ABUJA — Paul Ibe, media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has said the Bola Tinubu administration is apprehensive about a growing opposition coalition seeking to challenge the president’s re-election in 2027.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Ibe reacted to comments by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who had dismissed the viability of any such alliance. Wike had earlier declared that the proposed opposition coalition was “bound to fail.”
In response, Ibe accused the Tinubu administration of propagating doubt about the coalition’s potential out of fear, rather than confidence.
“All of the talk that the coalition won’t work is because they’re already scared,” Ibe said. “Otherwise, why has it become a talking point? Whether it succeeds or not is not their business. Nigerians should stay focused.”
He encouraged citizens to prepare to vote out the current administration in 2027, asserting that a united opposition was vital to achieving that goal.
“The work has to start now,” Ibe said. “A united opposition is key. Better days are coming, but we must work for it.”
‘Total Failure’ in Governance
Asked to assess Tinubu’s performance in office, Ibe was blunt in his criticism, describing the administration as “a total failure.”
“It’s all about 2027,” he said. “They’re obsessed with the next election instead of governance. The focus should be on making life meaningful, securing lives and property, and making food affordable.”
He dismissed the government’s assurances that current economic hardships are temporary, arguing that after two years in office, there have been no tangible improvements to inspire confidence in the remaining two years.
“If there were signs things would improve, Nigerians would be feeling it by now,” Ibe said.
Momentum for Opposition Unity
Coalition talks among opposition heavyweights—including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai—have gained momentum in recent months, as discontent over inflation, insecurity, and governance persists.
Despite this, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to insist that any such alliance will fail to unseat Tinubu in 2027.
