By Asaye Bankole
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a swipe at opposition leaders, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, accusing them of lacking the political structures and grassroots support required to challenge his re-election bid in the 2027 general elections.
The President, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the remarks on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally held at the Ondo State Sports Complex.
D Chronicle Media was present at the historic political gathering to cover the event, which attracted prominent political leaders, government officials, party stakeholders, supporters and other dignitaries from across Ondo State and beyond.
Speaking at the rally, Tinubu criticised the opposition parties, particularly Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, claiming that their political activities had largely been restricted to social media platforms, especially Facebook, while the APC continued to strengthen its nationwide mobilisation and grassroots political structures.
According to the President, Atiku had allegedly failed to secure the support of influential political figures in his home state of Adamawa, including former governors and other prominent political stakeholders.
“All opposition have been conducting their campaigns on Facebook. Atiku Abubakar has not been able to put his state in order, to the extent that all former governors of the state are not in alignment with him,” Tinubu said.
He further questioned Atiku’s political influence in Adamawa State, arguing that the alleged lack of support from former governors and influential political actors demonstrated the challenges facing his presidential ambition.
The President also criticised Peter Obi, questioning his record in public office and his capacity to convince Nigerians to support his political aspiration in 2027.
“Just like Peter Obi, who has no tangible achievement in his records than obnoxious data, how can he offer anything?” he queried.
Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the growing support for the APC across the country, recalling the impressive attendance recorded at previous campaign rallies in Kaduna, Cross River, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Ebonyi states.
He commended Ondo APC members and supporters for the massive turnout at the Akure rally, urging party leaders to put aside internal disagreements and work together towards securing victory in the forthcoming presidential election.
The President challenged the party’s leadership in Ondo State to mobilise effectively, noting that the state had approximately 2.1 million registered voters and should work towards delivering at least 1.2 million votes for the APC.
He also charged Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who serves as the state coordinator of the presidential campaign, to maintain an open-door policy and ensure that all party leaders and stakeholders were given opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the campaign.
TUNJI-OJO’S ROLE IN TINUBU’S 2027 RE-ELECTION BID
A major point of political interest at the rally was the contribution and commitment of the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, towards strengthening the APC’s political structure and supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambition to secure a second term in office in 2027.
Tunji-Ojo has remained an influential political figure in Ondo State, with his political standing and relationship with party stakeholders making him an important voice in the mobilisation efforts ahead of the next general election.
His support for the President’s re-election ambition reflects the importance of political collaboration, grassroots engagement and effective mobilisation in consolidating the APC’s electoral strength across Ondo State and the South-West.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the minister’s political influence and commitment to the party’s success are expected to remain significant factors in efforts to secure widespread support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR MASSIVE SUPPORT
Earlier, the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, highlighted the representation of Ondo State in the Federal Executive Council, noting that the state had three ministers serving in President Tinubu’s administration.
He specifically mentioned the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; and Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.
Yilwatda urged the people of Ondo State to reciprocate the Federal Government’s recognition and representation by voting massively for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
AIYEDATIWA REAFFIRMS ONDO’S SUPPORT
In his address, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed Ondo State’s commitment to delivering one million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The governor appreciated the President for what he described as progressive policies and reforms aimed at transforming the country’s economic fortunes.
He also called on APC members and supporters across the state to remain united, committed and focused on the party’s electoral objectives.
The rally was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu; APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; alongside other APC national and state leaders, government officials, elected representatives, party chieftains and supporters.
The Akure rally further demonstrated the APC’s determination to consolidate its political structures in Ondo State and mobilise support ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
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