount of votes that will be coming from even the South-East for APC, you’ll be shocked,” he said.
The former minister credited the influence of key political figures like Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Works Minister Dave Umahi, who he said would help persuade voters to back Tinubu.
Asked about Obi’s continued relevance in South-East politics, Shittu replied:
“It doesn’t matter. What is important is for him [Tinubu] to win. Even if to win by 10 votes, I can assure you that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is going to win.”
Shittu acknowledged Nigeria’s current economic hardship, including high fuel prices and the naira’s depreciation, but attributed the situation to years of mismanagement. He argued that Tinubu’s policies would yield positive results in the long run.
“Nigerians are not finding it easy. But I want to say this with authority and sincerity: a lot of the initiatives of Tinubu now, Nigerians will come to thank him sooner than later,” he added.
His comments come amid heightened political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections, with both ruling party and opposition figures building alliances.
On Wednesday, PUNCH Online reported that NNPP House of Representatives member Abdulmumin Jibrin also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election, while Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo (APGA) has voiced similar support.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have joined the African Democratic Congress coalition to challenge the APC in 2027.
PUNCH
