By Isaac Mission
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not overly concerned about the growing opposition activities involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election, according to his Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Kabiru Masari.
Masari said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remained confident about its chances of retaining the presidency, despite efforts by opposition figures to build a united political platform against Tinubu.
Speaking in an interview with The Guardian in Abuja, the presidential aide described the opposition's alliance-building efforts as insufficient to guarantee electoral success.
He maintained that the APC was not taking the 2027 election for granted and had already begun strengthening its structures and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the contest.
Masari said the Tinubu administration's record, particularly its economic reforms, would form a major part of the President's campaign for a second term.
According to him, Tinubu inherited serious economic and structural difficulties but had shown the political will to implement reforms that previous administrations were reluctant to undertake.
The presidential aide expressed confidence that the impact of those policies would become increasingly evident to Nigerians and ultimately benefit the President at the polls.
He also dismissed the idea that the emerging political relationship between Atiku and Obi automatically meant that their supporters would unite behind a single opposition platform.
While acknowledging that the APC would closely monitor developments within the opposition, Masari said the ruling party would remain focused on expanding its grassroots network and consolidating its support across the country.
APC confident about northern support
Masari was particularly confident about Tinubu's prospects in northern Nigeria, arguing that the President's policies and political engagements would help maintain substantial support in the region.
He noted that the North would remain strategically important to the 2027 election and said the APC would continue engaging traditional, political and community stakeholders ahead of the polls.
The presidential aide also defended the decision to retain Kashim Shettima as Tinubu's running mate, describing the vice president as an important component of the administration's leadership team.
He said Shettima had made significant contributions since the government assumed office and that the decision to maintain the ticket was based on more than short-term political considerations.
Masari further spoke about his own involvement in the 2023 presidential election process, when he initially served as Tinubu's placeholder running mate before Shettima eventually emerged as the substantive vice-presidential candidate.
Describing Tinubu's political style, Masari portrayed the President as someone who remains composed despite criticism and pressure from political opponents.
He said Tinubu's lengthy experience in politics had helped him remain focused on his objectives and make difficult decisions concerning the country.
According to Masari, the President is more interested in delivering on his mandate than responding to every attack from opposition politicians.
He added that the APC would continue preparing for the 2027 election without being distracted by the activities of its rivals.
Masari expressed optimism that Tinubu's reforms, the APC's nationwide political machinery and the President's growing support would give the ruling party an advantage when Nigerians vote in 2027.