2027: 'Tinubu not tired', Yilwatda fires back at Obi's resignation call

Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is at the centre of a heated exchange with Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi over President Bola Tinubu's fitness for office ahead of the 2027 elections. For Yilwatda, Obi's call for Tinubu to step down due to exhaustion is not only misplaced but also ignores the tangible benefits millions of Nigerians are reaping from the administration's policies.

Yilwatda's dismissal of Obi's suggestion is rooted in the concrete numbers and projects that demonstrate the administration's commitment to national development. The APC chairman cited the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which is expected to transform the nation's transportation infrastructure, and the development of new seaports in Calabar, Akwa Ibom, Port Harcourt, Ondo, and Lagos. These projects, according to Yilwatda, are evidence of the administration's focus on delivering its agenda, and it's hard to see how anyone benefiting from these initiatives would advocate for Tinubu's retirement.

Yilwatda's statement that President Tinubu is "not tired" resonates with the broader narrative around age and fatigue in Nigerian politics. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the debate around the president's age and fitness for office has been a contentious issue. While some have argued that Tinubu's advanced age makes him less equipped to lead the country, Yilwatda's comments suggest that the administration remains committed to delivering its vision for Nigeria, regardless of the president's age. This sentiment is likely to resonate with APC supporters, who see Tinubu's leadership as a key factor in the party's success.

Yilwatda's response to Obi's call for Tinubu to step down marks a significant shift in the APC's communication strategy ahead of the 2027 elections. The APC chairman's emphasis on the administration's achievements and the benefits they have brought to millions of Nigerians is a clear attempt to shift the narrative away from the president's age and towards the party's policies and track record. This approach is likely to be adopted by other APC leaders and candidates in the lead-up to the elections, as they seek to position themselves as the party best equipped to deliver on its promises.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the exchange between Yilwatda and Obi is likely to be a defining moment in the campaign. The APC's ability to effectively communicate its achievements and connect with voters will be crucial in determining the party's chances of success. With Yilwatda's comments setting the tone for the party's response to criticisms of Tinubu's age and fitness for office, it's clear that the APC is committed to defending its leader and its policies. However, the question remains: will this strategy be enough to convince voters that Tinubu remains the right man for the job?

As the APC continues to push back against criticisms of Tinubu's age and fitness for office, it's clear that the party is banking on the president's track record and the benefits his administration has brought to millions of Nigerians. With the 2027 elections just around the corner, the stakes are high, and the APC's ability to effectively communicate its message will be crucial in determining the party's chances of success.