2027: Tunji-Ojo’s Massive Mobilization for President Tinubu

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s rebuttal to Atiku Abubakar over Nigeria’s land borders has become a showcase for the political value of a minister who can answer criticism with dates, locations and a record of delivery.

Atiku, a former vice president and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, promised to reopen land borders with Benin Republic, Niger, Chad and Cameroon. He argued that restrictions had damaged cross-border trade, businesses and employment. Tunji-Ojo responded that the borders were not closed and therefore could not be reopened.

The interior minister pointed to the reopening of Seme, Illela, Maigatari and Mfum in December 2020; Idiroko and Ikom in April 2022; and Kamba and Tsamiya in Kebbi State in February 2026. He also said the Banki and Amchidé crossings were not part of the 2019 trade-policy closures. Those crossings had closed in 2014 because of Boko Haram-related security threats and later reopened, while Fotokol and Gambaru followed in 2021.

The argument, in the article’s telling, gives Tunji-Ojo more than a rebuttal. His supporters see him as a minister with visible achievements that can strengthen public confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration. Results affecting workers, businesses, students, communities and security personnel can also build goodwill among the groups that benefit from them.

The article credits Tunji-Ojo with reforms at the Interior Ministry, including digitizing passport services and working to reduce processing delays. It also cites initiatives to improve correctional facilities, immigration services and government efficiency. Those achievements, it argues, give the governing party concrete answers when opposition parties focus on the country’s continuing challenges.