Timi Frank Urges Tinubu to Drop 2027 Presidential Ambition
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race following the protest against him at a mosque in Abuja.
Frank said the incident at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, Garki, Abuja, should serve as a warning to the President about growing public dissatisfaction with his administration.
The former APC spokesman made the call after some worshippers and youths reportedly booed Tinubu shortly after he observed Juma’at prayers at the mosque on Friday, November 13.
Videos circulating on social media showed protesters chanting “Ba ma yi”, a Hausa expression meaning “We don’t want you”, as the President’s convoy prepared to leave the premises.
Some individuals were also seen removing and destroying campaign posters and billboards bearing Tinubu’s image in parts of Abuja.
Reacting to the development, Frank condemned the decision to express political grievances during a religious gathering but urged the President not to dismiss the incident.
He also commended Tinubu’s security personnel for protecting him and preventing the situation from escalating.
According to Frank, the public reaction reflects dissatisfaction that political associates may not be communicating honestly to the President.
“The rejection was total and unmistakable. No Nigerian president has been embarrassed like this publicly. The way Nigerians rejected him speaks volumes. But should he decide to go ahead and he loses, he should be prepared to accept defeat just like former President Goodluck Jonathan did,” he said.
Frank questioned assurances by some political leaders that Tinubu would secure substantial votes in the Federal Capital Territory and Edo State during the 2027 election.
He specifically mentioned FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, arguing that promises of 80 per cent votes in Abuja and 2.5 million votes in Edo might not reflect the actual feelings of voters.
He also referenced opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, claiming that the large crowds they attract during public appearances demonstrate growing interest in alternative political leadership.
The former APC chieftain further attributed public dissatisfaction to economic challenges, including hunger, unemployment, insecurity, rising food prices and the increasing cost of living.
He alleged that some individuals within Tinubu’s political circle were more interested in personal financial benefits than providing honest assessments of the administration’s performance.
Frank consequently urged the President to reconsider his re-election ambition and allow Nigerians to freely choose their next leader.
He also warned against attempts to manipulate the 2027 general election, insisting that the outcome must reflect the genuine wishes of voters.
“Nigerians will not accept a situation in which someone is declared the winner when the people know they did not vote for him. They should not push the country into a crisis by attempting to impose him on the people,” he warned.
Frank maintained that Tinubu could still secure a positive place in Nigeria’s history by ensuring a free, fair and credible election, regardless of who emerges victorious.
