2027 Shocker: Why Tinubu’s Allies Are Scrambling To Kill Atiku’s Coalition
In the high-stakes chessboard of Nigerian politics, whispers have become war drums as we inch closer to 2027. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to be bracing for impact, and if you ask Paul Ibe—spokesperson to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—that fear is already seeping through the cracks in President Tinubu’s camp.
So, what’s behind this growing political tension? A potential coalition of opposition forces, led by Atiku and other political heavyweights, is rumored to be in the works. The idea? Unify disparate voices into a single, potent force to challenge Tinubu’s grip on power in the next general election. And according to Ibe, the ruling party is already rattled.
What Sparked the Latest Verbal Clash?
The latest round of political back-and-forth was triggered by comments from Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). At a ribbon-cutting event for several road projects in Abuja, Wike declared that the proposed opposition coalition was “bound to fail.” He attributed this failure to what he called President Tinubu’s “good works,” suggesting that the government’s performance would speak for itself at the polls.
But Paul Ibe, appearing later that day on Channels TV’s Politics Today, fired back hard.
“They are scared of the prospect of the coalition. Otherwise, why has that become a talking point?” Ibe questioned.
He painted Wike’s remarks as evidence of growing anxiety in Tinubu’s camp—a reaction not to failure, but to the real possibility that a unified opposition could change the course of Nigeria’s future.
Why a Coalition Matters Now More Than Ever
Coalitions aren’t new in Nigerian politics, but successful ones are rare. The APC itself was born out of a merger between several parties—including the CPC, ANPP, and a faction of the PDP—and rode that unity straight into Aso Rock in 2015.
Atiku’s camp appears to be trying the same strategy: unify a fragmented opposition base into a formidable electoral force. In a country where tribalism, party loyalty, and personal ambition often sabotage broader alliances, pulling this off would require not just negotiation—but a vision bold enough to rise above ego and political calculus.
For Ibe and other coalition hopefuls, the path forward is clear: focus on 2027, but stay grounded in the urgent task of reminding Nigerians that change is possible—if they organize for it.
“Better days are coming, but we need to work for it,” Ibe said. “That work has to start with ensuring that this administration is shown the exit door.”
A Harsh Review of Tinubu’s Performance
In the same interview, Ibe didn’t mince words when asked to evaluate the Tinubu administration’s performance so far.
“A total failure,” he said flatly.
He criticized the government for prioritizing election strategy over the pressing needs of citizens. Food inflation, insecurity, and economic uncertainty remain key issues haunting everyday Nigerians, while the political elite spar over who gets the next four years.
Ibe urged the Tinubu administration to shift focus to governance: making food affordable, securing lives and property, and rebuilding trust in public institutions. In his words, it’s time to stop “campaigning in office” and start delivering on promises.
The Takeaway: Signs of Desperation or Strategic Messaging?
Whether Tinubu’s camp is genuinely worried or simply trying to dismiss the opposition’s efforts before they gain traction is up for debate. What’s clear is that the 2027 election has already begun—not on ballots, but in soundbites, press conferences, and shifting alliances.
If a viable coalition emerges, the next election could be the most competitive since 2015. But that “if” looms large. Nigerian politics is not just about ideas—it’s about will, structure, and stamina. Can the opposition keep its house in order long enough to present a unified alternative? And will Nigerians see this coalition as credible, or simply another reshuffling of the same old deck?
Only time will tell. But as the noise grows louder, one thing is certain: the political temperature is rising, and 2027 may be closer than we think.
