Ndume warns Tinubu of tough 2027 election battle

Ali Ndume, Senator, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against underestimating the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that the race for power could become one of the fiercest political contests in Nigeria’s recent history.

The Borno South lawmaker likened the looming electoral battle to a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) showdown and urged the president to pay closer attention to the realities confronting Nigerians, insisting that advisers must provide honest feedback if the administration hopes to retain public support.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ndume acknowledged the growing momentum among opposition figures seeking to challenge the APC but said the ruling party should avoid complacency as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the next presidential election.

His remarks come amid increasing speculation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Seyi Makinde could forge a formidable coalition to take on President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027.

Responding to the prospect of such an alliance, Ndume said he was not overly worried but stressed that political opponents should never be taken for granted.

“The storm is coming, but I am not that worried about it. At the same time, I don’t take opponents for granted,” he said.

The senator also raised concerns about what he described as the inability of some individuals around the president to provide an accurate picture of the country’s challenges. According to him, leaders can only make effective decisions when they receive honest assessments of public sentiment and national realities.

“I have said this several times on television. That is the mistake most of us are making, especially those around Mr President. They are having problems telling him the facts,” Ndume stated.

He warned that the 2027 election would be highly competitive, with all political camps preparing for an intense battle for power.

“We are going to struggle it out together. It can be hard like the WWE; it’s going to be a tough fight,” he said.

Ndume acknowledged the widespread frustration among Nigerians over prevailing economic and social conditions but argued that the Tinubu administration still has an opportunity to regain public confidence before the next election cycle.

He said decisive action, improved governance and policies that address citizens’ concerns could help the government improve its standing with voters.

His comments reflect growing political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections, as opposition leaders explore possible alliances while the APC seeks to consolidate support amid mounting economic pressures and public scrutiny of the administration’s reforms.