Joe Igbokwe Says Tinubu Spent 20 Years Preparing for Presidency, Dismisses 2027 Opposition

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Joe Igbokwe, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains politically unassailable ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Igbokwe made the remarks in a Facebook post where he argued that Tinubu’s political journey to the presidency was the result of over two decades of strategic preparation and patience.

“Without sounding immodest, I can tell you that PBAT has no rival,” he wrote, referring to the president by his initials. “There is no magic that will make people stand with you if you do not have anything to bring to the table. There is always a payday for every good work. Victory beckons for PBAT.”

According to him, the idea that Tinubu could be unseated in 2027 exists only in the imagination of the opposition.

“He Marked His Time”

Igbokwe emphasised that Tinubu’s rise to Nigeria’s highest office was neither accidental nor rushed. He said the president deliberately waited for the right political moment before contesting.

“He marked his time for more than 20 years, waiting for the right time to throw his hat into the ring. It came in 2023,” Igbokwe stated.

Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State and long-time political power broker, officially declared his presidential ambition in 2022 after years of speculation. He went on to win the 2023 presidential election under the APC platform.

Igbokwe further claimed that the president is now “reworking Nigeria” and questioned the opposition’s capacity to mount a serious challenge.

“Now, in your wildest imaginations, you think you will unseat him. Where is the muscle?” he asked.

Divided Public Reactions

The statement has triggered mixed reactions across social and political spaces.

Supporters of the president argue that Tinubu’s long political experience — spanning his time as senator in the Third Republic, governor between 1999 and 2007, and later as a key figure in opposition coalition-building that led to the APC’s formation — demonstrates resilience, patience, and strategic depth.

Some observers note that his role in shaping Lagos State’s modern political and economic structure and in fostering alliances that reshaped Nigeria’s party system points to deliberate long-term positioning.

Critics, however, have questioned whether the president’s years of preparation have translated into improved governance outcomes. Detractors argue that Nigerians are currently grappling with high living costs, inflation, and economic reforms that have imposed short-term hardship on households and businesses.

Several commentators online also pointed out that with nearly two years remaining in the current term, public focus should remain on governance delivery rather than early campaign rhetoric.

Early 2027 Positioning

Although the next presidential election is still over a year away, political conversations about 2027 have already intensified. Both ruling party loyalists and opposition figures appear to be testing narratives and mobilising support bases.

Analysts say such early positioning is typical in Nigeria’s political cycle, particularly in a highly competitive and personality-driven system. While incumbency often provides structural advantages, electoral outcomes ultimately depend on voter sentiment, coalition-building, and the state of the economy closer to election season.

For now, Igbokwe’s comments underscore the confidence within segments of the APC that Tinubu’s political structure remains formidable. Whether that confidence translates into electoral dominance in 2027 will depend largely on governance performance and public perception in the months ahead.