The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that no coalition of opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra Governor Peter Obi, can halt President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
This bold assertion was made by APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, during an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday.
Reacting to comments from Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, who claimed his principal and Obi had learned from the last elections and were determined to oust what he called the “incompetent and clueless” APC-led administration, Ibrahim dismissed their efforts as futile.
“It’s a dream gone wrong,” Ibrahim said. “No alliance or opposition crisis can seriously challenge us. All over the world, you don’t add up votes from past elections hoping to beat the winner. A smart leader like Tinubu will always exploit the cracks within the opposition.”
Atiku and Obi’s potential collaboration, which their supporters believe could merge a combined voter base of over 12 million, has sparked debate within Nigeria’s political circles.
Ibe had highlighted their resolve to unite in rescuing Nigerians from the current administration’s alleged hardship.
However, critics of the proposed coalition, including leaders from the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), caution that alliances alone cannot unseat APC. Instead, they emphasize the need for credible elections and leaders with proven integrity.
CUPP’s National Secretary, Peter Ahmeh, stated that while a coalition might aid opposition efforts, “The most important coalition is one that ensures free and fair elections, where polling units decide results transparently.” He pointed to Ghana’s electoral system as a model Nigeria should emulate.
The SDP’s National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, was skeptical about a coalition’s effectiveness, citing the lack of unity and trust among Nigeria’s political parties. “What Nigerians seek are credible individuals, not just alliances,” he said.
Meanwhile, APGA Chairman Sly Ezeokenwa expressed readiness to work with other progressive forces, signaling a growing call for broader collaboration across party lines. “We believe in building a Nigeria that works for all,” Ezeokenwa said.
Despite opposition critiques and proposals, the APC remains unfazed. Ibrahim laughed off suggestions of Atiku and Obi’s partnership, calling them “strange bedfellows” incapable of mounting a serious challenge.
As Nigeria heads toward 2027, the battle lines are being drawn, with alliances and strategies shaping up on all sides. However, APC’s confidence underscores the formidable challenge facing opposition forces eager to disrupt Tinubu’s political momentum.