Leading support group of President Tinubu, the Bridge for Renewed Hope; has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prospects in the 2027 presidential election will depend primarily on his administration’s record in office rather than appeals to religion or sectarian politics.
Speaking on the evolving political landscape ahead of the next general election; former Atiku Youth Wing Director-General and now Director-General of The Bridge for Renewed Hope, Hon. Rowland Odih said that Nigerians have become increasingly interested in evaluating leaders on the basis of governance, policy implementation and measurable outcomes.
“The 2027 presidential election should not be reduced to a contest of religious rhetoric or emotional manipulation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win the election on the back of his achievements in office between 2023 till date and not because of the religious identity of any candidate,” he said in a Sunday statement signed and made available by the media office of The Bridge for Renewed Hope.
Hon. Rowland argued that the President Tinubu administration has undertaken significant reforms in areas including the economy, education, infrastructure, social investment and national security. He contended that the reforms of the administration are necessary for long-term economic recovery and national development.
He stated that elections in a democratic society should be decided by performance, competence and vision rather than by attempts to divide citizens along religious or ethnic lines.
“Nigeria is a diverse nation. Our diversity should unite us, not divide us. Political actors who believe they can secure victory by exploiting religious sentiments underestimate the political maturity of Nigerians. The electorates deserve campaigns centred on ideas, policies and solutions,” he further said.
Hon. Rowland further urged opposition aspirants to engage Nigerians with practical proposals on economic growth, job creation, security, education, healthcare and national development instead of resorting to inflammatory rhetoric capable of deepening divisions.
According to him, “The future of our democracy depends on issue-based campaigns. Nigerians want to know what every candidate has done, what they intend to do and how they intend to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. That is the conversation the country should be having.”
He also called on religious leaders, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and the media to continue promoting peaceful political engagement and discouraging narratives capable of undermining national unity.
Hon. Rowland noted that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to support any candidate of choice, political competition must be conducted responsibly and with respect for the country’s diversity.
“The 2027 election should strengthen our democracy and not weaken it. Every candidate should market his ideas and achievements, not exploit the religious beliefs of Nigerians for political advantage. Democracy flourishes when citizens make informed decisions based on policies, leadership qualities and proven capacity,” Hon. Rowland further said.
He expressed confidence that the electorates will ultimately judge all contestants based on their records in public service and their respective visions for Nigeria’s future.
Hon. Rowland concluded by appealing to Nigerians to reject politics of division and embrace peaceful, issue-driven democratic participation, insisting that the country’s progress depends on unity, responsible leadership and the collective determination to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.
