ABUJA — With less than two years to the 2027 general elections, the political atmosphere is heating up as the Presidency and opposition parties engage in intense verbal exchanges over the viability of the coalition formed under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) involving Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
Presidency, Bode George Dismiss Coalition
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga said the Bola Tinubu-Kashim Shettima ticket remains unbeatable despite the emerging alliance. Speaking on Arise TV, he described the Atiku-Obi coalition as “no threat,” insisting that Tinubu’s performance will serve as his best campaign strategy.
“If you merge Peter Obi and Atiku, they still can’t beat Bola Tinubu. He has done so much for the North and will earn their support,” Onanuga stated.
He dismissed claims of Tinubu’s involvement in ADC’s internal wrangling and accused Atiku of constantly exploiting regional sentiments.
Former PDP Chairman, Chief Bode George, also questioned the credibility of the coalition, saying it is driven by ambition rather than ideology. He warned that Atiku, aware of his slim chances within the PDP, had moved to the ADC as an alternative platform.
George urged defectors to return to the PDP, describing it as their political “family house,” and criticised the disregard for zoning, insisting it is still the South’s turn to produce Nigeria’s next president.
Aregbesola Rallies ADC for Unity
Meanwhile, former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola called for unity among ADC members, stressing that only a cohesive opposition can challenge the APC in 2027. He confirmed that major opposition leaders, including Atiku and Obi, are backing the party for the next polls.
“If we unite, we won’t be defeated,” Aregbesola told stakeholders in Akure.
Utomi Launches Shadow Cabinet, Faces DSS Suit
In Abuja, political economist Prof. Pat Utomi unveiled a shadow cabinet under the “Big Tent” coalition, appointing Nana Kazaure, Riwang Pam, and others to offer policy alternatives.
“This isn’t about competing with the government but enriching it through accountability,” Utomi said.
However, his move has drawn legal pushback. The Department of State Services (DSS) filed a suit against him, claiming the shadow cabinet could undermine Nigeria’s democracy. The Federal High Court has set September 29 for judgment.
Utomi’s counsel, Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), described the suit as an attempt to suppress dissent and warned against creeping authoritarianism.
el-Rufai Warns Tinubu’s Officials: Power Is Transient
Former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai advised officials in the Tinubu administration to reflect on their legacy. Speaking at a book launch in Abuja, he reminded leaders that “power is transient.”
Using former President Jonathan’s concession in 2015 as an example, el-Rufai called for humility in office and praised former AGF Mohammed Bello Adoke for his role during the transition.
Traditional Ruler Cautions Atiku, Demands Respect for Rotation
In Plateau State, the traditional ruler of Daffo, Jonathan Sunday Akuns, issued a strong warning to Atiku Abubakar and other northern politicians, urging them to respect Nigeria’s power rotation principle.
“It’s unfair for the North to seek the presidency again in 2027 after Buhari’s eight-year tenure. The South didn’t challenge the North in 2015. Why is the reverse not true?” Akuns asked.
He accused Atiku of destabilizing every party he joined and warned that the emerging coalition risks failure if it continues to ignore equity and balance.
