Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South, has stated that President Bola Tinubu is not concerned about recent criticisms from key political figures. He dismissed comments made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.
Amaechi recently urged Nigerians to remain vigilant in the 2027 elections, suggesting that politicians, including Tinubu, might not easily give up power. Meanwhile, El-Rufai criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), calling it a “zero-man show” and urging opposition parties to unite against it. Atiku also accused the Presidency of offering N50 million bribes to weaken opposition parties, though most denied the claim.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Senator Ibrahim said Tinubu is not worried about these criticisms. He argued that opposition remarks do not affect governance.
“If Atiku claims there were bribes, he should provide evidence. We respond to facts, not just stories,” Ibrahim said. He also questioned El-Rufai’s stance, asking, “Is El-Rufai suggesting Tinubu lacks legitimacy now or in 2027? If not, then why is he complaining?”
Ibrahim suggested that most of these criticisms come from party members who are unhappy because they lost out in the 2023 elections. He dismissed fears of politicians leaving the APC, insisting that more people are actually joining the party.
“When I didn’t get the governorship ticket in Ondo, did I cause problems for the government?” he asked. He also hinted that a sitting governor is planning to join the APC soon, though he did not mention any names.
Senator Ibrahim believes that opposition criticism will not shake Tinubu’s government and that the APC remains strong despite some internal disagreements. He assured that the party continues to gain more members and is not weakened by defections.
In his view, governance legitimacy does not depend on what opposition figures say. He believes Tinubu will continue to focus on his administration, regardless of political attacks.
