President Bola Tinubu has officially declared his intention to seek a second term in office, confirming that he will contest the 2027 presidential election.
The President made the declaration on Friday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja while receiving a delegation from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Sania Nishtar. During the meeting, the global health organisation announced a commitment of more than $500 million over the next five years to strengthen vaccination programmes in Nigeria.
Expressing appreciation for Gavi’s sustained support, Tinubu noted that Nigeria was gradually approaching another election cycle and expressed optimism that the alliance would continue collaborating with his administration.
“The partnership is cherished, and yes, it’s becoming an election year. I’m going to be seeking a return, so I hope you continue to be our partner,” the President said.
Tinubu described vaccine production and immunisation as strategic investments in Africa’s future, commending Gavi for its contributions to improving healthcare delivery across the continent.
“So I had to adjust myself to definitely be able to see you and give you this assurance and to say thank you very much for the commitment to humanity,” he said.
“The wonderful job of Gavi and the team is well appreciated, and the programme of acceleration for the production of the vaccines in Nigeria is empowering the continent.”
The President also applauded the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, for driving reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Earlier, Gavi CEO Sania Nishtar disclosed that despite reductions in global development assistance, the organisation remained committed to supporting Nigeria’s immunisation programmes with funding exceeding $500 million over the next five years.
Tinubu’s announcement comes days after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, predicted that the President would emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Keyamo downplayed the prospects of opposition contenders, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
“I’m looking around. Between you and me, where will Obi’s votes come from? I can’t see it,” Keyamo said.
The minister also dismissed suggestions that Atiku would mount a formidable challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said, “Atiku, who?… Look, listen. I want to make a profound closing statement. Not out of arrogance. Not out of overconfidence. But out of pure demographic calculations. The 2027 election is a coronation, not an election. I repeat, don’t take me out of context. Out of pure demographic calculations, it’s a coronation.”
Responding to a question on whether his comments implied the election would be manipulated, Keyamo rejected the suggestion.
He said, “You see yourself. You heard what I said. Demographic calculations. You are taking it somewhere else. I didn’t say that.”
