2027: Tinubu Has Earned a Second Term— LP Senator

Labour Party (LP) Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South, has voiced his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu, asserting that his bold leadership warrants a second term in 2027.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City over the weekend, Imasuen lauded Tinubu’s “incredible courage” in navigating the country through tumultuous times and stated that the presidency should remain in the South for the upcoming election cycle.

He further endorsed the recent Supreme Court ruling that removed Julius Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party, claiming that Abure lacked a genuine commitment to the party’s progress.

As the chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, Imasuen is currently the sole Labour Party senator in Edo State. The other two senatorial districts—Edo North and Edo Central—are represented by members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including a former governor.

He expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s decision to oust his kinsman, Julius Abure, from the national chairmanship of the Labour Party, stating that Abure did not prioritise the party’s interests.

Representing Edo South, a stronghold of the governing APC and the prominent opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he remarked: “I am pleased to participate in this interactive session. I seek a partnership. Whatever direction I decide to take ahead of the 2027 general elections, you, the journalists, will be the first to know.”

Regarding the 2027 presidential election in Nigeria, he noted, “The arrangement, whether expressed or implied, suggests that the North will serve for eight years, followed by the South for an equal period. This is where the challenge lies; the Northerners will eventually come together and agree to let the South complete its eight years. I am not concerned, as this understanding is either spoken or unspoken.”

“There is a mutual understanding between the North and the South. I did not admire the policies of former President Muhammadu Buhari. To my mind, he accomplished little during his eight years in office; yet, everyone turned a blind eye and allowed him to complete his term. Even now, while some Northerners voice concerns, they permitted Buhari to serve his full eight years. Therefore, it’s not different with our current president, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who is genuinely making progress.”

“So why do I believe he is doing well? He possesses remarkable courage. For instance, when we faced the Tax Bill, many intense discussions transpired on the Senate floor—behind closed doors, away from the cameras and reporters. People assumed we were simply distributing money, but we were expressing our strong opinions and sometimes clashing with one another due to our deeply-held views.”

“We held steadfast to our beliefs, and at times, Northerners stated they would never support President Tinubu for a second term. Unlike other presidents who might back down on sensitive issues for the sake of re-election, President Tinubu stood firm, insisting on doing what is right. To me, he is a courageous man who prioritises integrity over political ambition.”

Imasuen also remarked that the Supreme Court’s decision to remove Abure indicated a need for clarity within the LP.

He stated: “I truly welcome the Supreme Court’s ruling that dismissed Barrister Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the LP in Nigeria. Much has transpired within the LP, and it is quite unfortunate. In my view, Abure, during his tenure as chairman, often acted without the best interests of the LP in mind, as it turned into a personal matter.”

“It seemed as though their focus shifted to internal disputes, risking the party’s integrity instead of safeguarding it. This was not the conduct I expected from someone who led the party during such a critical time. He dragged the LP through legal battles, and now that the Supreme Court has made its ruling, we must accept that outcome.”

“However, the pressing question for me and for all of us now is: what happens next? A conversation with someone earlier today sparked that thought, and I expressed my hope that this development isn’t too little, too late, as the LP is on the brink of collapse. Many members have departed. Will this judgment entice them to return? I really cannot say. Will it rejuvenate those who remain? Again, that is uncertain. We need to discuss our path forward.”