Presidency Labels El-Rufai, Obi, Atiku Coalition As ‘Internally Displaced Politicians’
The presidency of Bola Tinubu has dismissed the political alliance reportedly being formed by Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi, and Atiku Abubakar, describing it as a coalition of “internally displaced politicians” without electoral relevance.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, issued the statement on Tuesday via his verified X handle while reacting to El-Rufai’s criticism of Tinubu’s administration during an interview on Arise TV.
El-Rufai had claimed that Tinubu’s approval rating in the North and Southeast had plummeted to about 9 percent, making his re-election chances nearly impossible.
“Tinubu cannot return as president with a 91 percent disapproval rating in the North and the Southeast,” El-Rufai declared during the interview, before also describing Tinubu’s cabinet as a “joke” that lacks quality.
“I listened to the interview of my elder brother @elrufai Nasir El-Rufai, on Prime Time Arise TV tonight,” Bwala wrote on X.
“He didn’t say anything new or outside the realm of what anyone in the opposition or coalition would say.
“What is however strange is how he tried to re-write history, and his facts were not supported by any shred of evidence.
“Their coalition is still an association of internally displaced politicians formed for a wild goose chase. Dead on arrival,” he added.
Although El-Rufai clarified during the interview that no political party had yet been adopted by the coalition, the remarks have triggered a fierce war of words, signaling what could become a heated political showdown ahead of the 2027 elections.
Former Political Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, had also weighed in on the development.
Speaking on Arise News on Monday, Baba-Ahmed said the leading figures behind the emerging opposition coalition are “the same old political actors” who are unfit to spearhead any credible challenge against the APC.
He further warned that the coalition’s promise of political renewal is empty, stating that its leadership lacks “the moral and political credibility to inspire Nigerians.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
