The Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure even more states in Northern Nigeria during the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, National Chairman of SWAGA, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, dismissed claims that the North has turned its back on the president’s re-election bid.
The event also marked the official launch of SWAGA 0.2, the second phase of the group’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the next polls.
Recent reports and political commentaries have suggested growing dissatisfaction in the North, with some alleging that the region has been sidelined by Tinubu’s administration despite playing a key role in his 2023 victory.
However, Adeyeye pushed back strongly on that narrative.
“Right now, I even see greater consensus for Asiwaju in the North. Who are the people saying that they will not vote for Asiwaju in the North? They are people who have no electoral value whatsoever. We don’t even know them. Some of them come on TVs and brag and brag, and say all sorts of things,” he said.
According to him, contrary to the perceived division, all APC governors in the North remain solidly behind President Tinubu, with even some opposition governors showing support.
“But what I see in the north right now is that I see all governors in the North particularly of the APC supporting Asiwaju fervently and being loyal to him. I even see governors of other parties in the North still supporting Asiwaju as well,” he said.
He described those spreading anti-Tinubu sentiments as “rabble-rousers” who lack real political influence in the region.
“Don’t let anybody fool you to say this time around the North has made up their mind, they will not vote for Asiwaju. It’s a lie.”
“This time around the North will even vote more, in a bigger way for Asiwaju’s second term ambition. I can assure you of that. Quote me and come back in 2027 after the election, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win more northern states this time around than before.”
Adeyeye also took issue with assumptions that the North votes as one bloc.
“There’s diversity of interest in the North, the North doesn’t have one interest. Just as it is in the South also; we do not have just one interest. Between the Southwest, South South and Southeast, there is diversity of interest,” he explained.
Highlighting the achievements of the Tinubu administration in its first two years, the former Minister of Works cited major reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, floating of the naira, the establishment of 11 new universities, and tax and capital market reforms.
“Tinubu floated the Naira and stopped the reckless printing of currency and corrupt borrowing through the unpopular ‘ways and means’ to defend it against the U.S Dollars, thus ensuring stability in its value with increased inflow of Foreign Direct Investment aided by confidence in Nigeria’s economy,” he said.
He added that Tinubu’s achievements demonstrate a level of leadership preparedness that is unmatched in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“We hereby make bold to say that since 1999 till date, no Nigerian president has come into office with the kind of preparation, vision and passion that President Tinubu has displayed. We are of the firm conviction that if a government in Nigeria has been able to achieve so much within just 2 years in office… then Nigerians are in for a better and brighter future.”
Also speaking at the event, SWAGA National Secretary and former lawmaker Bosun Oladele described the group as one of the most vibrant and principle-driven political movements in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“SWAGA carried out its campaign across the country in 2023 based on principles with no record of attacks and injuries,” he noted.
