Tinubu mocks 2027 opposition coalition, calls them ‘political IDPs’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fired back at opposition figures reportedly forming a coalition to challenge his presidency in the 2027 general elections, labeling them as “political IDPs” Internally Displaced Politicians.

During a one-day working visit to Nasarawa State on Wednesday, where he commissioned various developmental projects, Tinubu dismissed the coalition plans as inconsequential.

He urged his supporters to ignore the noise, asserting that those behind the move are, in his words, “only trying to unseat themselves.”

READ ALSO:Tinubu set to sign landmark tax reform bills into law Thursday

“Just don’t pay them any attention. They are the political IDPs. Don’t give them a home. The hope is here,” Tinubu said.

The President praised Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for his development strides and promised the full support of the federal government to further enhance the prosperity of the state.

Governor Sule, while addressing the president, appealed for expedited oil and gas exploration in Obi Local Government Area, where over a billion barrels of hydrocarbons were reportedly discovered in 2023.

He urged the President to ensure further drilling and development in the area, envisioning a fully integrated oil and gas operation that could make Nigeria a refining hub like Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, political maneuverings ahead of 2027 have intensified with reports that opposition leaders such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai are holding talks about a possible alliance to challenge Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The speculation was confirmed last month by Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, during a live interview on Politics Today, where he admitted that consultations were ongoing.

Adding fuel to the political debate, a new political group, the National Opposition Coalition Group (NOCG), which includes former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi and chaired by former Senate President David Mark, is also reportedly working towards registering a new political party with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the name All Democratic Alliance (ADA).