The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure re-election in 2027, despite the recent US election results which saw former President Donald Trump defeat Vice President Kamala Harris.
The APC urged opposition parties in Nigeria not to become overly optimistic following Trump’s victory, asserting that Tinubu’s leadership and policies will lead him to another win.
Trump’s comeback victory in the United States presidential election on Wednesday shocked the world, as the 78-year-old businessman became the 47th president, making history as the oldest person ever to hold the office.
In response to the US election, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, described the result as a testament to democracy.
Ifoh also pointed out that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria could learn valuable lessons from the US electoral process, particularly in how the American electorate disregarded the incumbency factor, a major influence in African, and particularly Nigerian, politics.
Similarly, Ladipo Johnson, spokesperson for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), questioned when Nigeria would move past the era of leaders who use the power of incumbency and security forces to stifle opposition.
He praised the US system for its complexity and progression but lamented Nigeria’s reliance on incumbency.
However, APC National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, urged the opposition not to draw parallels between the US and Nigerian elections.
He emphasized that the political and electoral contexts of the two countries are very different.
Ibrahim reminded critics that in Nigeria, the incumbency factor does not always guarantee success, citing the 2015 election where former President Muhammadu Buhari defeated then-incumbent Goodluck Jonathan.
Ibrahim expressed strong confidence in Tinubu’s chances in 2027, stating that as the president’s economic reforms begin to yield results, Nigerians would rally behind him.
He argued that the benefits of these reforms would start to become apparent by 2026 or 2027, leading to widespread support for the APC and Tinubu’s re-election.
“The reforms may be painful initially, but in the long run, the country will see the rewards,” Ibrahim said.
“It will be difficult for anyone, especially an outsider who has failed the country before and is still grappling with internal crises, to defeat an incumbent president who is delivering results.”
Ibrahim also dismissed concerns about the opposition, which he claimed is still dealing with leadership challenges.
“The opposition is not a threat. The APC is strategically preparing for 2027, and we are confident in the president’s ability to secure a second term. We are not resting; we are already planning for the future.”
He concluded by asserting that the APC and the president are fully aware of the opposition’s tactics but remain focused on delivering the necessary reforms that will ensure victory in the next election.
“When the time comes, the APC will be ready and will not be caught off guard,” he added.
