2027: Tinubu warned against underestimating emerging alliances, says Ohanaeze chieftain

The Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against underestimating what he described as growing political alliances aimed at blocking his re-election bid in 2027.

Isiguzoro said opposition forces were already exploring strategic partnerships across the country, warning that the next general election would be fiercely contested and not determined by incumbency alone.

Speaking in an interview, the Ohanaeze chieftain stressed that victory in 2027 would depend largely on early, strategic political decisions rather than the advantages of being in office.

“Tinubu must not underestimate the conspiracy against him. The 2027 election will be won through strategy, courage and timely political decisions,” he said.

He argued that rising dissatisfaction among political, economic and regional blocs was creating fertile ground for opposition realignments. According to him, failure to address pressing national concerns could further strengthen these alliances ahead of the polls.

Isiguzoro added that the President’s political fortunes would depend on how effectively he anticipates and neutralises the emerging coalitions before they crystallise into a formidable electoral force.

He also called on the Federal Government to grant a pardon to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, describing such a move as politically strategic. He said the decision could help stabilise the South-East and weaken the appeal of secessionist movements ahead of 2027.

“There are powerful forces across the country working against Tinubu, including northern elites, Middle Belt leaders, aggrieved business interests, as well as retired military and political power brokers,” Isiguzoro said. “The President must act decisively to neutralise them.”

He further suggested that granting Kanu a pardon on a symbolic national date such as June 12 or October 1 could shift political dynamics in the South-East and deprive the opposition of a potent mobilisation tool.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that removing President Tinubu from office is central to what it described as rescuing Nigeria from a governance crisis.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi said the opposition’s priority was to end Tinubu’s tenure. “The agenda is to get Tinubu out of power. There is no scenario in which he remains in office and this country is saved,” he said.

Abdullahi accused the administration of misgovernance, alleging that some decisions reflected what he termed a “bandit mindset.” He also criticised what he described as legislative manipulation, particularly in relation to recent tax laws, calling it unprecedented in Nigeria’s democratic history.

He further questioned the reported payment of $9 million to foreign lobbyists in the United States, alleging a lack of transparency in the process. Abdullahi demanded clarity on how the contract was awarded, the source of the funds and the budgetary provisions used for the payment.