Tinubu says 'enemies' exploit insecurity to oust him, vows to seek second term in 2027

Key facts

• President Bola Tinubu spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at the State House.
• He met a Plateau delegation led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang after recent killings in Jos.
• Tinubu said his 'enemies' want to use rising insecurity to get rid of him.
• He declared he will contest the 2027 elections despite criticism over worsening insecurity.
• Tinubu urged Plateau leaders to review and implement the white paper on attacks in the state.
• He promised to work with the national assembly on creating state police.
• Recent months have seen an uptick in killings and abductions, especially in northern Nigeria.
• Attacks on soldiers and military facilities have also increased.

President accuses political foes of exploiting insecurity

President Bola Tinubu told a delegation from Plateau State on Wednesday that his political enemies are leveraging the country's deteriorating security situation to force him from power. Speaking at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu insisted he would not be intimidated, declaring himself a 'very stubborn politician' who intends to run for a second term in 2027. The meeting, convened after recent deadly attacks in Jos, was led by Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang. Tinubu's remarks come amid a sharp rise in killings and abductions across Nigeria, particularly in the north, as well as an increase in assaults on military personnel and installations.

A defiant pledge to stay in office

Tinubu directly addressed the notion that insecurity could be used to unseat him. 'You are playing to the hand of agents, including my own enemies, who want to use insecurity to get rid of me,' he said. 'But I'm a very stubborn politician. I just refuse to go. And I will campaign for my second term.' The president's statement signals that he views the security crisis not merely as a governance challenge but as a weapon wielded by his adversaries. His vow to seek re-election in 2027, despite widespread criticism over the worsening violence, underscores his determination to remain in office.

Instructions for Plateau leaders and state police proposal

During the meeting, Tinubu instructed the Plateau delegation to return home and convene a leadership meeting focused on restoring peace. He urged them to review the white paper on previous attacks in the state and implement its recommendations. 'Take that white paper or gazette and that; go through it and agree to implement the white paper,' he said. The president also announced his intention to collaborate with the national assembly on establishing state police forces, a move aimed at addressing some of the underlying security issues. He added, 'The leaders will go back home and summon the leadership meeting. Pretend that I'm there or pretend that I'm absent because you are still going to give me feedback.'

Rising violence across northern Nigeria

Over the past several months, Nigeria has experienced a marked escalation in insecurity, with a surge in killings and abductions, particularly in the northern regions. Attacks on soldiers and military facilities have also become more frequent, stretching the capacity of security forces. The violence has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has warned that the blood of innocent Nigerians will judge Tinubu's administration. The president's meeting with Plateau leaders is part of a broader effort to address the crisis, though concrete results remain elusive.

Political stakes and the road to 2027

Tinubu's defiant stance sets the stage for a prolonged political battle over security and governance. By framing the insecurity as a tool of his enemies, he is rallying his base while deflecting blame onto political rivals. His commitment to seeking a second term, however, may face headwinds if the security situation continues to deteriorate. The president's proposal for state police, if realized, could represent a significant shift in Nigeria's security architecture, potentially empowering state governments to respond more swiftly to local threats. Yet the plan requires legislative approval and faces logistical and political hurdles.

A nation watching as violence mounts

As Tinubu doubles down on his political survival, ordinary Nigerians bear the brunt of the escalating violence. The recent killings in Jos are just one example of a pattern that has left communities traumatized and security forces overwhelmed. The president's call for a review of the white paper and his pledge to work with the national assembly offer a roadmap, but implementation remains the critical test. With the 2027 elections still years away, Tinubu's ability to stem the tide of insecurity will likely determine not only his political future but also the stability of Africa's most populous nation.

The bottom line

• President Tinubu believes political enemies are using insecurity to force him out and has vowed to seek a second term in 2027.
• He met with Plateau State leaders after recent killings in Jos and urged them to implement the white paper on attacks.
• Tinubu plans to work with the national assembly to create state police forces to address security gaps.
• Northern Nigeria has seen a surge in killings, abductions, and attacks on military targets in recent months.
• Opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, have condemned the administration's handling of security.
• The president's political future hinges on his ability to curb the worsening violence.