Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has dismissed the emerging political coalition seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, describing it as a futile venture designed to distract Nigerians from the gains of ongoing national reforms.
Speaking with journalists and political stakeholders in Lagos, the governor stated that the coalition comprising political heavyweights such as former Vice president, Atiku Abubakar; the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi; former Senate president, David Mark; former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi; former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, and former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola— is a band of disgruntled politicians united only by resentment and personal ambition.
Sanwo-Olu then declared, “Nigerians will never go back to Egypt.”
He said, “The target is to distract the Commander-in-Chief and derail the social and economic gains that we can see and feel, but President Tinubu knows the game and will never fall for their bait.”
The coalition, which has found a platform in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is being branded by Tinubu’s allies as a desperate attempt to wrest power without a credible alternative or unifying ideology.
“They have nothing but bitterness to offer; they are bound together by their illogical resentment against President Tinubu, not by any edifying ideology. They will run out of steam,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Presidential aides have labeled it “a gathering of desperados” and “internally displaced politicians.”
Sanwo-Olu highlighted several policy moves he believes are already yielding results under Tinubu’s administration, including the stabilisation of the foreign exchange market, the launch of a student loan scheme, tax reforms, increased oil production, a new national minimum wage, and expanded revenue for states following the removal of fuel subsidies.
“President Tinubu is not only a builder of men but a visionary leader whose impact is evident across the nation,” the governor added.
When asked whether the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was worried about the activities of the coalition, the governor dismissed the concern outright.
“No one should be concerned or distracted by what ADC or any other group is attempting to orchestrate. The truth is clear, the people can see the difference, and history is on his side,” he said.
The governor advised the President to stay focused on delivering reforms and building national unity.
“Millions of well-meaning Nigerians across party lines and compatriots, who understand what it takes to govern the most populous black nation on earth and revive a troubled economy, are behind him and trust his leadership.” Sanwo-Olu added.
As opposition voices grow louder ahead of the 2027 elections, Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to remain calm and confident in Tinubu’s leadership.
