A chieftain of the Labour Party and former House of Representatives candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, Dr Ezeh Emmanuel, has urged President Bola Tinubu to forgo his 2027 re-election ambition in the interest of national healing and democratic renewal.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Eze made the appeal while reacting to the recent momentum behind a political coalition that has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform ahead of the next general elections.
He called on President Tinubu to emulate the leadership style of former South African President Nelson Mandela by prioritizing legacy over power, insisting such a move would promote reconciliation and restore public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“My straightforward recommendation to Tinubu is to consider refraining from contesting the 2027 elections. Let him toe the Nelson Mandela path of honour.
"Let him instead build a credible electoral system that can enthrone leaders who are competent, with character and capacity," he said.
Eze decried the pattern where incumbents cling to power regardless of performance, arguing that the country needs a break from that cycle.
He emphasized that a transition to a new leadership such as a Peter Obi presidency could offer the transformational change Nigerians yearn for.
“If Tinubu, against all odds, adheres to this advice, Nigerians will forgive him for all the mess and pains he caused,” he added.
“The political tension in the country will drop, the wreckage of state institutions will be halted, and most importantly, genuine hope will be rekindled," the LP Chieftain stated.
His comments come amid growing political realignments and coalition talks ahead of the 2027 general elections.
