2027 Election: Tinubu Camp Dismisses Atiku, Obi, Duke Coalition as ‘Exercise in Futility’

ABUJA — The battle for Nigeria’s 2027 presidency is beginning to take shape, with supporters of President Bola Tinubu dismissing efforts by opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Donald Duke and others to forge a common political front.

The Tinubu supporters, under the Renewed Hope Project 2027, said the proposed opposition coalition would not derail the President’s bid for a second term.

They spoke yesterday in Abuja during the inauguration and unveiling of the group, which adopted the theme, “A New Beginning, A Shared Vision, With Greater Nigeria.”

The development came amid fresh moves by opposition groups to establish a broad alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The G100, a coalition of concerned Nigerians, said it had concluded an initial phase of consultations with leaders of six opposition parties.

Among those involved in the consultations were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress, ADC; Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC; and representatives of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, associated with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

The coalition also disclosed that it had held discussions with leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; Peoples Redemption Party, PRP; and Social Democratic Party, SDP.

In a statement signed by Salihu Moh. Lukman on behalf of the G100, the organisation said the discussions with national chairmen, presidential candidates and running mates had been productive.

It described the meetings as “frank, constructive and encouraging.”

The Atiku and Makinde camps, as well as the NDC, subsequently indicated their willingness to participate in the planned August 18 summit designed to explore ways of uniting opposition forces.

Tinubu Supporters: Opposition Alliance Cannot Stop Us

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who serves as Grand Patron of the Renewed Hope Project 2027, said the organisation was established to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election.

Represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Technical, Prof. Babatunde Bernard, Akume said the group would continue to publicise what he described as verifiable achievements of the Tinubu administration.

He argued that the government was addressing Nigeria’s structural challenges at their roots and cited local government autonomy and digital reforms as examples.

The SGF also said difficult decisions and sacrifices were sometimes necessary for national development.

He further pointed to increasing foreign investor interest in Nigeria as an indication that the country was becoming more attractive to international investors.

But retired Major-General Abdulmalik Jibril, Chairman of the group’s Board of Trustees, was more direct in dismissing the proposed opposition alliance.

Jibril described the effort as an “exercise in futility” and said the performance of the Tinubu administration would matter more to voters than opposition calculations.

“All put together is an exercise in futility. We have seen them before; they have done nothing and they are not going to do anything again. So, we are not perturbed at all. We don’t care about what they do,” he said.

G100 Sets August 18 for Opposition Summit

The G100 said its consultations were initiated after it issued an open letter on August 2, 2026, calling on opposition leaders, civil society organisations, Leaders of Thought and Nigerians of Good Conscience to consider a new framework for democratic opposition.

The coalition described its proposal as the Doctrine of Necessary Democratic Opposition.

It explained that the consultations were intentionally conducted privately to allow political leaders to address sensitive issues without pressure from the media.

“We have deliberately kept these consultations away from the glare of the media, in recognition of the sensitivity of many of the discussions and the need to allow party leaders to engage frankly and constructively without the pressure of premature public commentary. We believe that, at this stage, protecting the integrity of the process is more important than publicising every meeting,” the group said.

The G100 said it was now preparing for a Summit of Opposition Parties scheduled for August 18 in Abuja.

It said the meeting would provide an opportunity for the parties to discuss how greater cooperation could be achieved ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The G100 does not presume to dictate the outcome of these conversations. Our role is to facilitate dialogue, build confidence and help create the conditions in which the participating political parties can openly consider the difficult questions of cooperation, sacrifice, accommodation and collective action,” the statement said.

NDC Backs Opposition Cooperation

The NDC said it had no objection to opposition parties joining forces to challenge the APC.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said a united opposition would be stronger but argued that the most popular presidential candidate should lead any coalition.

“Undoubtedly, the opposition parties will be stronger if they coalesce into one party. Therefore, the NDC is not opposed to the possibility of the opposition coming together. However, any such proposition must take into consideration the strongest and most popular of the presidential candidates to lead it. There is no gainsaying the fact that the NDC and its flag bearer is the most visible option for the opposition parties,” he said.

He, however, cautioned against assuming that Nigeria’s problems could only be solved through a two-party system.

“But let also be mindful of the fact that we should not assume by the G100 call to mean that only a two party system can salvage Nigeria. With the plethora of opposition parties, the electorate knows who their preferred candidate is.”

Atiku Says He Is Favourably Disposed

Atiku Abubakar also welcomed efforts to strengthen cooperation among opposition parties.

His Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the ADC presidential candidate remained committed to building a credible alternative ahead of the election.

“Atiku Abubakar has consistently maintained that the challenge before the opposition is bigger than any individual or political party. At a time when Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity and declining living standards, opposition leaders have a responsibility to put the national interest above personal ambitions,” he said.

According to Shaibu, the objectives of the G100 initiative were consistent with Atiku’s longstanding advocacy for opposition cooperation.

“Regarding the August 18 summit, His Excellency is favourably disposed to any sincere engagement that advances opposition unity. His attendance will, however, depend on his schedule and the final arrangements communicated by the organisers,” he said.

He added that Atiku would continue to work with opposition leaders to create what he described as a strong, united and credible alternative for Nigerians.

Makinde Camp Supports Dialogue

Governor Seyi Makinde’s camp also welcomed the proposed summit.

Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, Chairman of the Oyo State Advisory Council, said there was nothing unlawful or unusual about political leaders coming together to discuss the future of the country.

“Let me make it clear that there is nothing strange, unlawful or undemocratic about like-minded political leaders coming together to discuss the future of our country and the direction of our democracy,” he said.

Ayorinde said political leaders had the democratic right to explore the possibility of forming a united platform ahead of 2027.

“If political leaders and stakeholders are meeting to explore the possibility of forming a united political front ahead of 2027, such an initiative should be welcomed as a legitimate exercise in democratic consultation,” he said.

He described Makinde as a statesman who understands the importance of consultation, dialogue and building bridges across political divides.

According to him, politics should ultimately be focused on the welfare of Nigerians and the future of the country.

He said political realignment should not be viewed negatively, particularly when Nigerians were demanding credible alternatives.

Ayorinde, however, said any proposed coalition must be based on national interest, democratic values and the objective of providing Nigerians with credible leadership.

“It should not be reduced to personal ambition or sectional interest,” he said.

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