A former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), South-West, Bankole Oluwajana, has warned that Nigeria could lose what he described as gains recorded under President Bola Tinubu if the President is not re-elected in the 2027 presidential election.
Oluwajana made the argument while discussing the political outlook ahead of the 2027 election, defending the Tinubu administration’s economic policies and its handling of issues including fuel subsidy removal and the liberalisation of the naira.
He maintained that the government’s decision to remove fuel subsidy and allow greater flexibility in the foreign exchange market, although painful for Nigerians, was necessary to address what he described as distortions that had benefited a privileged group.
According to him, returning to the previous subsidy regime could again create opportunities for wealthy individuals to exploit the system, while the wider population bears the consequences. He acknowledged, however, that Nigerians have faced higher transportation and housing costs following the reforms.
On the possibility of opposition parties presenting a single presidential candidate against Tinubu, Oluwajana dismissed the prospect, arguing that the ambitions of the major opposition figures could make such an arrangement difficult to sustain. He also rejected arguments surrounding previous controversies involving Tinubu, saying similar issues were raised during the 2023 election.
Oluwajana further expressed confidence in Tinubu’s support within the South-West and argued that the President’s administration has made progress beyond regional or religious considerations. He said ethnicity and religion could still influence the 2027 election but predicted that their impact would be less significant than in 2023.
Addressing the possibility of an unstable or non-credible election, the APC chieftain said Nigeria had survived major political crises in the past. He nevertheless warned that a serious disruption could result in years of economic difficulties.
Oluwajana also spoke about restructuring and the devolution of powers, saying the process could not be completed within a short period. He argued that the Tinubu administration had made moves in that direction, particularly through changes affecting the financial position of states and investments in roads and rail infrastructure.
On local government autonomy, he said political interests and the influence of state governors remained major obstacles. He argued that the governors wield significant political power and that achieving greater autonomy would require continued public enlightenment and stronger institutions.
The APC chieftain also commented on political developments in Ondo State, including reported tensions involving Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. He said political leaders should allow the party to determine its direction rather than publicly undermine its elected representatives.
With the 2027 election approaching, Oluwajana’s comments add to the growing political debate over the performance of the Tinubu administration, the direction of the opposition and the issues likely to shape voters’ decisions at the polls.
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