2027: Tinubu’s men in ‘sidon look’ mode as Emir Sanusi, Asari Dokubo, others in spotlight
As the 2027 Nigerian general election approaches, several key allies and supporters who were central to Bola Ahmed Tinubu victory in 2023 have gone silent, distant, and publicly critical, while others have withdrawn support due to economic reforms and political shifts.
As the 2027 Nigerian general election approaches, several key allies and supporters who were central to Bola Ahmed Tinubu victory in 2023 have gone silent, distant, and publicly critical, while others have withdrawn support due to economic reforms and political shifts.
Their silence is largely attributed to the economic distress: The impact of fuel subsidy removal and floating of the naira has led to widespread hunger and high inflation, causing many supporters to struggle alongside the masses.
Supporters who believed in the promise of a “Jagaban” transformation now cite broken promises and poor governance.
Continued insecurity in various parts of the country has caused some to reconsider their loyalty to the administration.
Some formerly enthusiastic loyalists have felt overlooked in appointments or sidelined within the party structure.
Specifically, critics have pointed to the appointment of individuals like Bello Mattawalle as a sign of failed leadership.
A look at political realignments as of early 2026, show some of the 2023 top supporters who are silent or allegedly working against the president:
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II has shifted from being a vocal supporter to a critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, specifically regarding economic management. The perception of silence or a “cold war” stem from his refusal to defend the administration’s policies, which he believes have caused hardships, despite his previous affinity with President Tinubu.
Sanusi has publicly stated that he would not assist the current administration in explaining its economic policies, arguing that these policies have brought severe hardship to Nigerians.
There are reports of a “cold war” or strained relationship between the Presidency and the Emir, largely because Sanusi has declined to support the Federal Government’s economic reforms.
Though, the Information Minister, Mohammed Idris expressed amusement that a traditional ruler of Sanusi’s status would decline to speak the truth due to personal issues, urging him to prioritise the nation over personal interests.
Some observers suggest the Emir’s, sometimes perceived, silence or restricted commentary on national affairs stems from his focus on navigating the intense political and legal battle surrounding his reinstatement as the Emir of Kano, rather than a total lack of opinion.
The Emir has been concentrating on uniting the Kano Emirate and addressing internal local, political issues rather than being heavily involved in federal politics.
Asari Dokubo has not been entirely silent, but rather has shifted from being a staunch, vocal supporter of President Bola Tinubu to a vocal critic, navigating a complex political landscape between his former ally and his regional interests in the Niger Delta.
Dokubo, who heavily supported Tinubu in the 2023 election, has stated he was betrayed by the president. He has been vocal about feeling sidelined and disappointed that Tinubu “no longer behaves like the friend he has known since 1992.”
Due to his disappointment, Dokubo announced in early 2026 that he would no longer support Yoruba politicians and plans to align with Northern political leaders for the 2027 election.
A key reason for his recent public interventions is his staunch opposition to Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister and key Tinubu ally. Dokubo has slammed Tinubu for supporting Wike to “destabilise” Rivers State.
Dokubo has threatened that there would be severe consequences if Governor Siminalayi Fubara is removed by Wike-loyalists, putting him at odds with the current federal power structure.
Conversely, there were conflicting reports in early 2026 that Wike visited Dokubo, with some political observers suggesting an attempt to bring him back into the fold to support Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.
A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and key northern Christian leader, Lawal has become a vocal critic of the administration, citing economic hardship and the Muslim-Muslim ticket dynamics.
While maintaining a posture of loyalty, the former Minister of Works and Housing has not been actively visible in 2027 re-election movements and has kept a low political profile since leaving office in 2023.
The former governor of Kaduna State, who played a significant role in the 2023 victory, has become distant following his failure to secure a ministerial position and he is now involved in opposition realignment to unseat president Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 presidential election. Political observers believe the current arrest of the former Kaduna state governor is president Bola Ahmed Tinubu strategic plan to weaken him ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti State, has often been cited as part of the “silent” or cautious group of associates, particularly after the political realignments of 2023.
There are indications that there are many “wayfaring” members of the President’s cabinet, who are “not for the president and not against him.” They are just there for the sake of what they can get.
A chieftain of the APC in Kano, recently alluded to many ministers who are there for the sake of it, but have determined never to speak for the president.
While some key 2023 supporters are now distant, the President continues to hold support from other party stakeholders like Abdullahi Ganduje, Barau Jibrin, and a new coalition of South-East leaders as well as new defectors into the APC fold.
