Growing Opposition Against Tinubu: APC and Allies Push Back Amid Coalition Talks

The political landscape in Nigeria is heating up with the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar taking the lead to build a formidable coalition to face President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its allies have denounced the move as founded on personal vendetta rather than genuine political ideology.

El-Rufai Defects from APC and Creates Coalition

Having just defected from the ruling APC into the opposition SDP, citing ideological differences with the APC, Governor El-Rufai has dared opposition leaders, led by Atiku, Labour Party's Peter Obi, Former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former minister Rauf Aregbesola to join him in a coalition in preparation for Tinubu's re-election.

His growing link with Atiku has sparked speculations of a wider opposition alliance. Atiku has been a longtime advocate of opposition party unity, saying that attempts are being made to unify a front against the APC in power.

Principal Players in the Anti-Tinubu Movement

It is reported that some political bigwigs are contemplating joining the movement, among them:

Former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu

Former Attorney General Abubakar Malami

Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan

Former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha

Former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke

Former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal

Aregbesola and other prominent PDP and APC chieftains

Although some of the politicians have kept mum on their intentions, others, such as Omoluabi Movement leader 'Lowo Adebiyi, gave a hint of soon making announcements on their political future.

APC's Counterattack and Dismissal of the Coalition

The APC has hit back at El-Rufai and his allies, questioning the legitimacy and feasibility of their movement. Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, labeled El-Rufai’s efforts as being motivated by personal disappointment over missing out on a ministerial appointment in Tinubu’s government.

Morka said, "His reason that he quit due to ideological differences is a smokescreen. He is only acting out of frustration. Nigerians know his self-interest and will not be deceived.".

Similarly, Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi dismissed the coalition as no threat, saying, "Tinubu is unstoppable. His record speaks for him. The so-called coalition is a group of disgruntled elements, and it will crumble under the weight of conflicting personal ambitions."

Doubts Over the Coalition's Viability

Several political analysts and stakeholders remain skeptical about the opposition’s ability to unite. Musa Mailafiya, APC’s North-West Zonal Publicity Secretary, described El-Rufai’s coalition-building attempts as futile, arguing that key SDP members may not align with his vision.

Buba Galadima, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chieftain, went a step further to say that El-Rufai is merely a proxy of Atiku in the SDP. He revealed that the NNPP 2023 presidential candidate, Musa Kwankwaso, was invited to join the coalition but declined the invitation because he did not trust those leading the movement.

"El-Rufai is a betrayer—he betrayed Obasanjo, Buhari, and now Tinubu. Nobody trusts him, and that will be the SDP coalition's downfall," Galadima added.

Challenges in Uniting the Opposition

One of the greatest challenges to the coalition is the potential rivalry between Atiku and Obi, both of whom have strong support bases and presidential ambitions. Akin Oshuntokun, former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, stated that unless one of them stands down, the opposition could be set for a repeat of its 2023 electoral defeat due to fragmentation.

Oshuntokun believed that to make the coalition effective, it might need another consensus candidate. "Obi has youth and grassroots support, and Atiku has northern political support. If they don't have a common candidate, they might just divide votes again," he warned.

Conclusion

With 2027 on the horizon, the political battle lines are becoming more defined. Even as the opposition attempts to consolidate forces, the APC believes in its hold and Tinubu's governance track record. Whether the El-Rufai and Atiku partnership has what it takes to overcome internal power struggles and present a credible alternative remains to be seen.