President Tinubu Formally Declares Second-Term Bid While Alleging Political Sabotage Amid National Security Issues

President Bola Tinubu announces his second-term bid, dismissing political plots and accusing rivals of using insecurity to undermine his administration.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 11:17 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria

A Defiant Reaffirmation of Political Ambition

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ended months of speculation by formally declaring his bid for a second term in office. In a statement released on April 29, 2026, the President adopted a confrontational tone, directly addressing those he believes are working to undermine his presidency. Describing his resilience in the face of mounting political pressure, Tinubu asserted that he remains unmoved by critics and is fully prepared for a rigorous campaign. "They tried to get rid of me, but I refused to go," the President stated, emphasizing his intent to secure a victory in the upcoming polls.

Allegations of Exploitative Political Scheming

Central to the President’s declaration was a serious allegation that political rivals—including some former allies—are weaponizing Nigeria's current security challenges for partisan gain. Tinubu suggested that these "old enemies" have formed alliances with disruptive elements to destabilize his administration. He warned that the public and political stakeholders were being "played" by those who wish to use national insecurity as a tool for a forced leadership change. This rhetoric signals a shift toward a more aggressive defensive strategy as the administration nears the end of its first term.

The Climate of Heightened Political Activity

The President's announcement comes at a time of significant legislative and political movement in the capital. While Tinubu defends his record, the Senate and House of Representatives have recently approved a $516 million loan request intended to fund critical infrastructure and development projects. Simultaneously, political loyalists have begun mobilizing, with high-profile figures like James Faleke already obtaining APC nomination forms on behalf of the President. These coordinated moves suggest the administration is operating on a dual track: maintaining governance through major financial approvals while securing the party’s internal structure for the 2027 cycle.