2027: Opposition alignment, re-alignment won’t stop Tinubu’s re-election — APC chieftain

As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to gather momentum ahead of the 2026 general elections, elder statesman and former APC chairman in Imo State, Chief Marcellinus O. Nlemigbo, has expressed confidence that no political realignment by opposition parties can stop President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.

Nlemigbo made the remarks while speaking with journalists in Owerri, where he described the recently formed Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP) as a fledgling political movement with little electoral weight.

“The Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP) is a newborn party formed not too long ago. I thought its members would have remained in the ADC to test their strength at the polls, but they left to form the NDP. From what is on ground, I am convinced that no amount of alignment or realignment will dislodge the APC from power because the masses are with us,” he said.

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He further stated that the APC remains divinely positioned to govern the country, adding that the party’s widespread structures give it a clear advantage over the opposition.

According to him, “God has ordained the APC to manage the affairs of this nation.”

The business mogul and member of the Imo State Council of Elders also questioned the capacity of opposition parties to wrest power from the APC, noting that the ruling party currently controls the majority of seats in the National Assembly, local governments, and wards, as well as 32 state governorships.

He added that the APC’s strong presence across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, coupled with what he described as effective mobilisation ahead of the polls, places the party ahead of its rivals.

Nlemigbo also commended the APC primaries, describing them as free, fair, transparent, and credible, and said they reflect the party’s commitment to democratic values.

He praised Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, for ensuring a level playing field for aspirants, while urging those who lost in the primaries to support the winners to secure victory for the party in the general elections.

The elder statesman, who also chairs the Owerri United Elders Council, expressed concern over the global economic downturn but commended President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy, describing it as a necessary step to stabilise the economy.

“The economic hardship is a global issue and not peculiar to Nigeria. Without the fuel subsidy removal, the economy would have been worse. States now receive improved allocations from the Federation Account, and citizens should return to agriculture, which was once the backbone of our economy,” he said.

On developments in Imo State, Nlemigbo lauded Governor Uzodimma for various youth and women empowerment initiatives, noting that the Skill-Up programme has trained over 30,000 people who are now contributing in different parts of the world.

He also highlighted improvements in the state’s health sector through the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme, adding that the establishment of the Urashi Industrial Park is attracting investment by allocating land to interested investors.

“The governor is working like someone who is just starting, not one preparing to leave office,” he added.