Tinubu Breaks Silence on El-Rufai, Atiku’s Coalition Ahead of 2027 Election

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally addressed the rising political coalition spearheaded by opposition heavyweights Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Peter Obi, dismissing their efforts as noise from “political internally displaced persons.”

According to NewsVista reports, Tinubu made the remarks during a one-day working visit to Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Wednesday, June 25, where he commissioned several major infrastructure projects executed by Governor Abdullahi Sule.

In a fiery speech that seemed directed at his 2027 rivals, Tinubu told Governor Sule not to be distracted by what he called “those in the perdition of coalition.”

“Don’t pay them attention. They are political IDPs,” Tinubu said, triggering laughter and applause from the audience. “Please don’t give them hope. The hope is here. Sule is doing well.”

The president’s choice of words — “political IDPs” — struck a chord online, with many interpreting it as a calculated jab at politicians who have failed to find solid footing within their own parties and are now scrambling to form a new alliance.

Tinubu Downplays Coalition Threat

The opposition coalition, announced in March 2025, brought together some of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures — including Atiku, El-Rufai, and Obi — all vowing to form a united front to unseat Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

But Tinubu doesn’t appear shaken.

Instead, he focused on commissioning signature projects in Nasarawa, including:

• The Lafia Interchange Flyover and Underpass

• A new Nasarawa State Secretariat

• The dualised Shemdan Road

• Operational vehicles for government agencies and security outfits

• Agricultural equipment to boost food production

“This is real governance,” Tinubu said. “This is where hope lives — not in recycled coalitions or old tactics.”

Why the Coalition Matters

Despite Tinubu’s dismissal, political analysts say the new coalition could pose a real threat, especially with rising public dissatisfaction over economic hardship, inflation, and subsidy removal fallout.

Critics argue that the president’s reforms have deepened poverty and eroded purchasing power, giving the opposition new ammunition heading into 2027.

For now, the coalition is still in early stages, with talks of aligning under parties like the Social Democratic Party (SDP) or a new political platform altogether.

But Tinubu’s message is clear: He’s not losing sleep over it.

Final Word

With the 2027 elections creeping closer and new alliances forming behind the scenes, the political temperature in Nigeria is heating up — fast.

Whether Tinubu’s “political IDPs” remark proves to be a brush-off or a strategic warning remains to be seen. But one thing is sure: the battle for 2027 has already begun.

Stay tuned to NewsVista for real-time updates, political insights, and behind-the-scenes scoops.