Tinubu faces no strong 2027 opposition, says group, warning Jonathan against re-entering politics amid legal battles and growing political resistance.
Tinubu faces no strong 2027 opposition, a pro-presidency group declared on Tuesday, insisting the next election is already a “done deal” for the ruling All Progressives Congress.
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Speaking in Akure during the inauguration of grassroots structures across Ondo State, the Progressive Network for Tinubu (PNT) dismissed speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan could return to contest in 2027, calling it both unrealistic and politically unwise.
Olumide Obadele, Director-General of the group, said: “The Constitution is clear. If Jonathan insists on running, it will only end in embarrassment. No serious opposition exists today that can pose a threat to President Tinubu.”
His comments come amid rumours that Jonathan may be eyeing a comeback under a yet-to-be-announced political party. This followed a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, seeking a perpetual injunction to stop Jonathan from contesting.
Obadele argued that the main opposition parties — including the PDP and Labour Party — are politically irrelevant, describing them as “on life support” and “incapable of mounting any real challenge.”
He added that Tinubu faces no strong 2027 opposition due to the ruling party’s dominance and the perceived disorganisation of its rivals.
PNT also outlined its efforts to boost grassroots mobilisation, lamenting voter apathy in the South-West during the last elections, where turnout remained low.
“We want Yoruba land to stand solidly behind Asiwaju. We’re taking his message into every community,” Obadele said.
However, the brewing legal battle has triggered sharp criticism from civil society. In Delta State, the Young Nigerian Rights Organisation called the lawsuit against Jonathan “a politically motivated distraction” and urged the courts to throw it out.
Victor Ojei, the group’s Director-General, argued that Jonathan’s initial rise to the presidency in 2010 was through constitutional succession, not a direct election, and should not be counted as a full term.
“This case lacks legal merit and moral standing,” Ojei said in a statement. “The plaintiff has suffered no injury and cannot dictate another citizen’s democratic rights. It’s judicial theatre, not justice.”
Ojei warned that preemptively excluding citizens from contesting elections undermines the very foundation of democratic participation.
He urged the judiciary to guard against becoming a political tool, insisting that “courts must remain the last hope of the common man, not the first stop for political vendettas.”
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As the 2027 election draws nearer, debates over electoral laws, succession eligibility, and political fairness are likely to intensify — but for now, the Tinubu camp appears confident that the road ahead is clear of serious challengers.
