Nwauju Alleges Plot to Undermine Tinubu’s 2027 Re-Election Bid Through Protests Against Tunji-Ojo

Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Darlington Nwauju, has alleged that the two protests staged in February were designed to weaken President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prospects for re-election in 2027.
Nwauju made the assertion on Monday while reacting to the protests and court actions seeking the removal of the Minister of Interior, Dr.

Tunji-Ojo, over issues relating to his WAEC and NYSC records. He questioned the timing of the demonstrations, noting that they coincided with ongoing court proceedings, and suggested that those behind the protests lacked faith in the judicial system.
According to him, the protests were calculated to influence public perception, intimidate members of the judiciary, and sustain what he described as political blackmail against the Minister. He maintained that Dr. Tunji-Ojo has recorded notable achievements in office, highlighting reforms and improvements within the Ministry of Interior since August 2023, as well as progress across paramilitary agencies under its supervision.
Nwauju expressed concern that some individuals were backing what he termed an unproductive effort. He argued that no patriotic Nigerian would call for the removal of a performing public official like Dr. Tunji-Ojo, except for motives aimed at reversing the gains recorded under the current administration.
He further stated that the Ministry’s activities are open to public scrutiny and noted that the National Assembly had acknowledged the Minister’s performance, including surpassing revenue targets in the past two fiscal years. He urged Nigerians to recognize the advancements made by the Minister and the government instead of supporting actions he believes are intended to frustrate their work.
Nwauju concluded by outlining some achievements under Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s leadership, such as reforms in passport processing, enhanced focus on Correctional Services, and modernization of the National Fire Service. He described moves to remove the Minister as “madness” and an effort to derail the government’s “renewed hope agenda.”