A senior member of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has cautioned politicians against prematurely shifting their attention to the 2027 presidential elections and potentially distracting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from his current governance responsibilities.
Expressing his views in a statement released through his Media Aide, Rasheed Abubakar, Mumuni emphasized the inappropriateness of engaging in what he termed a “political charade” at this critical juncture.
The recent inauguration of the “Forum of 2023 APC Presidential Candidates” in Abuja, led by former Zamfara State Governor Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima, has sparked considerable controversy. During the forum’s inauguration, Yerima, as the Convener/Acting Chairman, declared the primary objective to be laying the groundwork for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prospective second term bid in 2027.
In response, Mumuni staunchly advised politicians nationwide to abstain from diverting the president’s attention with such anticipatory schemes, noting that a focus on the 2027 election is incongruent with the country’s current needs. He warned against initiating discussions on a 2027 presidential bid, emphasizing the untimeliness of such endeavors.
Mumuni articulated, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has since transitioned beyond the 2023 election. It is evident that he is deeply engrossed in governance and dedicated to fulfilling his pledge to reinvigorate hope for the masses. We are well aware of the substantial demands these responsibilities entail; hence, the president should not be burdened with political diversions during this defining period of our nation’s progress.”
“The premature formation of a 2027 political forum is unwarranted. It appears to be a mere façade created by former presidential aspirants seeking personal favor from the President. Their actions should not deflect his focus. If their intentions are genuinely patriotic, they should bolster President Tinubu’s initiatives by contributing to the advancement of their respective states and enhancing the welfare of the populace.”
Mumuni continued, “It is farcical that individuals in need of guidance are endeavoring to assume advisory roles with the President. This entire spectacle is a political charade that our beloved country can ill afford at this time. The President’s advisory council is already well-appointed within his cabinet.”
“The former presidential aspirants would be better served by reflecting on the pervasive gaps in various sectors within the country and assuming the mantle of statesmen to address these issues. They can execute this responsibility without fanfare. We have non-political figures making substantial contributions to our nation and its people.”
Expressing his apprehension, Mumuni added, “I fear that entertaining this charade may pave the way for a deluge of associations, such as former ministers, former special assistants, and other erstwhile officials, vying for advisory roles within the Aso Villa under the guise of national service.”
Mumuni’s pointed words underscore a growing sentiment within the APC, cautioning against premature politicking and emphasizing the pressing need for focused governance in Nigeria.
