Tinubu Mocks 2027 Opposition Coalition: Calls Them "Political IDPs" During Nasarawa Visit

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has thrown a bold jab at politicians believed to be behind a newly forming political coalition aimed at stopping his potential re-election bid in the 2027 general elections. While commissioning projects in Nasarawa State on June 25, 2025, Tinubu used the opportunity to publicly address, criticize, and mock the individuals said to be driving the anti-Tinubu alliance—particularly former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Using his signature blunt political style, President Tinubu referred to these opposition figures as “political IDPs,” short for "internally displaced persons," a phrase typically used in Nigeria to describe victims of conflict or violence who are forced to flee their homes.

“Those who have triggered the early politics in the perdition of coalition suddenly. Don’t pay them any attention; they are the political IDPs. Don’t give them a home; the hope is here,” Tinubu declared to a cheering crowd in Nasarawa.

Tinubu Attacks the Formation of a New Political Coalition

Although no formal coalition has been announced, political rumors have been swirling in recent months about the possibility of several opposition figures teaming up to challenge Tinubu’s grip on power come 2027. Names like El-Rufai and Atiku continue to surface in political circles as prominent members of a yet-to-be-officially declared opposition front.

President Tinubu did not mince words. He accused them of launching an early, unproductive political campaign, calling it not just premature but also a desperate and ill-thought-out strategy.

“I’m not geared for what they tried to pull on me. Early political campaign—but who is the politician who will keep quiet when the gangsters are forming a coalition to unseat themselves?” Tinubu asked rhetorically.

This statement reflects Tinubu’s growing awareness of the brewing political storm as Nigeria inches closer to the next general election. Despite being just two years into his first term, political maneuvering has already begun behind the scenes, with many speculating that the 2027 elections will be one of the most contested in Nigeria’s history.

A Clear Message to Opposition Politicians

By calling opposition leaders “political IDPs,” Tinubu painted them as people who have lost political credibility, influence, and grounding. In Nigeria, IDPs are seen as vulnerable and powerless due to the circumstances that have pushed them out of their homes. Drawing this parallel, Tinubu implied that the coalition of former political heavyweights is essentially homeless in the current political terrain—without structure, influence, or direction.

“Don’t give them a home,” Tinubu said, urging Nigerians to stay committed to his vision and avoid entertaining the distractions posed by the opposition.

This public dismissal of his political opponents appears to be part of a broader strategy to maintain control over the national narrative and assert dominance ahead of the 2027 race.

Tinubu Defends His Economic Track Record

During his speech in Nasarawa, President Tinubu also took time to address concerns about Nigeria’s struggling economy, which has faced several shocks since the beginning of his tenure in May 2023. While acknowledging the challenges, Tinubu insisted that his administration has made significant progress in cleaning up government waste and restoring hope in the economy.

“We’ve cut the waste. I won’t say much on the economic dynamism that we’re facing, but the hope is here. From this moment on, you’ll have no regret,” the President assured.

These remarks were likely targeted at critics who have blamed Tinubu’s policies—such as the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of the exchange rate—for rising inflation, food insecurity, and job losses. Yet, Tinubu remained defiant, arguing that the hardship is only temporary and necessary to set Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth.

Nasarawa Visit: More Than a Project Commissioning

The President’s visit to Nasarawa was officially scheduled for the commissioning of infrastructure projects, but it quickly turned into a political stage. Speaking directly to citizens, traditional leaders, and party loyalists, Tinubu appeared eager to use the opportunity to reassert his political authority and reframe the national conversation in his favor.

This speech in Nasarawa follows a pattern in Tinubu’s recent public appearances, where he blends governance updates with campaign-style rhetoric. Though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to open the window for 2027 campaigns, Tinubu is clearly laying the groundwork for his next political move.

What This Means for 2027 Elections

Political observers say Tinubu’s remarks should not be taken lightly. Referring to opponents as “gangsters” forming a “coalition to unseat themselves” could suggest the President is confident that such efforts will collapse under their own weight.

However, the mention of names like Atiku and El-Rufai, two influential political figures with strong followings across Nigeria, shows that Tinubu is not underestimating the opposition. Atiku has contested every presidential election since 2007 and remains a formidable force, especially in the North. El-Rufai, on the other hand, has been a vocal critic of Tinubu’s policies in recent months and may be positioning himself for a larger national role.

The success of any opposition coalition depends on their ability to unite diverse political interests and present a viable alternative to the Tinubu administration. But if Tinubu’s speech in Nasarawa is anything to go by, he’s ready for a fight—and he's not planning to go down without a battle.

Public Reaction and Political Climate

Following Tinubu’s statements, reactions on social media were swift and divided. Supporters praised the President’s confidence and applauded his verbal punchlines, while critics accused him of trivializing the real concerns of Nigerians by focusing on opposition bashing.

Some political commentators noted that by using the term “political IDPs,” Tinubu might have unintentionally belittled the suffering of actual internally displaced persons in conflict-ridden regions like the Northeast. That criticism aside, it’s clear that Tinubu has thrown down the gauntlet and is fully aware of the political chessboard already forming ahead of 2027.

Conclusion: A Message of Power and Warning

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech in Nasarawa wasn’t just a routine commissioning ceremony—it was a carefully crafted message to his opponents, supporters, and undecided Nigerians. With his declaration that “the hope is here,” Tinubu is asking the nation to stick with him as he navigates Nigeria through one of its most difficult economic periods.

But at the same time, by mocking the proposed coalition as “political IDPs” and “gangsters,” he’s daring his rivals to bring their best game. With 2027 still two years away, the political drama is already heating up—and if Tinubu’s words are any indication, it’s going to be an intense road to the next election.

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NaijaRush will continue to provide detailed coverage of the 2027 election race, political coalitions, and President Tinubu's administration. Stay tuned for updates on Nigeria’s political future.