PDP chieftain backs Tinubu’s fitness for possible 2027 re-election bid

Peoples Democratic Party chieftain Segun Showunmi has dismissed concerns about President Bola Tinubu’s health and fitness to seek re-election in 2027. Showunmi spoke on Thursday in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, during a grassroots engagement at which he sought support for Tinubu’s possible re-election. His comments came amid renewed political discussion about the President’s health and his absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the gathering. The Presidency had said Tinubu’s absence was not caused by any restriction on his ability to travel. Showunmi argued that the President’s decision not to attend should not be interpreted as proof of ill health.

He said Tinubu had already responded to questions about his condition and described the President as being in good health and of sound mind. Showunmi also urged Nigerians not to give undue weight to what he called politically motivated negative reports. The PDP chieftain defended the President’s focus on domestic projects, asking whether Tinubu should have left planned investments in gas and a proposed seaport to attend the United Nations meeting.

The State House recently said Tinubu witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Ogun State and DP World concerning a proposed Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone. Showunmi questioned the practical results of previous Nigerian presidential attendance at United Nations assemblies. He said Nigeria had been represented by the Vice President and that such representation was sufficient.

The Presidency had previously said Tinubu undertook a working vacation in Europe from August 30, remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and returned at the end of September. Showunmi said he supported Tinubu’s 2027 bid because policy continuity was needed for the administration’s economic programmes to take effect.