A prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has expressed doubts about the South West region’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s potential re-election bid in 2027. According to Olawepo-Hashim, the region is unlikely to back the president if his administration fails to change its current course.

Speaking through Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, the South West Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Olawepo-Hashim argued that the South West cannot be expected to reward what he termed as “failure in governance” with another mandate. Olaniyi’s comments come in response to a recent appeal by political commentator Reno Omokri, who urged both the North and South West to rally behind Tinubu for a second term.

Omokri had drawn comparisons between his call and the North’s support for former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, despite criticism of his performance. He highlighted Tinubu’s achievements in GDP growth and infrastructure development as reasons for his re-election. However, Olaniyi dismissed Omokri’s position as an attempt to manipulate regional sentiments, rather than addressing the issues of competence and results.

Olaniyi emphasized that Nigerians, particularly in the South West, will make their decisions based on performance rather than sentimental factors in 2027. He stressed that the current realities facing Nigerians cannot be ignored, and that the region’s support will depend on the government’s ability to deliver on its promises.

The statement from Olawepo-Hashim’s camp underscores the growing concerns about the performance of the Tinubu administration. As the country prepares for the 2027 elections, the South West region’s support will be crucial in determining the outcome. With Olawepo-Hashim’s statement, it is clear that the region’s backing will not be automatic, and that the government will need to demonstrate significant improvements in its governance to secure their support.