Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure significant support from the South East in the 2027 elections, insisting that the much-discussed “Obi factor” will not affect the outcome.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Shittu said, “And today, if you know the amount of votes that will be coming from even the South East for APC, you’ll be shocked.”
Shittu argued that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is gaining ground in the region. He pointed to the influence of key figures such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Minister of Works Dave Umahi, whom he credited with swaying sentiment in favour of Tinubu.
“Even the people from the South East, with the efforts of people like Dave Umahi and the Senate President and so many others, a lot of people are getting convinced to come the Tinubu route,” Shittu said.
Pressed on whether Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, remained a factor in the region, Shittu dismissed the notion outright.
“It doesn’t matter,” he declared. “What is important is for him [Tinubu] to win. Even if to win by 10 votes, I can assure you that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is going to win.”
Shittu acknowledged the economic hardship currently facing Nigerians, citing soaring fuel prices and the naira’s steep depreciation. However, he argued that the situation was the result of years of mismanagement and maintained that Tinubu’s policies would yield benefits in the long run.
“Nigerians are not finding it easy. But I want to say this with authority and sincerity: a lot of the initiatives of Tinubu now, Nigerians will come to thank him sooner than later,” he said.
Melissa Enoch
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