President Bola Tinubu has taken a sharp swipe at opposition figures pushing for a coalition to challenge his presidency in the 2027 general elections, describing them as “political IDPs” (Internally Displaced Politicians).
He made the scathing remark during a one-day working visit to Nasarawa State on Wednesday, where he commissioned various developmental projects.
Tinubu whose presidency has been a subject carricature, dismissed the coalition plans as inconsequential.
He urged his supporters to ignore the noise, arguing that those behind the move are, in his words, “only trying to unseat themselves.”
“Just don’t pay them any attention. They are the political IDPs. Don’t give them a home. The hope is here,” Tinubu said.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu commended 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.
Diaspora Digital Media reported that political horse trading ahead of 2027 have intensified with reports that opposition leaders such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and 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).