The Presidency has advised opposition figures eager to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s leadership to hold off their political ambitions until the 2027 general elections.
This message was delivered by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, in a post on X late Saturday.
Dare’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, following allegations of political interference.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recently accused President Tinubu of allegedly paying N50 million to certain opposition members to create divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a claim the APC has strongly denied.
Adding to the political discourse, former Kaduna State Governor and APC stalwart, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, described the current state of governance and opposition as a “national emergency” during a national democracy conference in Abuja.
El-Rufai criticized the APC, claiming it no longer reflects its founding principles, and called on opposition parties to unite in a broad coalition to defend democratic values.
Responding to these developments, Dare dismissed the opposition’s criticisms as political theatrics.
“While President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, working on solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges, some political opportunists were busy stirring up unnecessary tension,” Dare wrote.
“The gathering of these so-called opposition figures brought nothing new—just the same recycled rhetoric aimed at destabilizing the political environment.”
He criticized opposition leaders for what he described as “undemocratic tendencies” and urged Nigerians to scrutinize their intentions ahead of the next elections.
“The political stage is gradually being set, but the real contest is not now. President Tinubu remains committed to governance and is undistracted by political noise.
“His focus is on improving the lives of Nigerians and building a resilient economy,” Dare added.
Concluding his remarks, Dare emphasized, “This is 2025, not 2027. If anyone wants to prove their popularity, they should wait for the next general elections.
“For now, the President is dedicated to delivering transformative leadership for the country.”
