President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to reject opposition presidential candidates Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 general election, declaring that they have nothing meaningful to offer the country.
Speaking through Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Akure, Ondo State, the President described the opposition figures as no match for the current administration.
Shettima challenged both Obi and Atiku to present their actual records in public office and viable policy alternatives to Nigerians, rather than relying on social media campaigns. He argued that the opposition had repeatedly failed to demonstrate a concrete roadmap for national development.
**Shettima Takes Swipe at Atiku, Obi**
Questioning Atiku’s political standing in his home state of Adamawa, the Vice-President claimed that even former governors of the state were not backing his presidential bid.
He also criticized Obi, alleging that his campaign relied on “obnoxious data” rather than verifiable achievements.
“The ability to import cheap South African wines does not make one a guru in economics,” Shettima quipped.
Describing Obi’s tenure as Anambra State governor as mediocre, Shettima challenged opposition politicians to point to any major achievements during their years in the democratic space.
**Ondo Leaders Rally Behind Tinubu**
Shettima noted that President Tinubu enjoys a “universal elite consensus” in Ondo State, which he contrasted with the alleged lack of support for Obi and Atiku in their respective home states.
He pointed to key political figures—including former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, former governorship candidate Chief Olusola Oke (SAN), and House of Representatives member Gboyega Adefarati—as evidence of the APC’s expanding political footprint in the state.
He further claimed that former Anambra governors Chris Ngige, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, and Willie Obiano, alongside incumbent Governor Charles Soludo, were not aligned with Obi.
**Targeting 1.2 Million Votes in Ondo**
With Ondo’s registered voter population at 2.1 million, Shettima announced that the APC is targeting at least 1.2 million votes from the 1.8 million residents who have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
He described the massive turnout at the rally as a strong political statement, echoing similar successful outings in Cross River, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Ebonyi, and Jigawa states.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in his address, promised to deliver one million votes for Tinubu in 2027. Aiyedatiwa praised the President’s progressive policies and reforms, noting that Ondo voters overwhelmingly backed Tinubu in 2023 because of his sterling leadership record as governor of Lagos State.
The governor also appreciated the President for appointing three ministers from Ondo State—overseeing the finance, interior, and youth portfolios—alongside key diplomatic postings. He reeled off his administration’s achievements, including the recruitment of over 6,000 workers, infrastructural development, and healthcare rehabilitation.
**APC Leadership Backs Tinubu’s Re-election**
APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda described Tinubu as the most experienced and prepared among the 18 presidential candidates expected to contest the 2027 poll. He credited the President with tackling national economic hurdles, noting that over 31 states previously unable to service workers’ salaries can now comfortably meet their financial obligations.
The Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, stated that the President had given Ondo State exceptional attention despite not being an oil-producing state.
Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, urged residents yet to collect their PVCs to do so, describing Ondo as Tinubu’s natural political home.
Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole called on Nigerian youths to support Tinubu, asserting that the nation needs statesmen rather than “petty traders” at the helm of politics.
**Pledges of Unity from Mimiko and Oke**
In their remarks, former Governor Olusegun Mimiko and Chief Olusola Oke pledged to work collectively with other political leaders to ensure a landslide victory for Tinubu and all APC National Assembly candidates in the state.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele urged party stakeholders to rally behind Governor Aiyedatiwa as the state campaign coordinator, stressing that unity among leaders remains the key to achieving the one-million-vote target.
The mega rally was attended by a robust assemblage of federal and state officials, including the Minister of Finance, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele; Minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; federal lawmakers, state executive council members, party chieftains, traditional rulers, and various support groups.
