2027 election will be easier for Tinubu than 2023 - Lere Olayinka
A senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Lere Olayinka, expressed confidence that the upcoming 2027 presidential election will present fewer challenges for President Bola Tinubu compared to the 2023 election. Olayinka attributed this assessment to Tinubu’s political alliances and governance performance.
During an interview on TVC Breakfast on Monday, Olayinka noted that the president has successfully engaged influential figures from opposing parties, which he believes has strengthened his position ahead of the next election.
He stated, “The reason this election of 2027 will be a one-way election is because of the performance of the president in terms of national development and his performance in politics. This election is going to be the easiest.” Olayinka added, “It will be much easier for the president than the 2023 election. That is a fact that most people are not willing to accept.”
Olayinka highlighted the involvement of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who remains a PDP member but has been collaborating with the Tinubu administration. He suggested that Wike’s political influence could have bolstered the PDP’s support if he had not aligned with the president.
“If Wike was not working with the president, probably he would have been galvanizing more support for the PDP. Now he is not. The president has been able to bring him and other people to himself,” Olayinka said.
He further discussed the potential implications of various opposition leaders supporting different parties ahead of the 2027 elections, mentioning Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
“Imagine Alex Otti also pushing the Labour Party presidential candidate. Imagine Adeleke pushing the Accord Party presidential candidate. Imagine Wike pushing that of the PDP,” he noted.
Olayinka contended that Tinubu’s openness to collaboration across political lines has facilitated governance and weakened opposition efforts.
“By being open, by bringing people to himself, he (Tinubu) has been able to make governance easier. He has also been able to make politics easier for himself,” Olayinka remarked.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to recognize Wike’s support for Tinubu, despite Wike’s affiliation with the PDP.
