FRONTNAIJA NEWS REPORT
ABUJA – With the 2027 general elections still over a year away, Nigeria’s political landscape is already brimming with drama, bold claims, and fierce recalibrations. The latest shockwave comes from the Presidency, which has firmly dismissed the possibility of any opposition coalition unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — even if it includes the two biggest opposition forces from the last election cycle.
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time Thursday night, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, did not mince words:
“Even if you merge Peter Obi and Atiku together, there is no way the two of them can beat a Bola Tinubu and Shettima ticket. It is going to be impossible.”
The statement comes on the heels of growing momentum within Nigeria’s opposition ranks. Several prominent political actors recently announced a grand coalition, settling on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the unified platform to challenge the ruling APC in 2027.
The emerging alliance includes a heavyweight lineup of political gladiators:
Atiku Abubakar – Former Vice President and perennial PDP presidential candidate
Peter Obi – Labour Party’s 2023 flagbearer and a youth favorite
Nasir El-Rufai – Former Governor of Kaduna State and APC defector
Rauf Aregbesola – Former Minister of Interior and ex-governor of Osun
David Mark – Influential former Senate President
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and several others expected to join.
Despite the stature and influence of these names, Onanuga insists that Tinubu’s “tested leadership,” “policy boldness,” and “clear economic direction” will prove unbeatable, regardless of who’s on the opposition ticket.
“They can form alliances if they like. The APC is not losing sleep. We are not seeing them as any credible threat,” he asserted confidently.
Opposition Fires Back
Meanwhile, insiders from the opposition camp say Onanuga’s comments betray the APC’s quiet panic. A senior source within the coalition told FrontNaija News under anonymity:
“They’re clearly rattled. This time, we are not fragmented. We are working on a united front with one agenda: save Nigeria.”
Political analysts have described the statement as both “premature and provocative,” noting that Nigerian politics remains unpredictable and heavily influenced by economic conditions, youth sentiment, and regional dynamics.
Public Reaction Mixed
On social media, reactions have been explosive. While APC loyalists are touting the confidence as a show of strength, many Nigerians have criticized what they call “early arrogance” and a “disconnect from the suffering masses.”
One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote:
“Bayo Onanuga is talking like 2027 is tomorrow. They forget how unpredictable this country is. Nobody gave Obi a chance in 2023.”
Early 2027 Vibes
Though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to officially kick-start the electoral process, it’s clear that political maneuvering is already in full swing. The opposition believes it must begin early to galvanize support, mobilize structures, and avoid the divided front that marred the 2023 elections.
But the APC says it will rely on “performance, not propaganda,” as it positions Tinubu for a second term.
“The President’s record will speak for itself when the time comes. These distractions won’t derail our development focus,” Onanuga said.
As Nigerians continue to endure economic hardship, insecurity, and reforms, the real battle for 2027 may not be just about coalitions—but about which side can truly inspire hope, unity, and delivery.
📍Source: Arise TV Prime Time Interview | July 10, 2025
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