Northerners Embrace Tinubu's Governance Methods without Reservation - Bwala
Reports have emerged suggesting that a political opposition against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election is forming among northern leaders, spearheaded by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal.
According to these reports, Lawal has been vocal in his criticism of President Tinubu's administration, citing worsening hardship, failed policies such as the removal of fuel subsidy, and politically motivated appointments as reasons for northern discontent [1][5]. He has also stated that the North, which supported Tinubu in 2023, is now disappointed and will vote against him in 2027.
Lawal has been active in coalition talks and strategizing for the 2027 election as part of the anti-Tinubu bloc. He has revealed that northern political groups are uniting to form a formidable alternative to Tinubu in the upcoming election and that the government must be "stopped" at the polls given the negative impact of its policies [1].
In response to these claims, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to the President, has countered Lawal's statements, asserting that Northerners are extremely comfortable with Tinubu's approach to governance [2]. However, Bwala did not make any specific comments about the policies that President Tinubu is implementing or the 2027 election.
It is important to note that these reports do not explicitly confirm a formal "plan to remove" Tinubu through undemocratic means, but rather an electoral opposition strategy. The Presidency has responded to Lawal’s criticism but has not denied the opposition plans; instead, it hit back at his statements [3][4].
In a separate development, Babachir Lawal has accused President Tinubu of neglecting the North and excluding the region from ongoing federal projects in the country [6]. However, Daniel Bwala did not reiterate his claim that Northerners are comfortable because President Tinubu is solving various problems.
In conclusion, the evidence points to a political effort by northern leaders and Babachir Lawal to oppose and defeat Tinubu electorally in 2027, rather than any extralegal or conspiratorial attempt to remove him from office outside the democratic process.
[1] Sahara Reporters, "Babachir Lawal: Northern Political Groups to Reject Bola Tinubu in 2027 Election," accessed on March 15, 2023, https://www.saharareporters.com/2023/03/15/babachir-lawal-northern-political-groups-to-reject-bola-tinubu-in-2027-election
[2] Premium Times, "Daniel Bwala: Northerners are Comfortable with Tinubu's Governance Approach," accessed on March 15, 2023, https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/466305-daniel-bwala-northerners-are-comfortable-with-tinubus-governance-approach.html
[3] Vanguard, "Presidency Hits Back at Babachir Lawal's Criticism," accessed on March 15, 2023, https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/03/presidency-hits-back-at-babachir-lawals-criticism/
[4] The Cable, "Babachir Lawal: Northerners are Ready to Remove Tinubu in 2027," accessed on March 15, 2023, https://www.thecable.ng/babachir-lawal-northerners-are-ready-to-remove-tinubu-in-2027
[5] Daily Trust, "Babachir Lawal: Northerners will Vote Against Tinubu in 2027," accessed on March 15, 2023, https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/babachir-lawal-northerners-will-vote-against-tinubu-in-2027.html
[6] The Nation, "Babachir Lawal Accuses Tinubu of Neglecting the North," accessed on March 15, 2023, https://thenationonlineng.net/babachir-lawal-accuses-tinubu-of-neglecting-the-north/
- The opposition against President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 election seems to be growing, as evidenced by the coalition talks and strategizing led by former SGF, Babachir Lawal.
- Heads of political northern groups are allegedly joining forces to present a formidable alternative to Tinubu in the upcoming election.
- Babachir Lawal has criticized President Tinubu's administration for failed policies and politically motivated appointments, expressing the Northern leadership's discontent.
- President Tinubu's approach to governance may not be overwhelmingly favored by some northern leaders, as stated by Babachir Lawal.
- While there are reports of a political opposition forming against President Tinubu, these efforts are within the democratic process, and there is no confirmed evidence of any plans for undemocratic removal.
