Paul Ibe, a media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of being fearful of an emerging opposition coalition aimed at unseating the government in the 2027 elections. This claim came in response to comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who dismissed the coalition’s chances of success.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Ibe countered Wike’s skepticism, arguing that the negative narrative around the coalition was a deliberate attempt by Tinubu’s camp to undermine the opposition out of fear. He urged Nigerians to remain united and focused as the 2027 elections approach, emphasizing the importance of voting the current administration out.
“Nigerians should keep their eyes on the ball; they should be focused. Better days are coming, but we need to work for it, and that work has to start with ensuring that this administration is shown the exit door (in 2027),” Ibe stated.
He further underscored the necessity of a united opposition, suggesting that the government’s fixation on the coalition’s potential failure was rooted in anxiety about its strength. “All of the things that are happening, that it (the coalition) is not going to work is because they are already scared, they are scared of the prospect of the coalition. Otherwise, why has that become a talking point? Whether it succeeds or not is not their business.”
When asked to evaluate Tinubu’s government, Ibe described it as “a total failure,” criticizing its focus on the 2027 elections rather than effective governance. “It’s all about 2027, focus on the job, focus on governance, make life meaningful and better for Nigerians, and make food affordable. Let there be security of lives and property which is the primary responsibility of any government,” he added.
Ibe concluded by noting that after two years in office, there were no signs of improvement in Nigerians’ lives, and if things were going to get better, citizens would have started feeling the change by now.