Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, has unequivocally stated his belief that President Bola Tinubu will lose the forthcoming 2027 presidential election. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Abaribe asserted that Tinubu "never won the election of 2023" and that "everyone knows it," despite acknowledging him as the declared president. He expressed confidence that in 2027, citizens and political actors will be more prepared, preventing any controversial declarations of victory, unlike what he suggested happened with a 3 am announcement in the past.

Abaribe attributed his prediction of Tinubu’s impending defeat to the widespread public anger and "monumental suffering" gripping Nigerians. He highlighted the severe economic challenges, a "collapsed" economy, and a "nightmare" security situation under the current administration. According to the lawmaker, these issues have created an environment where even the President's supporters are reluctant to openly identify with him in their local communities, fearing public backlash or even being "stoned." He recounted discussions from his constituency in Aba, Abia State, and cited a hypothetical scenario posed by former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, suggesting that no supporter of Tinubu could campaign for him in places like Ariaria market without facing severe repercussions.

The Senator further elaborated on the contentious nature of the 2023 presidential election, which saw President Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) declared the winner by the Independent National Election Commission (INEC). This victory was highly disputed by opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, whose candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, respectively, challenged the outcome at both the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and the Supreme Court. Although the courts ultimately upheld Tinubu’s election, Abaribe maintains that the victory was not genuine.

Since taking office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu’s administration has implemented significant economic reforms, notably the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates. While the government defends these policies as crucial for economic stabilization, critics like Abaribe contend that they have exacerbated the cost of living and deepened hardship for countless Nigerians, contributing to the prevailing public discontent.

In addition to his criticisms of the government's performance, Senator Abaribe also outlined stringent conditions under which he would consider defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He stipulated that any such consideration would hinge on major changes in the way President Tinubu’s government operates. His primary condition involves a reversal of all policies deemed to "punish Nigerians." Furthermore, Abaribe demanded a reduction in the size of the government and a firm reining in of those around the President. He emphasized that Nigeria is a democracy, not a monarchy, and that governance must strictly adhere to democratic principles. When asked about the possibility of joining the APC, Abaribe stated he would present these conditions, adding a poignant remark that if he were to defect, it would imply "there will be no parties in Nigeria," signifying his extreme reluctance and the profound systemic changes that would need to occur for such a move.