A prominent member of Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a fierce rebuttal against comments made by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe concerning the 2027 presidential election.
Ikonne Labels Abaribe's Remarks as 'Politically Desperate'
Prince Paul Ikonne, a chieftain of the APC, described Senator Abaribe's recent statement that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not win re-election in 2027 as a sign of panic and desperation within opposition ranks. Ikonne made these remarks during an appearance on TVC's 'This Morning' program on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
He accused the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) senator of being "out of tune with current realities" and suggested that Abaribe's sustained criticism stems from a fear of the APC's expanding influence across the nation, particularly in the South-East region.
Defending Tinubu's 2023 Mandate and 2027 Prospects
Prince Ikonne vigorously defended the legitimacy of President Tinubu's 2023 electoral victory. He asserted that the President's win was decisive and enjoyed widespread support that cut across various regions, ethnic groups, and political interests in Nigeria.
"The President won the election, not just in one state but across the country, and his popularity has gone up more than what it was in 2023," Ikonne stated. He further claimed that attempts to question the election's outcome disregard the verdict already affirmed by the nation's electoral umpire and the judiciary.
Ikonne also pointed to significant political shifts, alleging that "90% of the PDP in the entire South-east have collapsed into the APC," positioning the region as a new stronghold for the ruling party.
Personal Attack and Broader APC Confidence
The APC chieftain did not limit his criticism to Abaribe's political forecasts. He launched a personal attack, labeling the senator an "attention seeker" and casting doubt on the legitimacy of Abaribe's own 2023 senatorial victory.
"This is a man who did not win his own election in 2023. One young man defeated him during the election, and anybody who wants to know the details should get what the young man filed at the Tribunal against Senator Abaribe," Ikonne alleged.
This confrontation reflects a broader atmosphere of confidence within the APC regarding the 2027 polls. The party's National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has previously predicted a convincing victory for the ruling party despite opposition coalitions. Similarly, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan has projected that Northern voters will deliver over 75% of their votes to President Tinubu in 2027, citing his performance on the economy and security.
The exchange underscores the early jostling and heated rhetoric that is already characterizing the political landscape as Nigeria looks ahead to the next general elections.
