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Thursday, 26 June 2025 04:23

Tinubu mocks opposition coalition as ‘political IDPs’, says 2027 ambitions are premature

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President Bola Tinubu has dismissed recent moves by opposition leaders to form a coalition against his government, describing them as “politically displaced persons” desperate for relevance and shelter.

Speaking during a visit to Nasarawa State on Wednesday, where he commissioned a series of infrastructure projects undertaken by Governor Abdullahi Sule, Tinubu ridiculed the opposition’s early preparations for the 2027 general election.

“Those rushing into early politics and forming coalitions are nothing but political IDPs — internally displaced persons,” Tinubu said in a veiled jab at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, who are reported to be behind the proposed coalition. “Don’t give them a home. The hope is here.”

Last week, the coalition group submitted a letter of intent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking registration of a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), aimed at challenging Tinubu’s re-election.

While stopping short of naming his critics directly, Tinubu warned that he would not stand by while opposition forces attempt to undermine his administration through premature political campaigns.

“I’m not one to sit quietly while some political gangsters try to destabilize the system,” he said. “They’re not forming a coalition to unseat me — they’re forming one to unseat themselves.”

The president also used the occasion to defend his administration’s performance, pointing to what he called measurable progress in economic reforms and public sector efficiency.

“We’ve cut down on waste and brought discipline to governance,” Tinubu said. “Yes, we are facing economic challenges, but I assure Nigerians — the hope is real, and from this moment, you will have no regrets.”

He praised Governor Sule for his development initiatives in Nasarawa and linked the state’s progress to the broader successes of his federal administration.

“Sule is delivering because Tinubu is delivering,” he declared.

Tinubu’s remarks come amid growing political maneuvering by opposition figures seeking to realign ahead of the next election cycle. While critics have accused his administration of economic hardship and insecurity, the president maintains that his reforms will yield long-term benefits and restore national prosperity.