Tinubu Defies Opposition, Vows to Stay Course as Zoning Debate Deepens
President Bola Tinubu has declared his unwavering commitment to economic reforms and national development, dismissing critics and political pressure as his administration faces mounting tensions over zoning and candidate selection for the 2027 elections. Speaking at the State House in Abuja during a meeting with members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Tinubu asserted that opposition efforts would not derail his government's plans to reposition Nigeria.
President's Firm Stance on Reforms and Unity
"They want to scare me off? That is a lie... if I have to go through it again, I will," Tinubu stated emphatically. He emphasized that his administration remains focused on tackling poverty, expanding opportunities, and strengthening democratic values. The President stressed the importance of adhering to the rule of law, urging respect for judicial authority regardless of outcomes.
"We cannot submit to the disobedience of lawful court orders... We must embrace the judiciary, whether it favours us or not," he said. Tinubu called for unity and national cohesion, noting that progress depends on a shared vision. "There is no other path to national greatness than building one country with a common vision," he added.
Economic Challenges and Grassroots Engagement
On the economy, Tinubu acknowledged existing challenges but assured that structural issues are being addressed. "If something is wrong, we fix it and move on," he said. He expressed confidence in the outcome of reforms, despite acknowledging the difficulty of the journey. "The voyage is not easy... I will not run away from this fight," Tinubu declared.
The President urged members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to strengthen grassroots engagement, describing them as crucial to national mobilization. "I will not give up. What we promised Nigerians, we will deliver," he affirmed.
Support from APC and State Governors
Governor Hope Uzodinma, Director-General and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, said the movement had been reinvigorated by the President's endorsement. He called for "political evangelism," urging ambassadors to engage markets, youth groups, and faith-based organizations to explain government policies and their long-term benefits.
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, commended Tinubu's leadership, pointing to ongoing infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects as signs of economic transformation. He pledged continued party support, emphasizing synergy between the APC and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors.
Governor Uba Sani, Deputy Director-General of the movement, highlighted the urgency of improving public communication of government achievements. "If we don't tell our story, we should not blame the opposition when they tell it wrongly," he warned, citing improved security and the return of farmers to previously unsafe areas in Kaduna as examples of progress that need amplification.
Presidency and Wike Criticize Atiku's 2027 Ambition
The Presidency pushed back on indications that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may seek the presidency in 2027, maintaining that Nigeria's North-South power rotation principle favors the South. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Atiku's reported ambition as "self-serving" and conflicting with a political convention that has supported democratic stability since 1999.
"This Atiku will never learn," Onanuga wrote on his verified X account, adding that such a move would disrupt what he described as a stabilizing national consensus. He recalled that during the 2023 election cycle, Atiku's decision to contest to succeed a fellow northerner widened divisions within the PDP and contributed to its defeat.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike dismissed Atiku's 2027 chances, expressing confidence that the APC will retain power. "What do you expect to hear? Atiku is a serial failure," Wike said, urging comparisons between the condition of the FCT in previous years and ongoing infrastructure projects under the current administration.
Atiku's Aide Accuses Presidency of Stifling Opposition
Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu, accused the Presidency of attempting to subvert democracy and silence dissenting voices. In a post on X, Shaibu argued that no aide has the authority to determine constitutional provisions or restrict political participation.
"Dear @aonanuga1956, let me tell you clearly: no presidential aide, no matter how loud or reckless, has the authority to rewrite the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or reduce democracy to a regional entitlement scheme," he wrote. Shaibu described recent remarks from the Presidency as an attempt to pressure opposition figures, stating: "This tired attempt to bully @atiku out of the race reeks of fear, not principle."
He affirmed Atiku's right to contest in 2027, noting that the decision would ultimately rest with voters. The deepening zoning debate highlights ongoing political tensions as Nigeria approaches the next election cycle.
