A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has stirred fresh political debate after declaring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no realistic pathway to re-election in 2027.
Speaking on Politics Today, Rhodes-Vivour claimed that data from credible polls already suggests the president would struggle to win another term.
“I have looked at data… there is no pathway for the president to emerge victorious,” he said.
Claims of Declining Support
According to him, regions that played a key role in Tinubu’s 2023 victory are already shifting politically. He pointed specifically to the North, which contributed a significant portion of the president’s votes, saying the situation there is rapidly changing.
He also criticised the current administration, describing it as one that primarily serves a select group rather than the broader Nigerian population.
“You have a government that is just for the ‘city boys’… it’s his cronies that are in charge,” he added.
Allegations Against the Presidency
Rhodes-Vivour further alleged that the president is encouraging internal crises within opposition parties as a strategy to weaken them ahead of the next election.
“The goal is to create a situation where he is the only viable candidate on the ballot… but he is not going to succeed,” he claimed.
ADC–INEC Tensions Deepen
His comments come amid growing tension between the ADC and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Recently, INEC removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as chairman and secretary of the party from its portal, citing a court order.
The ADC has strongly rejected the move, accusing the electoral body of misinterpreting the ruling.
Opposition Leaders Take Action
In response, several prominent political figures staged a protest at INEC headquarters in Abuja under the banner “Save Nigeria Democracy.”
Notable attendees included:
- Peter Obi
- Atiku Abubakar
- Rotimi Amaechi
- Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
- Aminu Tambuwal
Hundreds of supporters, including members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, also joined the demonstration, highlighting rising political tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
