2027 Presidency: Tinubu Supporters Dismiss Atiku, Obi, Duke Opposition Alliance as ‘Exercise in Futility’
2027 Presidency: Tinubu Supporters Dismiss Atiku, Obi, Duke Opposition Alliance as ‘Exercise in Futility’
Supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid have dismissed efforts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke and other opposition figures to build a united political front ahead of the 2027 presidential election, insisting that the emerging alliance poses no threat to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The position was expressed in Abuja during the inauguration and official unveiling of the Renewed Hope Project 2027, a political support movement established to mobilise Nigerians for President Tinubu’s re-election.
The event, themed “A New Beginning, A Shared Vision, With Greater Nigeria,” brought together political leaders, government officials, National Assembly members, representatives of governors and grassroots mobilisers.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who serves as Grand Patron of the Renewed Hope Project 2027, said the movement would focus on what it considers verifiable achievements of the Tinubu administration in convincing Nigerians to support the President for another term.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Technical Matters, Prof. Babatunde Bernard, Akume maintained that the administration had embarked on reforms aimed at addressing some of Nigeria’s longstanding structural problems.
He cited efforts surrounding local government autonomy and digital reforms as examples of measures intended to strengthen governance and improve service delivery.
According to the SGF, some of the government’s policies may require difficult decisions and sacrifices but are designed to produce long-term benefits for the country. He also pointed to foreign investment interest as an indication that Nigeria’s economy could become increasingly attractive to international investors.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Renewed Hope Project 2027, Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril (retd.), meanwhile, dismissed moves by opposition politicians to establish a formidable coalition against Tinubu.
Jibril described the proposed opposition alliance as an “exercise in futility,” arguing that Tinubu’s performance in office, rather than the number of opposition politicians joining forces, would ultimately influence the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
His comments came amid intensified consultations by opposition leaders seeking greater cooperation ahead of the general election.
The G100, a coalition of concerned Nigerians, said it had held an initial round of consultations with leaders and stakeholders across several opposition parties as part of efforts to establish a broader political platform capable of challenging the APC in 2027.
Those involved in the consultations include Atiku, Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Governor Seyi Makinde and stakeholders from parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The group announced plans for a Summit of Opposition Parties in Abuja on August 18, 2026, where discussions are expected to focus on possible cooperation, political concessions and strategies for building a united opposition ahead of the election.
Atiku has expressed willingness to participate in sincere discussions aimed at strengthening opposition cooperation.
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President maintained that opposition leaders must be prepared to put national interest above individual political ambitions if they hope to present Nigerians with a credible alternative in 2027.
The NDC has similarly indicated that it is open to discussions about greater opposition cooperation, while stressing that any eventual arrangement should consider the popularity and electoral strength of prospective presidential candidates.
Makinde’s camp has also welcomed dialogue among opposition politicians, describing political consultation and realignment as legitimate features of democratic politics.
With the 2027 presidential contest approaching, the competing mobilisation efforts signal an intensifying political battle. While Tinubu’s supporters are banking on the administration’s record and grassroots mobilisation to secure another term, opposition leaders are exploring whether a broader alliance could consolidate their electoral strength and mount a stronger challenge to the APC.
