Dr. Wale Ahmed, the Member of the House of Representatives representing Agege Federal Constituency, recently caused uproar by telling opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to abandon their presidential ambitions in 2027 and support President Bola Tinubu instead. Ahmed declared that Tinubu’s second term remains assured and that other politicians should align behind him rather than contest. Critics quickly questioned whether this reflects internal political strategy or genuine alliance-building.
Why Ahmed Believes Tinubu Deserves a Second Term
Ahmed based his argument on several pillars. First, he compared Tinubu’s situation to that of President Muhammadu Buhari, who came from the North and completed two full terms. Because Tinubu comes from the South, Ahmed argues he deserves similar latitude. Second, Ahmed highlighted what he described as positive reforms under Tinubu, including improvements to foreign relations, economic recovery indicators, and major infrastructure projects. He mentioned the rising foreign reserves, foreign direct investment inflows, and large-scale road projects such as the Sokoto–Badagry and the Lagos–Calabar coastal highways. For Ahmed, these accomplishments justify continuity.
How Atiku and Obi Have Responded
So far, neither Atiku Abubakar nor Peter Obi has publicly committed to stepping down. Both continue positioning themselves for 2027 through party structures and public engagements. Political watchers note that Atiku retains considerable support within the Peoples Democratic Party, while Obi continues to draw younger voters and those dissatisfied with the preexisting system. Also, alliances like AGOBI ’27 recently emerged, urging Atiku to back Obi to avoid splitting opposition votes and giving Tinubu an edge. Therefore, the pressure remains, though responses have emphasized political fairness and the democratic process.
Implications for Opposition Unity
This call from Ahmed throws a spotlight on a dilemma facing opposition coalitions in Nigeria: whether to rally behind a single candidate or compete separately. If Atiku and Obi agree to unite behind Tinubu, supporters worry it may signal the suppression of alternative leadership. Conversely, opposition disunity could weaken their chances, especially with Tinubu’s APC poised for reelection. Analysts believe that without a coordinated strategy, opposition parties may not overcome Tinubu’s incumbency benefits and control of state resources.
What This Suggests About Political Strategy in 2025-2026
Because Ahmed’s suggestion gained traction quickly, many see it as part of a broader effort within the ruling party to consolidate power ahead of 2027. Tinubu’s allies appear increasingly confident, citing rising foreign exchange reserves, the visible impact, and economic policies as proof of success. Also, opposition groups may face internal pressure to compromise or merge. Thus, while democracy thrives on competition, political calculations about electability, resources, and perception may drive realignment sooner rather than later.
Conclusion
The message from Rep Wale Ahmed urging Atiku and Obi to step aside for Tinubu in 2027 underscores a growing narrative of political consolidation in Nigeria. Whether this idea gains acceptance depends largely on the willingness among opposition leaders to compromise and on public sentiment. Meanwhile, the debate reveals important tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape between ambition, unity, and who best represents hope for many citizens.
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