President Bola Tinubu wants Nigerians to know that re-election is the furthest thing from his mind right now. According to the President, his focus is on “restructuring the economy” rather than the 2027 general elections. How noble, right? This announcement was made at the 2024 South West Assembly of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, delivered the message on his behalf. The venue? The glitzy Eko Hotels in Victoria Island, Lagos—because nothing says “I’m focused on the common man” like a five-star hotel assembly.
Tinubu wants us to believe that he’s not concerned about his political future. The same Bola Tinubu who, for decades, has been one of Nigeria’s most strategic political operators, is suddenly so selfless that the idea of 2027 is not important? Come on, let’s get real. Politicians live and breathe re-election. It’s practically a survival instinct. To say he’s not thinking about it is either a masterclass in political humility or, more likely, an attempt to divert attention from the growing frustrations Nigerians are feeling under his administration.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Tinubu said his focus is on “restructuring the economy for the benefit of Nigerians.” A noble cause, if only the average Nigerian wasn’t wondering where this supposed restructuring is happening. Since taking office, Tinubu’s administration has been marked by rising inflation, a weakening naira, and escalating costs of living. So, when the President asks Nigerians to “be patient” with his administration, one has to wonder how much more patience he expects from a populace already at its breaking point.
It’s one thing to promise economic reforms, but so far, the results have been anything but promising. The President’s request for patience feels like a worn-out script we’ve all heard before from every Nigerian leader. Tinubu’s track record for “genuine progress” isn’t exactly spotless. But sure, let’s give him the benefit of the doubt and wait for this “genuine progress” to materialize—if we can survive the economic chaos long enough to see it.
And about not thinking of re-election in 2027? Well, forgive us if we find that hard to believe. In the Nigerian political arena, every move is calculated with the next election in mind, even when the incumbent claims otherwise. Tinubu’s claim is more likely an attempt to position himself as a leader who’s above the usual political games, but if history has taught us anything, it’s that no politician, especially not one with Tinubu’s influence, is ever truly “above” electioneering.
So while we wait for the “genuine progress” promised by Tinubu, let’s not be naive. 2027 might not be on his lips right now, but you can bet it’s in his playbook. After all, every move he makes today will determine whether he gets to sit in that presidential seat for another four years.
