THE INDESCRIBABLE TINUBU POLITICS AND THE 2027 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION GLADIATORS: CAN THE OPPOSITION AND THE COALITION STOP ONE MAN FROM HIS DREAM?
By Daniel Okonkwo
As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 presidential election, the political Gladiators are once again abuzz with intrigue, power struggles, and strategic maneuvering. At the center of it, all stands President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—a man whose political survival has defied all odds, earning him the moniker “Abami Eda,” a Yoruba phrase meaning "the strange one" or "the peculiar one." His ability to navigate the most challenging political storms and emerge victorious is nothing short of extraordinary.
Tinubu’s political career is unexplainable and strategy, and sheer willpower. He has survived more attacks than any Nigerian president in history, with challenges that could have crushed lesser politicians. Yet, he remains standing, solidifying his place as one of the most formidable figures in Nigerian politics.
Surviving the Abacha Regime: Tinubu was a key figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), opposing General Sani Abacha’s military rule. Many of his contemporaries either perished, fled, or were silenced—but not Tinubu.
Defeating Obasanjo’s Onslaught: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was known for his confrontational style in dealing with political opposition. Tinubu, then governor of Lagos State, stood firm against Obasanjo’s federal might. The Supreme Court ruling in his favor led to the release of Lagos State Local Government funds seized by Obasanjo’s administration.
The late legal luminary, Gani Fawehinmi, relentlessly pursued Tinubu over alleged discrepancies in his educational qualifications. Despite the legal pressure, Tinubu weathered the storm, standing his ground.
During Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency, Tinubu faced another major legal challenge, the Code of Conduct Tribunal, yet he emerged unscathed.
Tinubu defeated the Buhari Cabal. During the APC primary elections, Tinubu outmaneuvered a well-coordinated opposition led by powerful elements within the Buhari government. His famous declaration, "Emi Lokan" (It’s my turn), became the rallying cry that propelled him to victory.
No Nigerian politician has faced as much media scrutiny and attack as Tinubu. From conspiracy theories to allegations about his identity, his political foes threw everything at him. Yet, he remained unshaken.
The controversial currency redesign policy led by former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele was seen as an attempt to derail Tinubu’s presidential ambition. Many believed the policy was deliberately designed to create hardship and discredit him before the election. Nevertheless, Tinubu triumphed.
Winning the 2023 Presidential Election Against All Odds: Despite internal and external opposition, Tinubu secured victory in a hotly contested election, proving his political mastery.
Navigating Post-Election Court Cases: The legal battle to prevent his inauguration was fierce, yet Tinubu emerged victorious in the Supreme Court.
Surviving Political Fallout in Rivers State and El-Rufai’s Attacks: Even after taking office, he faced significant political challenges, including the suspension of the Rivers State governor and tensions with former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai. Again, Tinubu emerged unscathed
With 91 new applications for political party registration, the opposition is splintering, rather than consolidating. This raises critical questions:
Will APC Maintain Its Dominance? Tinubu's political strategy has always been about coalition-building. If the opposition remains divided, the APC could tighten its grip on power.
Are the Opposition Weak or Lacking Momentum? The 2023 election exposed the weaknesses of the opposition. Without a formidable, unified candidate and strategy, they may struggle to challenge Tinubu in 2027.
Will Tinubu Reveal His Secret? Many Nigerians are left wondering: How did one man outmaneuver some of the most powerful figures in the country? What is the secret behind his political longevity? Whether he will reveal his strategy before leaving office remains a mystery.
Tinubu’s ability to survive decades of political warfare, legal battles, and conspiracies sets him apart. His influence extends beyond politics into business and governance, making him one of the most enigmatic figures in Nigeria’s history.
As 2027 approaches, one thing remains clear—Tinubu is not just a politician; he is a phenomenon. Whether the opposition can mount a serious challenge or whether he will continue to defy the odds remains to be seen. But for now, he stands as the ultimate political survivor.
 |
| THE INDESCRIBABLE TINUBU POLITICS AND THE 2027 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION GLADIATORS: CAN THE OPPOSITION AND THE COALITION STOP ONE MAN FROM HIS DREAM? |
Comments