The camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated that the rising strength of Nigeria’s opposition coalition is causing significant concern within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and among its allies, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike. According to Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, the coalition is rapidly building momentum as a credible alternative to the current administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with Vanguard on Sunday, Ibe accused the APC and its supporters of launching “baseless attacks” against the coalition because they fear its growing influence. He described the alliance as a reflection of the people’s aspirations and a genuine movement capable of unseating the current government. “They’re scared because they know the coalition represents a formidable platform that could remove this administration. Even if some leaders defect to their party, Nigerians are defecting to the coalition. It embodies their aspiration,” Ibe said.
He further criticised the APC government’s performance, particularly its failure to address worsening insecurity and economic hardship. Citing the continuous killings in states like Benue and Plateau, Ibe argued that the government has failed in its primary responsibility of protecting lives. “The value of human life in our country has hit an all-time low under this administration,” he said.
On the economy, Ibe painted a grim picture of rising inflation and hardship for everyday Nigerians, saying, “People can’t afford food, pay school fees, or handle basic needs. When they claim things are improving, one has to ask—for whom? Certainly not the common man.”
Responding to Wike’s recent dismissal of the coalition as “dead on arrival,” Ibe described the comments as petty and driven by personal bias. “Such utterances are likely driven by 40-year-old whiskey or whatever he’s been drinking for decades,” he remarked, calling on Wike and his allies to focus on governance rather than political attacks. Ibe also criticised former presidential aide Reno Omokri, accusing him of dishonesty over his past comments on Atiku’s 2019 running mate.
Despite these attacks, Ibe expressed optimism about the future of the opposition coalition, stating that its leaders are finalising plans to unveil the platform to the public. He likened it to a train that has already left the station and is steadily gaining passengers. “Once everything is finalised and the dotted lines are signed, Nigerians will eagerly board this train,” he said.
Another senior coalition member, who requested anonymity, also dismissed Wike’s comments, saying he has no authority to speak on the coalition’s prospects since he is not a part of it. “Don’t ever take Wike seriously. He’s like social media, full of fake news. Nigerians shouldn’t listen to him. You all know who he is. Please, focus on serious people,” the source said.
The growing movement has already started receiving attention from political watchers and insiders who believe the coalition could morph into a new political force ahead of 2027. Reports suggest that discussions are ongoing about launching a new party, possibly under the name All Democratic Alliance (ADA), to serve as a unified opposition front. Endorsements from influential statesmen, including former leaders like Olusegun Obasanjo and TY Danjuma, are also said to be in play.
With political alignments and defections likely to intensify over the next two years, Atiku’s camp remains confident that the coalition will offer Nigerians a credible and powerful alternative to the APC.
