APC Chairman Yilwatda Knocks Obi Over ‘Tinubu Is Tired’ Remark

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed claims by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that President Bola Tinubu is “tired” and should step aside ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Yilwatda questioned the basis of Obi’s assertion, insisting that President Tinubu remains fully engaged in governance and continues to drive major national development projects.

Responding to Obi’s comments, the APC chairman argued that the President’s work ethic contradicts suggestions that he lacks the energy to lead.

“Let me put it this way, especially to Obi, who claimed that Tinubu is tired—is he going for boxing or running the 400 metres?” Yilwatda said.

“Are you telling me that the President who stays and works from morning till night is tired? These are the issues we are talking about.”

Yilwatda maintained that millions of Nigerians benefiting from the administration’s policies would not support calls for Tinubu to leave office.

He cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the administration’s flagship initiatives, arguing that beneficiaries appreciate the President’s efforts.

“Are you telling me that over a million students and mothers who depend heavily on and celebrate NELFUND would be praying that the President be retired?” he asked.

The APC chairman also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the construction of new seaports in Calabar, Akwa Ibom, Port Harcourt, Ondo and Lagos, as evidence that the administration remains focused on delivering its development agenda.

“Are you telling me that people who have the coastal road from Lagos to Calabar, to Akwa Ibom and Port Harcourt, or the five seaports in Calabar, Akwa Ibom, Port Harcourt, Ondo and Lagos, are those who wish that the President be retired?” he said.

Yilwatda further pointed to the ongoing modernisation of the nation’s aviation infrastructure, praising the airport upgrade projects being supervised by the Minister of Aviation.

“I am sure you watched the renewal of airports being upgraded by the Minister of Aviation. This and many others, even in the North,” he added.

According to him, the Tinubu administration’s investments in education, transportation, maritime infrastructure and aviation demonstrate that the President remains fully committed to governing the country despite criticism from the opposition.

Yilwatda’s remarks were in response to comments made by former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, during a recent interview on Channels Television, where the NDC presidential candidate said President Tinubu was “tired” and no longer possessed the capacity to tackle Nigeria’s economic and security challenges, urging him to step aside before the 2027 elections.