The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has made a bold political assertion, stating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu possesses the strategic reach and administrative track record to secure an unprecedented victory across all 36 states of the Federation in the 2027 general elections. Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement in Akure, the state capital, Governor Aiyedatiwa maintained that the “Tough Decisions” made by the current administration in its first half-term are beginning to bear fruit, positioning the President as a “National Consensus” candidate whose reforms transcend ethnic and regional boundaries. This endorsement comes at a time of significant political realignment as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) seeks to consolidate its hold on the nation’s political landscape.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda is addressing long-standing structural defects in the Nigerian economy, particularly through the unification of the exchange rate and the removal of the petrol subsidy. He argued that as the inflationary pressures begin to cool in the latter half of 2026, the Nigerian electorate will reward the President for his “Courage and Vision.” The Governor further noted that the APC is committed to a “Big Tent” approach, welcoming defectors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) who are convinced by the President’s developmental strides in infrastructure, agriculture, and digital economy sectors.
Stakeholder reactions within the South-West geopolitical zone have mirrored the Governor’s optimism, with APC chieftains like the National Vice Chairman (South-West), Isaac Kekemeke, echoing the sentiment that the President has successfully managed to “Bridge the North-South Divide.” However, opposition figures have dismissed the Governor’s claim as “Hyperbolic Posturing,” pointing out that the high cost of living remains a significant hurdle for any incumbent seeking a nationwide sweep. Political analysts observe that while winning all 36 states is historically rare in Nigeria’s fourth republic, the “Aiyedatiwa Declaration” is a tactical move to signal absolute loyalty and to discourage internal friction within the party ahead of the primary season.
From an analyst’s perspective, the ability to win 36 states depends heavily on the “Socio-Economic Temperature” of the country in the twelve months leading up to the polls. Experts suggest that if the government can successfully implement the new national minimum wage and stabilize food prices, the President could indeed make significant inroads into traditional opposition strongholds in the South-East and parts of the North-Central. However, the “One-Party State” narrative recently pushed by rivals suggests that the President will face a rigorous challenge from a potential “Grand Coalition” of opposition forces.
The broader implications of such an ambitious electoral goal suggest that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is moving away from regional politics toward a “Unitary National Identity.” By aiming for a clean sweep, the party is attempting to foster a sense of national unity and mandate that would empower the President to implement even more far-reaching reforms in a second term. As Governor Aiyedatiwa continues to mobilize support in Ondo State following his own electoral successes, the focus remains on whether the “Ondo Blueprint” of total party consolidation can be replicated at the national level to achieve the 36-state victory.
