As the 2027 elections draws nearer, a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the South South region has urged President Bola Tinubu to thoroughly investigate certain members of his cabinet who are reportedly cozying up to key figures in the opposition, particularly governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Chief Wilfred Ogbotobo, who serves as the Bayelsa State Coordinator for Good Governance and Accountability, expressed these concerns during a gathering in Port Harcourt, representing the views of worried APC members. He lamented that some cabinet officials, driven by their own political ambitions, have chosen to neglect loyal APC supporters who helped secure Tinubu’s victory in the previous elections while courting opposition leaders.
In a statement titled “Immediate Action Required from President Bola Tinubu to Regain Control,” Ogbotobo pointed to the case of Governor Bala Mohammed, alleging that after receiving assistance in his legal battles, he has begun to shift his political allegiance.
“President Tinubu is widely respected as a skilled party builder and a steadfast ally, known for his loyalty, discipline, and commitment to rewarding dedication,” Ogbotobo stated. “He cannot overlook the complexities and the key players who contributed to his rise to the presidency.”
He expressed disappointment over the unfavorable treatment faced by party loyalists who risked their careers to ensure Tinubu’s election. “There’s no justification for the disconcerting events unfolding within the party and government during the president’s tenure. It’s unacceptable that cabinet members have become significant obstacles to the party’s interests in various states.”
Ogbotobo criticized the actions of high-ranking officials who are seen mingling with opposition figures from the PDP, whose political agendas directly conflict with those of the president and the APC. He noted that it is particularly disheartening that these officials are facilitating interactions between the president and opposition leaders while sidelining the foundational members of the party who played critical roles in Tinubu’s election success.
“These opportunistic alliances will not contribute positively to the president’s future political endeavors,” he warned. “Governor Bala Mohammed of the PDP is already signaling his new affiliations for 2027, having benefited from what many see as betrayals by the APC.”
He also highlighted similar behaviors in Bayelsa State regarding Governor Douye Diri, criticizing the involved ministers for their disregard for the potential repercussions on the president’s 2027 aspirations. “They seem to have forgotten how poorly Diri treated Senator Oluremi Tinubu during the campaign, demonstrating a lack of integrity in their actions.”
Ogbotobo emphasized that PDP governors, like Bala Mohammed and Douye Diri, cannot be relied upon for support regarding the president’s plans. He praised Tinubu as a man of strong conviction, urging him to remain focused on the successes of his administration.
“The recent presidential election should remind us of the evolving nature of Nigeria’s democracy,” he concluded, urging the president to fortify the APC and work toward reclaiming governorship positions currently under litigation. He called for robust steps to ensure that the principles that fueled Tinubu’s presidential ambitions yield the results desired for the party and the nation.
