The presidency has refuted the ongoing rumors regarding a burgeoning political coalition intended to contest President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. In a statement on X, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, characterized the claims as merely a ‘political hallucination.’ Bwala asserted, ‘To claim that a political coalition is gaining momentum when, in reality, there is no interest in it, is a political hallucination.’ He pointed out that significant political figures and institutions have clearly shown a lack of interest in such an alliance. He underscored the increasing strength of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighting that the party has been drawing in key opposition members, including notable defectors. ‘The Governors’ Forum of PDP has stated their disinterest, and the NWC of PDP has echoed this sentiment. Peter Obi has recently declared that he is not engaged in any coalition discussions, and members of the Labour Party have also expressed their lack of interest. In contrast, the APC is the party that is gaining momentum, welcoming defectors from various quarters, including a former vice presidential candidate of the PDP from the 2023 elections. This is not a coalition; it is a hallucination,’ Bwala concluded. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who finished second in the 2023 presidential election with 6,984,520 votes, has persistently affirmed his commitment to leading a strong opposition capable of challenging the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming electoral cycle.
The journey of President Bola Tinubu towards securing a second term is becoming increasingly challenging, facing significant opposition not only from competing political parties but also from dissatisfied members within the APC. Among the prominent dissenters are former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal. Additionally, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has recently left the APC, publicly criticized the Tinubu administration, and joined the Social Democratic Party. He has urged fellow Nigerians who share his views to come together in an effort to remove the APC from power in 2027.
