Tinubu: “Do Not Repeat The Political Miscalculations Associated With 2015–NDI-ABAT

According to a report by Vanguard, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, a political group, Ndigbo for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (NDI-ABAT), has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against depending heavily on state governors as the foundation of his 2027 re-election campaign, urging him to establish stronger direct relationships with Nigerians and develop independent political structures across the country.

The group maintained that relying primarily on governors and other political office holders could expose the President to political difficulties, particularly if those expected to support his re-election eventually pursue personal interests.

It advised Tinubu to strengthen his political connections with ordinary citizens rather than assume that the support publicly expressed by governors would automatically translate into electoral commitment.

The group also stressed the importance of building a political network capable of operating independently of the interests and calculations of individual office holders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

NDI-ABAT gave the advice while drawing attention to the political experience of former President Goodluck Jonathan, whose re-election campaign ended in defeat during the 2015 presidential election.

The group argued that Tinubu should study the circumstances surrounding Jonathan’s electoral experience and avoid making similar political calculations ahead of his planned re-election bid.

According to the organisation, excessive dependence on governors and influential political office holders could create difficulties for an incumbent president if their public declarations of support do not reflect their actual political commitments.

It maintained that political leaders should understand that alliances can be influenced by personal interests, political survival and other considerations.

The group therefore urged Tinubu to approach his political relationships with caution while preparing for the 2027 presidential contest.

The warning was contained in a statement jointly signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dim Uche Okwukwu.

In the statement, NDI-ABAT cautioned the President against assuming that the political loyalty expressed by governors and other elected officials would necessarily remain consistent throughout the election period.

The group maintained that political support should not be taken for granted, particularly when the interests of individual politicians could influence their decisions.

It also expressed concern that some political office holders might publicly identify with Tinubu’s re-election project while pursuing different political interests privately.

According to the group, such a situation could create a gap between the support declared publicly and the actual commitment of those involved in the President’s political campaign.

NDI-ABAT further alleged that some governors who had publicly associated themselves with Tinubu’s re-election project were secretly supporting opposition candidates.

The organisation claimed that certain political leaders could express loyalty to the President during public engagements while working towards the success of his opponents behind the scenes.

It described the situation as a political arrangement in which governors could maintain their public association with the President while privately pursuing interests that might not align with his re-election ambitions.

The group argued that such political behaviour could create challenges for the APC’s preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It therefore urged Tinubu to pay closer attention to the activities and commitments of political allies rather than relying solely on public declarations of support from governors and other influential politicians.

The group also advised Tinubu to examine the political developments surrounding the 2015 presidential election and consider the lessons that could be drawn from Jonathan’s experience.

It maintained that managing political alliances, party structures and competing interests would be important as the President prepares for the next general election.

NDI-ABAT stressed that building a strong political foundation should involve establishing direct connections with Nigerians and strengthening structures that would not depend entirely on state governors.

It further argued that political support from office holders should be assessed based on their actual commitment rather than public statements or appearances at political events.

The organisation maintained that the President needed to recognise the possibility of conflicting interests among political allies and take such considerations into account when organising his re-election campaign.

NDI-ABAT reiterated its position by urging Tinubu not to repeat what it described as the political miscalculations associated with the 2015 presidential election.

The group maintained that the President should avoid placing excessive confidence in governors and should not automatically interpret their public support as a guarantee of political commitment.

It also emphasised the need for Tinubu to strengthen his relationship with Nigerians and develop political structures capable of supporting his campaign independently of individual office holders.

The said, “Our advice to President Tinubu is clear: Do not repeat the political miscalculations associated with 2015. Do not put excessive reliance on the governors. Do not confuse public loyalty with guaranteed commitment.”

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