Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, has boldly declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will lose the 2027 presidential election, claiming the president never legitimately won in 2023.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Abaribe challenged Tinubu’s electoral record and predicted voters will reject him based on current economic hardships. The senator stated that widespread frustration across Nigeria has strengthened citizens’ resolve to vote differently in the upcoming election.
Abaribe dismissed the notion that Tinubu has never lost an election, insisting no politician is immune to defeat when public sentiment turns against them. He expressed confidence that Nigerians are already making up their minds based on their daily experiences.
Regarding the legitimacy of the 2023 election, Abaribe stated that while Tinubu was declared the winner and acknowledged as president, the opposition plans to challenge him in future elections. He suggested the next election will be different, claiming that voters and opposition parties are now more prepared to defend their votes and prevent any irregular outcomes.
The lawmaker blamed the Tinubu administration for what he described as economic collapse and deteriorating security nationwide. He questioned how the president could convince voters to renew his mandate amid rising living costs, unemployment, and persistent insecurity.
On the wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abaribe made clear he has no plans to join the ruling party. He argued that these defections weaken the APC by importing unresolved political conflicts that will create internal crises, particularly leadership struggles in states where high-profile politicians have switched parties.
The senator believes these internal disagreements within the APC will become more pronounced as future elections approach, ultimately benefiting the opposition.
