By: Abba Onyekachukwu, Abuja.

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Darlington Nwauju, has alleged that the two protests organised in February are aimed at sabotaging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Nwauju made this statement monday in response to protests and court cases demanding the removal of the Minister of Interior, Dr Tunji-Ojo, over his WAEC and NYSC records. He questioned the timing of the protests, pointing out that they coincide with ongoing court cases, suggesting that those behind the protests lack confidence in the judicial process.

According to Nwauju, the protests are an attempt to blur the public’s sense of judgement, bully the judges, and continue the political blackmail against the Minister. He argued that if the protesters have sufficient evidence, they should present it in court instead of resorting to street protests.

Nwauju praised the Minister’s performance, citing the transformation at the Ministry of Interior since August 2023, and the positive impact on paramilitary agencies such as the Immigration, Correctional Services, Civil Defence, and Fire Service. He noted that the Minister’s innovative leadership has earned Nigeria respect among nations.

Nwauju expressed concern that some individuals are lending their time and resources to an agenda aimed at reversing the gains made by the government and derailing President Tinubu’s re-election bid. He described it as madness for anyone to convince Nigerians to undermine the progress made by the Ministry under Dr Tunji-Ojo.

The APC Chieftain urged Nigerians to appreciate the progress made by the Ministry, citing improvements in passport application and renewal processes, correctional services, and the national fire service. He noted that the Ministry has exceeded revenue projections and promoted over 75,202 staff members in the past two years.

Nwauju’s statement is seen as a defence of the Minister and the government’s achievements, and a call to reject attempts to sabotage President Tinubu’s re-election bid.