Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against relying on political endorsements for his 2027 re-election bid, advising him to focus instead on addressing the concerns of ordinary Nigerians.
Speaking on Channels TV's Politics Today on Wednesday, Suswam emphasized that winning elections ultimately depends on public support rather than party endorsements.
"I don't have any problem with a sitting president seeking re-election if things are going well," Suswam stated. "But let's not forget, the most difficult election to contest is one against the people, not political parties."
His comments follow recent endorsements of Tinubu's second-term ambition by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and National Assembly leadership on May 22, 2025. The party's National Executive Committee has also formally adopted this position.
Political Endorsements vs. Public Support
Suswam referenced the 2023 presidential election to illustrate his point, noting that Labour Party candidate Peter Obi secured over five million votes despite lacking support from governors or senators. He suggested that in many areas, Obi "was believed to have won but was rigged out."
"My advice to the President is to focus on Nigerians. Forget the sycophants and political parties," Suswam advised. "In many instances, even strong presidents were removed by their parties. But it is worse when you lose the people."
The former governor's warning comes as APC leadership continues to rally behind Tinubu. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, had expressed satisfaction with the President's midterm performance under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also defended the President's performance, rhetorically asking, "If he has not done well, is it not we that will give him notice of impeachment?"
Suswam concluded with a stark reminder to the President: "So, face the people, they are the real force in any democracy."
