2027 Elections: Tinubu Predicts Mass Defection to APC, Says “You Don’t Stay in a Sinking Ship”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signaled a growing momentum in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, boldly predicting that more politicians across Nigeria will defect to the ruling party in the months to come. Speaking at the APC Renewed Hope Agenda Summit held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, the President expressed confidence in his administration’s achievements and the direction the APC is headed.
The summit brought together top figures in Nigerian politics, including members of the APC National Working Committee, leaders of the National Assembly, and governors under the umbrella of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, which currently comprises 22 APC governors across the country. According to Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the event marked a major milestone in the party’s efforts to strengthen internal unity and reaffirm commitment to national development.
"You Don’t Stay in a Sinking Ship Without a Life Jacket" – Tinubu
In a pointed political analogy, President Tinubu remarked:
“You don’t expect people to remain in a sinking ship without a life jacket. I am happy with what we have accomplished and expecting more people to come; that’s the game.”
This comment appears to be a direct reference to opposition parties, many of which are currently struggling with internal crises, declining public support, and questions over their ability to provide viable alternatives to APC governance. By positioning the APC as a stable and progressive platform, Tinubu is extending an open invitation to opposition politicians to jump ship and join the ruling party.
He further emphasized that a one-party system is not ideal in a democratic setting, but said the APC’s continued dominance is a reflection of its ability to meet the aspirations of Nigerians:
“A one-party system is not suitable for democracy. We are one party ruling and carrying on with the aspirations of Nigerians.”
The Renewed Hope Agenda: Economic Reforms and National Progress
President Tinubu used the opportunity to highlight the successes of his Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as a comprehensive strategy to rebuild the Nigerian economy, tackle corruption, improve governance, and elevate the standard of living for citizens. Reflecting on the journey since his administration took office in May 2023, Tinubu declared:
“We are just halfway through the journey that started 24 months ago.”
He acknowledged the difficult terrain his administration encountered upon assumption of office, but remained optimistic about the long-term gains of the economic reforms introduced. These reforms, he said, have been necessary—even if painful—for Nigeria’s transformation:
“Yes, we encountered challenges when we assumed office in May 2023, but we have made progress by implementing difficult, long overdue but necessary economic reforms.”
Some of the major economic decisions made by the Tinubu administration include the elimination of the fuel subsidy, consolidation of foreign exchange rates, and introduction of tax reforms aimed at improving government revenue while curbing fiscal wastage.
Tough Decisions for a Brighter Future
In a heartfelt address, Tinubu appealed to Nigerians to understand the necessity of the government’s actions, noting that tough decisions today would lead to a more prosperous tomorrow:
“Nothing good comes easy in life. All of you have been through life, and sometimes, only hard decisions can make things easy in the future.”
He stressed that it would have been irresponsible to continue spending the country’s future earnings for short-term convenience:
“We couldn’t just afford to spend the future of our children and unborn babies.”
These words reflect the President’s belief that leadership requires visionary thinking, where immediate discomforts are endured for the sake of long-term national benefit.
Fighting Corruption: Exchange Rate Arbitrage and Asset Recovery
One of the critical issues Tinubu’s government is tackling head-on is corruption, particularly in the foreign exchange market. The President described the previous multi-tiered exchange rate system as “the grandfather of corruption”, explaining how it had encouraged illicit gains through arbitrage:
“How fast could you have rebuilt this country? If you allow the arbitrage in the exchange rate to continue, that is the grandfather of corruption. You could see EFCC recover over seven hundred and fifty-something houses from one person.”
This shocking revelation highlights the scale of abuse within the old system and justifies the government’s bold move to streamline exchange rates and promote transparency in monetary policy.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the Road to Economic Stability
According to Tinubu, these economic reforms are beginning to yield results, particularly in the area of foreign direct investment (FDI). By stabilizing macroeconomic policies, Nigeria is becoming more attractive to investors, which in turn will lead to the creation of jobs, production of goods, and overall improvement in the standard of living for citizens.
“Because of the reforms, our country now attracts foreign direct investments that will ultimately create jobs and produce much-needed goods and services that will significantly improve the standard of living of our people.”
This aligns with the core objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to transform Nigeria into a self-sufficient, competitive, and investor-friendly economy.
Acknowledgment and Gratitude to Key Stakeholders
The President took time to thank all who have contributed to the success of his administration so far, especially members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), APC party leaders, and the National Assembly:
“I thank every one of you. I am thoroughly inspired.”
He praised their courage, resilience, and dedication to national development and noted that their collaboration has been crucial in executing the administration’s vision:
“Together, we pledged to confront Nigeria’s challenges head-on by rebuilding the trust, fostering prosperity and restoring our nation’s economic quest.”
2027: A Political Realignment on the Horizon?
Tinubu’s declaration that he expects more defections to the APC suggests that political realignments may be on the horizon as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections. With the APC leveraging its position as the ruling party and the perceived stability of Tinubu’s leadership, it’s not far-fetched to expect a shift in political allegiances across various states.
Already, signs of discontent are brewing in the opposition camps, with some members questioning their parties’ relevance and direction. Tinubu’s statement, “I am happy with what we have accomplished and expecting more people to come; that’s the game,” was a confident nod to the ongoing behind-the-scenes political movements.
Conclusion: The Future of Nigeria Under Tinubu’s Leadership
As Nigeria marches steadily toward the 2027 elections, President Bola Tinubu is positioning himself and the APC as the nation’s best bet for continued reform, economic progress, and political stability. His strong message at the APC Renewed Hope Agenda Summit not only reaffirms his administration’s achievements but also sets the tone for the next phase of governance.
With the country still grappling with numerous challenges—from inflation and insecurity to youth unemployment—many will be watching closely to see whether Tinubu’s promises and reforms will deliver real results for the everyday Nigerian.
As always, NaijaRush will keep you updated on all the latest developments in Nigerian politics, governance, and election updates as 2027 approaches.
