From John Silas
A former Lagos lawmaker, Hon. Jude Idimogu, has appealed to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and National Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to shelve their 2027 ambitions and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.
Idimogu made the call while speaking with journalists on Thursday, October 1, 2026, on the sidelines of Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
He said four years would not be enough for Tinubu to complete his reform agenda, stressing that the president needs the support and prayers of Nigerians to deliver on his promises.
“Rome was not built in a day. I still believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, I believe in his experience,” Idimogu said.
“Nigerians should not forget that he is just over three years in office, and he cannot perform magic. He is not a magician. With all the reforms he is doing, it will take a while to reach ordinary Nigerians.”
Idimogu described Tinubu as a patriotic Nigerian committed to moving the country forward, and urged citizens across regions to rally behind him.
He said opposition parties have a role to play in a democracy, but noted that criticism should come with viable alternatives.
“There is no democracy where there is no opposition. The opposition can criticise him, but also provide a better alternative to whatever policies Asiwaju and the APC are bringing forward,” he said.
The former lawmaker appealed for respect for the zoning arrangement, arguing that with the presidency currently in the South, the North should wait until 2031.
“Let the North allow the South to complete its tenure. Four years is not enough, so give him the opportunity to complete his eight years,” he said.
“After the South, the presidency will move to the North. There is no point trying to abort it now, it will not help us.”
Speaking directly to Atiku, Idimogu urged him to sheath his sword, noting the long-standing friendship between the two political figures.
“Tinubu and Atiku have always been friends. It is not the North’s turn now. They should wait till 2031 and give their support to Asiwaju,” he said.
He also appealed to Obi, whom he described as his brother, to support Tinubu in the interest of southern unity.
“For my brother, Peter Obi, he is a gentleman. But he should allow the South to work with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If you divide the South now, you are pushing power to the North,” Idimogu said.
He expressed confidence that Tinubu would win re-election in 2027, citing his hard work and widespread support.
“I don’t see any opposition party that will win. I know APC will win, Asiwaju will return as president in 2027. It will not be easy, but I believe he will emerge,” he added.
Idimogu urged Nigerians to continue to criticise constructively where necessary, but allow the president to complete his tenure through a second term ending in 2031.
