RismadarVoice Reporters, May 25, 2026
Veteran journalist and former presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary as a strong display of political influence and strategic dominance ahead of the 2027 general election.
Abati made the remarks while reacting to the outcome of the party’s primary election, where Tinubu emerged as APC’s presidential candidate with over 11 million votes, defeating his only challenger, Stanley Osifo, who polled a significantly lower number of votes.
Speaking during Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Abati said Tinubu had once again demonstrated why he remains a major force in Nigerian politics, suggesting that his political methods and tactical approach deserve closer study.
“I think we should get to a point in this country where we should start a Tinubu School of Politics and Strategy,” Abati said.
According to him, the outcome of the APC primary sent a clear political message to both allies and opposition parties, portraying Tinubu as firmly in control of his political structure.
“What President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done over the weekend is to show that he is the owner of the game,” he stated.
Abati noted that Tinubu’s overwhelming victory could create what he described as a “demonstration effect” for opposition parties and their potential candidates.
He argued that if Tinubu could command over 11 million votes from within his party structure, opposition politicians preparing for the 2027 race would now face the challenge of presenting stronger numbers and broader political support.
He specifically referenced political figures across other parties, including aspirants expected to emerge from opposition platforms, suggesting that they now have a higher benchmark to overcome.
However, while acknowledging the political significance of Tinubu’s victory, Abati also raised concerns about aspects of the primary process.
He questioned the scale of the figures recorded, particularly against the backdrop of reported logistical issues and counting challenges observed during some of the party’s exercises across states.
“And yet during the various events that you have seen over the weekend, even counting basic numbers appeared to be a challenge,” he said.
Abati also pointed to reports of disagreements and protests surrounding the adoption of consensus and direct primary methods in some areas, saying those developments reflected concerns within parts of the party structure.
Despite those observations, he maintained that from a strategic perspective, the APC’s primary outcome had strengthened Tinubu’s political position ahead of the next election cycle.
The result, political observers say, further reinforces Tinubu’s standing within the ruling party as attention gradually shifts toward the broader contest expected to shape the 2027 presidential race.
