Fayose slams Atiku-El-Rufai alliance as political fantasy

DDM News

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has strongly dismissed the proposed political coalition against President Bola Tinubu as a futile effort.

The plan, reportedly being championed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, is aimed at building a united opposition front ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, Fayose described the coalition as “a dead horse” during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

He argued that the coalition lacks support from credible political figures and is not grounded in realistic political strategy.

According to him, no influential Nigerian or respected voice has publicly endorsed the proposed alliance.

Fayose maintained that the entire project is imaginary and not reflective of political realities within the country.

He added that the rejection of the coalition idea by members of the PDP Governors’ Forum is a clear message to Atiku.

“The PDP governors’ actions and statement in Ibadan is to tell Atiku: we are not with you, we are going nowhere, we have our own identity,” Fayose said.

He stressed that Atiku’s ambition is not enjoying the necessary backing within his own party structure.

Fayose said it would be more beneficial for the PDP to focus on fixing its internal issues rather than engaging in unproductive alliances.

He noted that a fractured PDP cannot succeed in any national electoral contest, coalition or not.

Fayose also criticized attempts to create a political merger driven by personal ambition rather than a collective vision.

He said, “That coalition is just in the imagination of people trying to bring it to fruition.”

Fayose further described the alliance talks as a complete waste of time.

He said the party must stop chasing illusions and concentrate on reuniting its ranks.

The former governor pointed out that the PDP has been in crisis since its defeat in the 2015 presidential election.

He recalled how internal divisions and conflicting interests undermined the party’s chances during the 2019 and 2023 elections.

Fayose particularly cited the G5 governors and other disgruntled party leaders as examples of the growing disunity in the PDP.

According to him, any opposition movement that lacks cohesion, grassroots support, and ideological clarity will ultimately fail.

He warned that personal grudges or opportunistic alignments will not unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Fayose insisted that only a strong, united, and internally stable PDP can pose a genuine threat to the APC.

He maintained that building such internal strength should be the party’s top priority, not speculative coalitions.

The idea of forming a mega coalition has gained attention in recent weeks following Nigeria’s ongoing economic hardship.

Citizens continue to express discontent over inflation, unemployment, and insecurity under the Tinubu administration.

Political analysts have said that these issues could create an opportunity for a powerful opposition bloc to emerge.

However, Fayose believes that opposition strength must be rooted in credibility and unity, not desperation.

He expressed doubt that Atiku or El-Rufai can inspire national trust without broader party consensus.

Fayose also questioned El-Rufai’s political intentions, noting his history as a top APC figure.

He said Nigerians are watching closely and can differentiate between genuine leaders and political opportunists.

He emphasized that coalitions built on weak foundations will collapse under pressure.

Fayose concluded by urging PDP leaders to rethink their strategy and stop engaging in what he described as political illusions.

He said that until the PDP resolves its internal contradictions, it cannot provide a viable alternative to the APC.

In his view, true political change can only come from within a reformed and united PDP structure.

He reiterated that Nigerians deserve serious opposition, not recycled tactics that have failed in the past.

The former governor’s remarks are likely to influence ongoing debates about the future of Nigeria’s political landscape.

With the 2027 elections still years away, observers say there is still time for genuine reform or restructuring within the PDP.

Fayose’s comments may also spark reactions from other PDP stakeholders and opposition figures involved in coalition talks.

As things stand, the road to a credible opposition movement remains uncertain and fraught with internal battles.

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