By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) at the weekend said President Bola Tinubu remains untroubled by recent criticisms from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
Amaechi had urged Nigerians to be vigilant in defending their mandate during the 2027 election, warning that politicians, including the current President, would not easily relinquish power.
El-Rufai, on his part, criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a “zero-man show.”
He also called on opposition parties to unite and form a coalition to challenge the ruling party and protect democracy.
Atiku accused the Presidency of offering a N50 million bribe to opposition parties to undermine their structures ahead of the 2027 election, though most political platforms denied the allegation.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ibrahim dismissed the concerns, asserting that Tinubu was unfazed by the criticisms.
“Is El-Rufai saying that Tinubu doesn’t have legitimacy now and in 2027? If the answer is no, what are you worrying yourself about?” Ibrahim questioned. “If Atiku says people give bribes, he needs to provide evidence. We deal with empirical evidence to do reaction. We don’t react by narratives.”
He emphasised that the legitimacy of governance remains intact despite opposition sentiments.
“The key point is that the opposition will say whatever they want to say. But that does not take away the legitimacy of governance. I don’t think Tinubu is bothered by all the comments and sentiments that have been expressed,” he added.
Addressing El-Rufai’s criticism, Ibrahim said: “El-Rufai was in the National Assembly to be cleared as a minister and answered questions. At the end of the day, he didn’t get the ministerial appointment, probably because of some challenges or whatever happened.
“Another time, he claimed he had never applied to be a minister. If you don’t apply to be a minister, who forced you to come to the National Assembly? It’s not about whether he was treated fairly or not. It’s about the issue of security.”
The senator also questioned the motives of those criticising the current administration, suggesting they were mainly aggrieved party members and candidates who lost in the 2023 election.
He further dismissed fears about defections from the APC, noting that for every member who leaves, more join from opposition parties. “Look, when I contested the governorship election in Ondo State and didn’t get the ticket, did I gather a storm and destroy the government?” he asked.
Highlighting the influx of new members, he said: “This argument is one-sided. What about those from the PDP who have joined us? How many governors have crossed to APC, and how many of them are still planning to come? How many senators have left there?”
When asked if more Governors were considering joining the APC, Ibrahim affirmed: “Of course. A sitting governor is planning to come to the APC. I don’t want to mention names so that I don’t embarrass people.”
Recalling a previous prediction, Ibrahim concluded: “When I came here the last time, I told you Donald Trump would win the US election. You shouted at me.