Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider his ambition to seek re-election in 2027, describing the recent protest against him at a mosque in Abuja as a clear indication of growing public dissatisfaction with his administration.
Frank said the incident at the Shehu Shagari Mosque in Area 1, Garki, Abuja, on Friday should serve as a warning to the President about the prevailing mood across the country. He advised Tinubu to listen to Nigerians, abandon his re-election bid and guarantee a free, fair and credible electoral process in 2027.
The former APC spokesman made the remarks following reports that some protesters booed the President after prayers, chanting “Ba ma yi”, meaning “we don’t want you”. Videos circulating on social media also showed individuals removing and destroying Tinubu’s campaign posters and billboards in parts of Area 1.
While condemning the decision to use a religious gathering to express political grievances, Frank commended the President’s security personnel for protecting him and preventing the situation from escalating.
However, he maintained that the public reaction should not be dismissed, describing it as a reflection of widespread dissatisfaction with the administration.
According to him, the President should accept the political reality rather than rely on assurances from associates who may not be giving him an honest assessment of his popularity.
“The rejection was total and unmistakable. No Nigerian president has been embarrassed like this publicly. The way Nigerians rejected him speaks volumes. But should he decide to go ahead and he loses, he should be prepared to accept defeat just like former President Goodluck Jonathan did,” Frank said.
He also questioned claims by some political associates that Tinubu enjoys strong support in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), arguing that the incident in Abuja contradicted such assurances.
Frank said the confidence expressed by political figures about the President’s electoral prospects did not necessarily reflect the feelings of ordinary Nigerians.
He stated that the incident demonstrated a growing disconnect between what political associates tell the President and the actual situation on the ground.
Frank further warned that those around Tinubu might be shielding him from the level of public dissatisfaction with his administration.
“I am giving him this advice because I genuinely want him to listen to the truth. Those around him may not be telling him that he has become very unpopular and that continuing in the presidential race may be a difficult undertaking,” he said.
He added that Tinubu should seriously consider stepping aside from the 2027 presidential contest.
The former APC official also questioned promises of electoral support reportedly made by some political leaders, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
He argued that assurances of delivering 80 per cent of votes in Abuja and 2.5 million votes in Edo State might not translate into actual electoral support.
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According to Frank, the reactions witnessed in Abuja and Jos following an APC rally suggested that the President’s political associates could be overestimating his popularity.
He alleged that some individuals within the ruling party and the President’s political circle were more interested in personal financial benefits than providing honest feedback about the administration’s performance.
Frank also pointed to the public receptions received by opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, as evidence of changing political sentiments.
He claimed that the opposition leaders attracted large crowds during their outings without offering financial incentives or distributing food items to supporters.
“Wherever these opposition leaders go, Nigerians come out in large numbers to receive them without being induced with rice or money. Their reception should tell the President something about the mood of the country,” he said.
Reiterating his position, Frank urged Tinubu to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, insisting that the country needed a transparent electoral process in which every vote would count.
He warned that any attempt to manipulate the election or impose a candidate against the wishes of voters could trigger widespread public resistance and threaten national stability.
“Nigerians will not accept a situation in which someone is declared the winner when the people know they did not vote for him. They should not push the country into a crisis by attempting to impose him on the people,” he warned.
Frank attributed the growing public discontent to worsening economic conditions and insecurity, citing hunger, unemployment, rising living costs and other hardships confronting Nigerians.
He argued that the administration’s policies had increased the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens, adding that a government that had performed well would not be facing such levels of public dissatisfaction.
“If the President had performed well, there would be no need for the desperation we are witnessing today,” he said.
Frank urged the President to distinguish between sincere supporters and political associates whose positions might be influenced by personal interests.
Despite his criticism, the former APC spokesman said Tinubu still had an opportunity to leave a positive legacy by voluntarily stepping aside and ensuring that the 2027 general election was conducted credibly.
“President Tinubu still has an opportunity to make history and have his name written in gold. He can achieve this by ensuring that the country conducts a free, fair and credible election,” he said.
Frank, who also serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, maintained that Nigerians were primarily demanding an electoral process that would respect their votes and allow the candidate chosen by the electorate to emerge as the winner.
