Atiku, Obi, el-Rufai, Amaechi are disgruntled politicians. The coalition is an amalgam of Tinubu haters – Presidency
The recent commentary from the Presidency, condemning certain political figures and their regrouping ahead of the 2027 elections, has ignited significant debate in Nigerian political circles. The remarks, made by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, painted a picture of a coalition comprised of disgruntled politicians. He specifically identified four prominent figures – Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir el-Rufai, and Chibuike Amaechi – as individuals who do not have the interests of the Nigerian masses at heart. The coalition was described as an “amalgam of Tinubu haters,” positioning their agenda as one focused primarily on halting the progress of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Onanuga’s statements, which were a response to the formation of a new political coalition, point to a much deeper divide within the political landscape of Nigeria. The comments were aimed at discrediting the group’s intentions, branding them as self-serving individuals, which could be seen as a strategic move to distance the current administration from any opposition or criticism. The grouping, which reportedly includes figures like former Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi, is said to have come together in preparation for the 2027 elections, with the ultimate goal of unseating Tinubu’s administration.
This accusation of being a coalition of “frustrated” and “sore losers” serves to undercut the legitimacy of the coalition and shifts the narrative in favor of the ruling party. In Onanuga’s words, the coalition is seen as a group not interested in the welfare of the Nigerian people but rather motivated by personal grievances and a desire for political power.
Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria and a veteran of Nigerian politics, has long been a central figure in opposition politics. His presidential bid in the 2019 and 2023 elections was marked by a fierce rivalry with the then incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari, and later, Bola Tinubu. Despite his attempts to secure the presidency, Atiku’s bids have been unsuccessful, with the 2023 election being the most recent setback. His political ideology has often been centered on economic liberalization, though his stance on national unity and restructuring Nigeria’s political system has caused considerable debate.
Peter Obi, who gained significant attention during the 2023 presidential election as the candidate of the Labour Party, has also been portrayed by the Presidency as a key figure in this coalition. Obi’s presidential campaign was largely focused on reforms in the areas of economic management, governance, and anti-corruption efforts. Though Obi garnered a substantial following, especially among younger Nigerians, he was ultimately defeated in the 2023 election by Bola Tinubu. Despite the defeat, Obi’s role in the political landscape remains pivotal, as he continues to advocate for change and hold the government accountable for its policies.
Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has been a prominent voice in Nigerian politics. Known for his outspoken and controversial stance on many issues, el-Rufai was a loyal ally to President Muhammadu Buhari and played a significant role in the APC’s success in past elections. However, his relationship with the current administration under Tinubu has been fraught with tension, with el-Rufai’s views on governance and political reform often diverging from those of the new president. His decision to join this new coalition suggests a continued desire to influence the political direction of Nigeria, even if it means opposing the current administration.
Chibuike Amaechi, former governor of Rivers State and a key member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has also found himself in the crosshairs of the Presidency’s criticisms. Amaechi has been a key figure in Nigerian politics, having served as a minister in the Buhari administration. His leadership in the APC, particularly in the southern region, is seen as a crucial factor in the party’s electoral success. However, his recent political maneuverings and alignment with the new coalition have raised questions about his loyalty to the current president.
The formation of a coalition of politicians who have historically opposed President Tinubu has been seen by the government as an attempt to regain power or influence that was lost in the wake of the 2023 elections. With figures such as Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi involved, the coalition represents a significant challenge to Tinubu’s political dominance, especially as the 2027 elections loom large on the horizon.
However, the Presidency’s response to the coalition has been one of dismissal. By labeling these politicians as “disgruntled” and “frustrated,” the government seeks to undermine their credibility and cast doubt on the motivations behind their coalition. Onanuga’s statement emphasized that President Tinubu is focused on governance and is determined to tackle the country’s most pressing issues, such as the economy, security, and infrastructure development.
The suggestion that the coalition is motivated by self-interest rather than a genuine desire for public good is a key rhetorical strategy used by the government. By focusing on personal grievances rather than policy differences, the Presidency aims to paint the opposition as out of touch with the needs of the Nigerian people. This narrative serves to rally support for Tinubu’s administration, positioning him as a leader focused on national progress rather than engaging in political infighting.
Furthermore, the statement suggests that the coalition’s leaders are “sore losers” who cannot accept the outcome of the 2023 elections. This implies that the group’s efforts to regroup and challenge Tinubu are driven by a sense of bitterness and frustration over their inability to secure political power. Such language seeks to delegitimize the coalition’s efforts, positioning them as petty and divisive rather than constructive and policy-driven.
The Presidency’s labeling of the opposition coalition as a “frustrated lot” serves a broader purpose than just discrediting the individuals involved. It is a strategic move to control the narrative around the upcoming 2027 elections and shape public perception of the political landscape. By framing the coalition as a group of disgruntled politicians with personal axes to grind, the government seeks to draw attention away from any substantive critiques of its policies.
In a highly polarized political environment, the use of such language can have a profound impact on how the public views both the coalition and the incumbent government. By painting the coalition as divisive and self-interested, the government is effectively positioning itself as the champion of national unity and progress. The rhetoric of frustration and self-interest is aimed at rallying public sentiment behind President Tinubu’s administration, which is presented as focused on addressing Nigeria’s challenges rather than engaging in petty political squabbles.
However, this approach also risks oversimplifying the complexities of Nigerian politics. While the coalition may include individuals with personal grievances, it is also possible that their shared opposition to Tinubu is rooted in legitimate policy disagreements and concerns about the future of the country. The challenge for the government, then, is to balance the need to defend its record with the recognition that opposition politics cannot be entirely dismissed as the result of personal frustrations.
The Presidency’s response to the formation of a new coalition of politicians opposing President Bola Tinubu is a clear attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the opposition. By labeling key figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir el-Rufai, and Chibuike Amaechi as “disgruntled” and “frustrated,” the government seeks to shift the narrative in favor of the ruling party. This rhetoric paints the coalition as motivated by self-interest and personal grievances rather than a genuine desire for the public good.
In the coming years, as the 2027 elections approach, it is likely that this political divide will continue to shape the discourse in Nigerian politics. Whether the coalition can overcome the criticisms leveled against it by the Presidency and present a credible alternative to Tinubu’s government remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the political battle in Nigeria is far from over, and the rivalry between the ruling party and its opposition will only intensify as the country moves closer to the next presidential election.
