Former presidential spokesman Doyin Okupe has expressed confidence that Nigerians will re-elect President Bola Tinubu in 2027, allowing him to complete two terms of eight years in office.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Monday, Okupe argued that Tinubu’s achievements would likely secure him a second term, suggesting an “unspoken agreement” between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions to rotate the presidency.
Okupe contrasted Tinubu’s tenure with that of his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Buhari did not do well, yet he completed his eight years. Now that Tinubu is doing well, he would also get his eight years,” Okupe remarked, suggesting that Nigerians will reward Tinubu if he addresses pressing issues such as power supply, fuel availability, and food affordability.
“If Bola Tinubu gives us light in 2027, if he resolves this fuel crisis and food crisis between now and that time, people will go on the streets and say it’s Bola or nobody,” he declared.
Okupe, who previously served as a campaign strategist for Labour Party’s Peter Obi, also addressed Tinubu’s popular social media moniker “T-Pain,” explaining it as a reference to “temporary pain” intended to result in long-term benefits.
“The nickname means temporary pain that will lead to extensive, pleasant, and good outcomes for the nation,” he noted, framing Tinubu’s policies as necessary steps for eventual economic stability.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has overseen controversial economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of Nigeria’s foreign exchange rates. The resultant inflation and rising energy costs have led to significant public discontent, sparking two major protests in 2024.
Despite these demonstrations, Tinubu’s administration has maintained its stance, asserting that the reforms will bring positive results in the long term.
In defending Tinubu’s policies, Okupe emphasized that Nigerians are “reasonable and sensible people” who understand the need for temporary sacrifices for future gain.