Are Tinubu’s Key Appointees Endangered Ahead 2027 Elections?..As Campaign of Calumny Thickens

Reliable intelligence has reportedly emerged detailing a late-night meeting at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, involving seven prominent leaders of a major opposition party and representatives of a new group known as Generation Nigeria. The agenda, sources alleged, centered on strategies to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prospects for re-election in 2027.

Key resolutions from the meeting allegedly included plans to target seven influential appointees of President Tinubu for reputational attacks, public distractions and intensified opposition. These actions, sources claim, are aimed at weakening the administration’s foundation ahead of the election.

A retired military General from the Northwest, who is said to have participated in the meeting, reportedly identified rising inflation and economic hardship as significant issues that could hinder Tinubu’s re-election bid. He emphasized the need to “distract and socially discredit” key allies of the President to create vulnerabilities.

Among those allegedly targeted is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The General suggested that Wike should be persuaded to support the opposition’s bid in 2027, with the alternative being a campaign to undermine his public image. It was further hinted that pressure may escalate if Wike refuses to align with the opposition’s agenda.

Other officials reportedly discussed as targets for possible political subduction include National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo and Nigerian Ports Authority Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho. These individuals are described as “key lieutenants” seen as pivotal to President Tinubu’s potential re-election efforts.

The development comes amid increasing criticism of the Tinubu-led administration from Northern political groups. Recently, the Northern Elders Forum expressed regrets over supporting Tinubu in the 2023 elections, citing perceived maladministration and a failure to address pressing national challenges.

Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the forum’s spokesperson, noted in a recent interview that the North has learned valuable lessons and will prioritize a candidate in 2027 capable of uniting the nation and advancing its interests.

The purported targeting of Tinubu’s appointees highlights the intense political maneuvering as Nigeria approaches another election cycle with both sides positioning themselves for what is likely to be a fiercely contested race.