By Olatunbosun Obafemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed attempts by opposition leaders to form a coalition aimed at unseating him in the 2027 elections, describing them as “political IDPs” – a reference to internally displaced persons with no stable political base.
Speaking during a one-day presidential visit to Nasarawa State on Wednesday, Tinubu told his supporters not to be distracted by the emerging alliance. “Just don’t pay them any attention. They are the political IDPs. Don’t give them a home. The hope is here,” he said.
Tinubu’s remarks come amid reports that key figures from the 2023 election – including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai – are in talks to form a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Paul Ibe, spokesman for Atiku, confirmed the development during an appearance on Politics Today on May 22. “Yes, it’s out there in the open. There have been ongoing discussions between Atiku Abubakar and some opposition leaders: Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai. At the end of that discussion, they will come out with a direction based on the yearnings of Nigerians,” Ibe said.
Meanwhile, Tinubu used the Nasarawa visit to commend Governor Abdullahi Sule for his development strides, promising federal support for future projects. “Sule is doing well. We will support whatever Governor Sule brings about to work harder for the prosperity and renaissance of Nasarawa State,” the President said.
Governor Sule appealed for presidential intervention in accelerating oil and gas exploration in Obi Local Government Area, where over one billion barrels of hydrocarbon reserves were discovered in 2023. He proposed the development of integrated facilities to enable local refining and export of finished petroleum products, likening the potential to that of Saudi Arabia.
As 2027 approaches, the political landscape is beginning to shift. While Tinubu projects confidence, the growing opposition alliance may shape the contours of the next electoral contest.
