Performance, weak opposition key to Tinubu’s return in 2027 —Hon. Odubote

Hon. Lanre Odubote is a former member of the House of Representatives, represented Epe federal constituency, and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview with GBENGA OLUMIDE, he spoke about President Bola Tinubu’s performance, what qualifies him to win 2027 presidential election, among other sundry issues. Excerpts:

What makes you confident that President Bola Tinubu will be re-elected in 2027?

It is obvious that the President is poised for a comeback. I have not seen any serious opposition party capable of defeating the APC. The party is organised, focused and disciplined.

President Tinubu’s performance in the last three years will also work in his favour. He has introduced reforms in the economy and polity and addressed several issues in the oil and gas sector. Fuel supply has stabilised, while the government has introduced CNG buses, is expanding CNG infrastructure across the country.

The reduction in interest rates by the Central Bank of Nigeria is another positive development that should help businesses. There are also several road infrastructure projects across the country.

The economy has stabilised, and there is growing confidence in the reforms. The response to the Dangote Refinery IPO is an indication that investors still see Nigeria as a viable economic and business destination. Lecturers are also no longer going on prolonged strikes, which has brought some stability to the academic calendar.

So, you do not think the opposition can still defeat the President?

We are talking about an opposition that has no solid base. To mount a credible challenge, the opposition must have a strong structure across the country. What I see are opposition politicians making noise.

Take Peter Obi, for instance. He has presented himself as the best alternative to the current government, but I am always amused when I see him brandishing what I consider as false figures and statistics. I was a member of the House of Representatives and served on the Environment Committee between 2011 and 2015. During an oversight visit to Anambra State, what I saw made me question some of the claims associated with his administration. So, I do not see him as a serious threat.

 What about a possible alliance between Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso?

Obi, combined with Kwankwaso, cannot mount an impactful challenge to the APC because President Tinubu has the experience. I remember how he organised us in the Federal House when we were in opposition. We were a minority, particularly those of us in the South-West caucus, but by the time we were leaving, we had brought smaller groups together and strengthened our position. That eventually contributed to the emergence of Aminu Tambuwal as Speaker of the House.

That experience of coalition-building is one of President Tinubu’s strengths.

What about former Vice President Atiku Abubakar?

Atiku is not a threat to President Tinubu’s re-election. His major problem is political instability. He has moved from one party to another, and that gives the impression of desperation.

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I do not see him making much impact in the election, even in the North or Adamawa State, where he comes from. The governor of Adamawa is an APC member.

SWAGA was instrumental in encouraging Tinubu to contest in 2023. What role will the group play ahead of 2027?

We are now in the second phase of our agenda, which we call SWAGA 2.0. Our role is to continue encouraging the President to contest because we believe, given the situation in the country, there is a need for him to continue his stewardship.

Apart from his performance, we believe that since the North, through former President Muhammadu Buhari, spent two terms in office, the South, through President Tinubu, should also be allowed to complete its full term. After that, power can return to the North and, when it comes back to the South, the South-East should have an opportunity.

How difficult was it to convince Tinubu to contest in 2023?

He changed his mind when he saw how we were moving from one place to another campaigning for him. The media was also very helpful. They followed our activities and publicised what we were doing. I do not think President Tinubu would have contested without our advocacy. At the time, many people in the Buhari administration wanted to succeed him. But we saw their political deficiencies and decided it was better to put forward our own candidate. That was why we started SWAGA.

Has President Tinubu met your expectations?

If he had not met our expectations, we would not be campaigning for him again. We started the process several months ago with the launch of SWAGA 2.0 because we believe he deserves another term.

Dr Obafemi Hamzat has emerged as the APC’s governorship candidate in Lagos. How do you assess his candidature?

Hamzat is fortunate to be the candidate we are projecting. He is a technocrat with a strong political pedigree.

He is a product of a political family in Lagos. His father, Alhaji Olatunji Hamzat, was a prominent political figure and a disciple of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande during the Second Republic.

I started politics in the SDP in 1991 when I contested for the Lagos State House of Assembly. We met his father around the political circle of Alhaji Jakande, so I believe Hamzat grew up understanding the nuances of politics.

He has also spent eight years as deputy governor and has served as a commissioner and special adviser. He therefore understands the civil service, revenue generation and the economic potential of Lagos. I have no doubt about his capacity to move the state forward.

Do you consider his father one of the architects of modern Lagos?

Yes. His father was involved in the Metroline project, which, if it had been completed, would have significantly improved transportation in Lagos.

I therefore see Hamzat’s emergence as an opportunity to further develop rail transportation and other infrastructure in the state.

What advice would you give him as he prepares to become governor?

The economic development of Lagos should be his priority. Lagos is home to Nigerians from every part of the country, so he must take its diversity and cosmopolitan nature into consideration in his decisions. He should also disband the various caucuses and work to reconcile the different groups within the party. All aggrieved members should be brought together so that everyone can work towards the development of Lagos State.