Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, asserted that All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters loyal to President Bola Tinubu would encounter public backlash if they campaigned for him in their local communities.
According to report, Abaribe made these remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
Emphasizing a disconnect between elite endorsements and grassroots sentiment.
The comments were reported by multiple news outlets monitoring the live broadcast.
Including Naija News and Channels Television’s official channels.
Capturing Abaribe’s direct quotes and contextual references to ongoing political discussions.
Abaribe Questions APC Grassroots Support
Abaribe highlighted the disparity between public displays of loyalty in Abuja and genuine voter support at the community level.
He argued that true political strength emerges from popular backing rather than institutional positions or media appearances.
The Abia South lawmaker positioned this critique within broader conversations about the APC’s national dominance versus regional realities.
Ariaria Market Test Referenced
Recalling a discussion in Aba, Abaribe invoked a rhetorical question originally posed by former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
He challenged whether any APC supporter, including himself, could openly canvass for Bola Tinubu votes at the bustling Ariaria International Market.
Abaribe stated that such an attempt would provoke immediate rejection from traders and residents, underscoring perceived local discontent.
Stoning Metaphor Emphasizes Rejection
Abaribe employed vivid imagery, declaring that Tinubu’s vocal backers “cannot go to their homes and say it” without facing hostility, metaphorically described as being “stoned.”
This statement illustrated his conviction that many politicians’ support remains superficial, confined to controlled environments away from ordinary voters.
The senator framed this as evidence of fragile foundations beneath the administration’s public narrative.
Confidence in 2027 Opposition Victory
He maintained that the President’s 2023 victory lacked authenticity and predicted that previous strategies would prove ineffective moving forward.
The lawmaker anticipated a competitive electoral contest where popular sentiment would determine the outcome decisively.
2023 Election Legitimacy Challenged
Abaribe conveyed readiness to confront the administration “in the field,” suggesting organized opposition efforts would expose vulnerabilities.
This positioning aligns with ongoing debates about electoral integrity and future political realignments.
Broader Implications for APC Strategy
Abaribe’s remarks contribute to intensifying discourse around the APC’s mobilization capacity ahead of future polls.
By emphasizing mass-level dynamics over elite consensus, he challenged supporters to demonstrate tangible community engagement.
The comments reflect persistent regional tensions and foreshadow competitive dynamics in the approaching electoral cycle.
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