As the 2027 general elections approach, Joe Igbokwe, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued a stern warning to those nursing presidential ambitions, urging them to abandon such thoughts. Igbokwe’s comments, shared on his official Facebook page, come amidst rising speculation about the 2023 presidential candidates’ intentions for the next electoral cycle.
In his post, Igbokwe directly addressed any potential presidential aspirants, asserting that they should “perish the thought” of contesting in 2027. He further emphasized that Nigeria’s current president, Bola Tinubu, would remain in power until 2031. Igbokwe wrote, “If any presidential aspirant is dreaming of winning presidential elections in 2027, I will advise that candidate to perish the thought till 2031.”
Igbokwe’s remarks are not just a personal opinion, but rather an indication of the APC’s firm stance on the leadership of the country for the next few years. He expressed confidence that President Tinubu, also known as PBAT (an acronym for Bola Ahmed Tinubu), is “destined to remain in the seat of power till 2031.” Igbokwe continued, stating that President Tinubu would require a full two terms to “set the records straight,” reinforcing the party’s belief in his capacity to lead for the entirety of his mandate.
The timing of Igbokwe’s declaration is significant, coming as rumors swirl about possible alliances between political figures in the opposition parties. Speculation has been rife about the potential for Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to form a coalition with the aim of challenging President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
However, Igbokwe’s comments suggest that such aspirations are premature and would be futile in his view. He strongly advocates for a continuation of Tinubu’s presidency, positioning it as essential for stabilizing the country and achieving long-term political goals. Igbokwe’s statement essentially shuts down any opposition claims to the presidency for the near future, aligning with the APC’s strategic focus on consolidating power.
With the 2027 elections still several years away, Igbokwe’s warning may serve to set the tone for intra-party and inter-party dynamics in the run-up to that election.
