Supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the banner of the National Coalition for Asiwaju Mandate (NCAM), have strongly condemned the newly formed opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The opposition alliance, which includes key political figures like Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, and Salihu Lukman, was recently unveiled with the stated goal of unseating Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. However, Tinubu’s loyalists see it as a desperate attempt by political “has-beens” to regain relevance and power.
Atiku’s Grand Coalition: A Threat or Just Political Drama?
On March 20, 2025, Atiku announced the formation of the coalition during a press conference, which was jointly held by concerned leaders and political stakeholders. The event was originally centered around the opposition’s rejection of the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State, but it quickly turned into a launchpad for a larger political movement aimed at challenging Tinubu’s leadership.
The coalition has brought together notable figures from different political backgrounds, including:
Atiku Abubakar (Former Vice President, PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate)
Peter Obi (Former Anambra governor, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate)
Nasir El-Rufai (Former Kaduna governor, ex-APC chieftain)
Babachir Lawal (Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation)
Salihu Lukman (Ex-APC National Vice Chairman, North-West)
Their collective mission, according to Atiku, is to restore democracy and prevent Nigeria from becoming a one-party state under Tinubu’s rule.
Tinubu’s Camp Hits Back: ‘They Are Against Nigeria’s Progress’
In a swift and fiery response, NCAM National President Isaac Ikpa dismissed the coalition as a collection of self-seeking politicians with no real vision for Nigeria. Speaking in Abuja on March 27, 2025, Ikpa ridiculed the group as a gathering of “expired political relics”, accusing them of seeking power not for the good of the nation, but for personal gain.
NCAM’s Key Accusations Against the Opposition:
History of Failed Leadership – The coalition members, according to Ikpa, have nothing to show from their past leadership positions except corruption, division, and broken promises.
Selfish Political Ambitions – The opposition figures are allegedly driven by their hunger for power, rather than a genuine desire to serve Nigerians.
Attempt to Hijack Power – NCAM claims that Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai do not have a real plan for Nigeria’s progress but are merely looking for a way to remain relevant.
Disrupting Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda – The group insists that Tinubu is already delivering good governance, and any attempt to remove him will only drag Nigeria back into instability and corruption.
NCAM: ‘Tinubu Is the Best Choice for Nigeria’
Tinubu’s supporters have urged Nigerians to reject the opposition’s coalition, arguing that the president has already demonstrated visionary leadership and is steering Nigeria toward prosperity.
NCAM’s Counterarguments:
Tinubu’s Leadership Track Record – They claim that Tinubu has always been a progressive leader, both as Lagos governor and now as president.
Economic and Social Reforms – His Renewed Hope Agenda is said to be laying the foundation for economic revival, job creation, and infrastructural development.
Opposition’s ‘Hypocrisy’ – According to NCAM, the same politicians who now claim to be fighting for democracy were previously part of governments that failed Nigeria.
“We must not allow these individuals to derail the progress that Nigeria has made under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the NCAM statement read.
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A Political Battle for 2027: What’s Next?
With this heated exchange, it is clear that Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race is already taking shape two years in advance. The rivalry between Tinubu’s camp and the Atiku-led opposition coalition is likely to intensify as both sides position themselves for the next political showdown.
Possible Political Scenarios Ahead:
Stronger Opposition Unity?
If Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai can keep their alliance intact, they may pose a formidable challenge to Tinubu in 2027.
Tinubu Strengthens His Hold on Power?
If Tinubu continues to implement impactful policies, he may consolidate his support and make it difficult for the opposition to gain ground.
Rising Political Tensions?
With both sides engaging in verbal attacks and strategic moves, Nigeria’s political landscape could become more polarized in the coming years.
Whatever happens next, 2027 is shaping up to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history. Will Tinubu secure a second term, or will Atiku and his allies manage to unseat him?
Only time will tell.
