Tinubu unfazed by Atiku, El-Rufai, Amaechi’s criticism – Ibrahim

Ibrahim insisted during an interview that the President remains focused on governance despite opposition remarks.
Amaechi had recently warned Nigerians to prepare to defend their mandate in the 2027 election, stating that politicians, including the current president, would not relinquish power easily.

El-Rufai, on the other hand, declared that he no longer recognized the ruling All Progressives Congress, describing it as a “zero-man show.”

He also called on opposition parties to form a broad coalition to challenge the APC.

Recall that Atiku had accused the Presidency of attempting to weaken opposition structures by allegedly offering a ₦50 million bribe to opposition parties ahead of the next election, though most political parties have denied the claim.

Responding to these remarks, Ibrahim dismissed them as political rhetoric, arguing that such statements do not undermine Tinubu’s legitimacy.

He questioned the basis of El-Rufai’s claims and challenged Atiku to provide evidence to back up his bribery allegations.

“The key point is that the opposition will say whatever they want, but that does not take away the legitimacy of governance. Tinubu is not losing sleep over these sentiments. If Atiku says people are offering bribes, he needs to provide evidence. We deal with facts, not narratives,” Ibrahim said.

He also took a swipe at El-Rufai recalling how the former Kaduna governor appeared before the National Assembly for ministerial screening but was not appointed.

Ibrahim noted that despite El-Rufai’s claim that he never sought a ministerial position, he still presented himself for screening.

Ibrahim further questioned why most of Tinubu’s critics were either aggrieved party chieftains or candidates who lost in the 2023 elections.

He insisted that the ruling party remains strong and is gaining more members, dismissing concerns over defections from the APC.

“For every person who leaves the APC, three others join from the opposition. People are talking about who is leaving, but they are ignoring the fact that many from the PDP are now with us. How many senators and governors have left their parties to join the APC?” he asked.

When asked if some more governors were planning to defect, Ibrahim confidently nodded, suggesting that a sitting governor was already on the verge of joining the ruling party.

He however refused to mention names, saying he did not want to cause embarrassment.

“I can tell you that when I return here again, it will have happened,” he added.