Sunday Dare, former Minister of Sports and Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, has dismissed recent remarks made by Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, regarding the 2027 presidential election.
El-Rufai had asserted that an opposition coalition would oust President Tinubu and send him “back to Lagos” during the 2027 polls. However, speaking in an interview on the Mic On Podcast released on Saturday, Dare said el-Rufai’s influence does not outweigh the collective voice of Nigerian voters.
“Is El-Rufai 110 million Nigerians who will vote? How many voters does el-Rufai command? Even if he commands them, can he decide who they will cast their vote for?” Dare asked.
“I have respect for him, but this idea to equate El-Rufai with Nigeria and millions of votes is an overreach,” he added.
Dare emphasized that many other politicians command wider influence and voter reach.
“There are politicians who command larger votes, better influence, and are key to the transformation taking place in this country,” he said. “El-Rufai is not bigger than any other Nigerian because everybody has a stake in the country.”
Dare firmly stated that President Tinubu will be re-elected in 2027, citing ongoing reforms and economic policies as key drivers.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be re-elected in 2027, primarily because of the policies and reforms he put in place,” he said.
Dare argued that Tinubu’s reforms are laying the groundwork for long-term national development, though their full impact may take years to be felt.
“Experts have predicted that Nigerians will feel the impact of Tinubu’s reforms between four and six years,” he said.
“When you look at the alignment of policies, touching on key sectors of the economy, the solid minerals, for instance, lithium and copper… the president has given focus to that sector.”
He added that significant changes are already being recorded across various sectors.
“In the oil sector, the story before now is different from what it is now; including the educational sector, agriculture, and health sectors. As we speak, 5,000 primary health centres are being reinvigorated. Already, 1,000 are fully operational.”
“Look at the sheer number of policies and initiatives that this administration has onboarded in just two years, you will see a leadership adept and conversant with development.”
“But more critically, (Tinubu) is a president who understands that this giant (Nigeria) has been punching below its belt.”
According to Dare, Tinubu is addressing longstanding challenges that have stunted the country’s progress.
“He is confronting the devils that have held the country down,” he said.
“As a leader, you have the choice to choose between embracing populism or forgoing populism and doing what is right for the country and the people.”
Dare argued that like historical leaders who implemented tough but necessary reforms, Tinubu is choosing the difficult path for long-term national benefit.
“People don’t like comparing us (Nigeria) to other leaders. No. Leaders are leaders. Lee Kuan Yew and others. Margaret Thatcher and others. They came and made a difference because they chose the road less travelled.”
“When Margaret Thatcher left, she was the most unpopular person, but Britain looks back today and picks out some of her policies and says she was ahead of others.”
“He (Tinubu) just wants to make sure that he turns things around and improves the economy of this country. He is somebody who believes that without a strong economy, nothing else would work.”
