Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has downplayed recent remarks by ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who said that a united opposition would unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking during an episode of Mic On Podcast aired on Saturday, Dare, who currently serves as the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, said El-Rufai’s influence is no greater than that of any other Nigerian and should not be exaggerated.
He said, “ “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?”
“I have respect for him, but this idea to equate El-Rufai with Nigeria and millions of votes is an overreach.”
The politician stressed that many other politicians across the country wield greater influence and are more instrumental to Nigeria’s progress under Tinubu’s leadership.
He said, “El-Rufai is not bigger than any other Nigerian because everybody has a stake in the country.”
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be re-elected in 2027, primarily because of the policies and reforms he put in place.”
Reaffirming confidence in Tinubu’s re-election prospects, Dare said the president’s ongoing reforms across sectors will serve as the foundation for a second term.
He said, “ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be re-elected in 2027, primarily because of the policies and reforms he put in place.”
Dare highlighted major efforts in sectors such as solid minerals—particularly lithium and copper—oil and gas, education, health, and agriculture.
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.”
“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.”
According to Dare, Tinubu’s leadership is developmental and focused on difficult but necessary decisions that aim to move Nigeria forward.
He drew parallels between Tinubu and global reformist leaders such as Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore and Margaret Thatcher of the UK—figures who faced resistance during their tenure but were later recognized for transformative legacies.
The politician said, “ He drew parallels between Tinubu and global reformist leaders such as Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore and Margaret Thatcher of the UK—figures who faced resistance during their tenure but were later recognized for transformative legacies.”
