Tinubu blasts 2027 opposition coalition, labels them ‘political IDPs’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fired back at opposition figures reportedly forming a coalition to unseat his administration in the 2027 general elections, branding them as “political IDPs” Internally Displaced Politicians.

During a one-day working visit to Nasarawa State on Wednesday, the president commissioned several developmental projects and used the platform to address growing political murmurs about a coalition against his government.

Dismissing the alliance as inconsequential, Tinubu described the move as a desperate bid by irrelevant politicians to remain politically relevant. He urged his supporters to ignore the noise, emphasizing that such coalitions pose no real threat to his leadership or the progress his administration is making.

“They are only trying to unseat themselves,” Tinubu remarked, urging his supporters and Nigerians at large to disregard the political noise coming from what he described as a fractured opposition.

“Just don’t pay them any attention. They are the political IDPs. Don’t give them a home. The hope is here,” Tinubu said.

The President praised Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for his development strides and promised the full support of the federal government to further enhance the prosperity of the state.

Governor Sule, while addressing the president, appealed for expedited oil and gas exploration in Obi Local Government Area, where over a billion barrels of hydrocarbons were reportedly discovered in 2023.

He urged the President to ensure further drilling and development in the area, envisioning a fully integrated oil and gas operation that could make Nigeria a refining hub like Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, political maneuverings ahead of 2027 have intensified with reports that opposition leaders such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai are holding talks about a possible alliance to challenge Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The speculation was confirmed last month by Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, during a live interview on Politics Today, where he admitted that consultations were ongoing.

Adding fuel to the political debate, a new political group, the National Opposition Coalition Group (NOCG), which includes former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi and chaired by former Senate President David Mark, is also reportedly working towards registering a new political party with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the name All Democratic Alliance (ADA).