Dr. Josef Onoh, the former southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition led by opposition heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, is not the primary threat to his re-election bid.
He cautioned the real danger against Tinubu’s 2027 reelection bid lies within largely non-performing cabinet members.
He alleged many of the Ministers have personal ambitions and do not champion the administration’s achievements jeopardising Tinubu’s chances in 2027.
He argued the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike stands out and has consistently and publicly defended President Tinubu against the ADC coalition’s aggressive campaign.
Wike un a recent a recent thanksgiving service at St. James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, dismissed the coalition’s motives, accusing its leaders of pursuing personal gain rather than national interest.
He challenged the credibility of the opposition leaders, stating that they want to rescue their stomach instead of Nigeria. Wike used the opportunity to highlight Tinubu’s achievements, such as the rehabilitation of the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre and the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Structure.
“Wike’s vocal defense stands in stark contrast to the deafening silence from other ministers. I find it alarming that at a time when the opposition is mobilizing under the ADC banner, the majority of Tinubu’s cabinet members remain mute, failing to counter the coalition’s narrative or promote the administration’s successes.
“This lack of unity and loyalty within the cabinet can erode public confidence. Also poor ministerial performance is a liability for 2027,” Onoh warned
The Tinubu’s 2023 campaign spokesman in the South East has repeatedly criticised what he described as the underwhelming performance of many ministers, arguing that their inability to deliver tangible results weakens the administration’s case for re-election.
Onoh argued some of the Ministers tasked with implementing Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, have not demonstrated the capacity to mobilise grassroots support for the President’s re-election.
“Without visible achievements or a compelling narrative from the cabinet, the APC risks losing ground to the ADC coalition, which is capitalizing on public discontent to position itself as a viable alternative,” he cautioned.
“An incumbent minister has openly declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in on of the south west states, signaling a shift in focus from his ministerial duties to personal political goals. Similarly, other Ministers are reportedly eyeing governorship races or other political offices in their home states, diverting their energy from advancing Tinubu’s agenda.
“This pursuit of personal ambition, undermines the cohesion and effectiveness of the cabinet. Ministers preoccupied with their own political futures are unlikely to invest in mobilizing support for Tinubu’s re-election or promoting his administration’s achievements. This internal disarray could prove fatal in 2027, as a fragmented cabinet fails to present a united front against a determined opposition coalition.”
He emphasised that a cabinet that does not share the President’s vision is a ticking time bomb, stressing that the lack of synergy among Ministers, coupled with their failure to actively promote Tinubu’s achievements, creates a vacuum that the ADC coalition is exploiting.
Onoh argued qthat the coalition’s energy stems from the administration’s inability to effectively communicate its successes.
“For instance, Tinubu’s reforms, such as the removal of the fuel subsidy, increased state allocations, and advancements in infrastructure, have been cited as significant achievements by supporters like Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“Yet, these milestones are rarely amplified by cabinet members or heads of agencies, leaving the public unaware of the progress made.
He warned that failure to act swiftly could affect 2027, as the opposition continues to gain traction.
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Onoh further criticised heads of government agencies for their failure to promote Tinubu’s achievements.
“Agencies responsible for key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure have not effectively communicated the impact of policies such as the student loan initiative or increased oil production. This silence allows the opposition to paint a one-sided picture of failure, further fueling public discontent,” he lamented.
Onoh argued that agency heads, like ministers, must be held accountable for their role in advancing the administration’s agenda. Their failure to highlight tangible results undermines Tinubu’s re-election prospects and strengthens the ADC coalition’s narrative of a government in disarray.
According to him: “Cabinet reshuffle is not just a necessity but an urgent imperative to ensure that his team is aligned with his vision and capable of countering the opposition’s momentum. The ADC coalition, while formidable, is not Tinubu’s greatest challenge. The real danger lies in a cabinet and administration that fail to deliver, communicate, or unite behind their leader.
“Failure to do so could hand the opposition the ammunition they need to derail Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. The clock is ticking, and the president must act now to secure his legacy and Nigeria’s future. Mr. President, you are a general alone, leading compromised soldiers to battle.”
