2027: Atiku, Obi, Duke alliance an exercise in futility — Tinubu supporters

Supporters of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid under the aegis of the Renewed Hope Project 2027 have dismissed moves by opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Donald Duke, to form a political alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The group described the proposed opposition coalition as an “exercise in futility,” insisting that it posed no threat to the All Progressives Congress and Tinubu’s re-election prospects.

 

The group stated this on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration and official unveiling of the Renewed Hope Project 2027, held under the theme, “A New Beginning, A Shared Vision, With Greater Nigeria.”

 

The development came as the G-100, a coalition of concerned Nigerians, announced the completion of its first round of consultations with leaders of six opposition political parties as part of efforts to build a united opposition front ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

The parties consulted include the African Democratic Congress, Nigeria Democratic Congress, Allied Peoples Movement, Peoples Democratic Party, Peoples Redemption Party and Social Democratic Party.

 

In a statement signed by Salihu Moh. Lukman on behalf of the G-100, the group said it had engaged national chairmen, presidential candidates and running mates of the opposition parties in what it described as frank and constructive discussions.

 

The G-100 also announced plans to hold a Summit of Opposition Parties on August 18, 2026, in Abuja, where the parties are expected to discuss modalities for greater cooperation and unity.

 

However, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Renewed Hope Project 2027, Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril (retd.), dismissed the proposed opposition alliance as an “exercise in futility.”

 

Jibril said the performance of the Tinubu administration, rather than opposition political calculations, would determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.

 

He said, “All put together is an exercise in futility. We have seen them before; they have done nothing and they are not going to do anything again. So, we are not perturbed at all. We don’t care about what they do.”

 

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who serves as Grand Patron of the group, described the Renewed Hope Project as a necessary initiative to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election.

 

Akume, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Technical, Prof. Babatunde Bernard, said the group would continue to highlight what it described as verifiable achievements of the Tinubu administration.

 

He cited local government autonomy and digital reforms as examples of policies he said could strengthen governance and improve service delivery.

 

The G-100, meanwhile, said its consultations followed an open letter to opposition leaders, leaders of thought, civil society organisations and Nigerians of good conscience issued on August 2, 2026.

 

The group said the consultations were deliberately kept away from the media to allow the political actors to engage freely on sensitive issues.

 

It said, “We have deliberately kept these consultations away from the glare of the media, in recognition of the sensitivity of many of the discussions and the need to allow party leaders to engage frankly and constructively without the pressure of premature public commentary.”

 

The group said the August 18 summit would provide a structured platform for discussions on cooperation, sacrifice, accommodation and collective action.

 

It added, “The G-100 does not presume to dictate the outcome of these conversations. Our role is to facilitate dialogue, build confidence and help create the conditions in which the participating political parties can openly consider the difficult questions of cooperation, sacrifice, accommodation and collective action.”

 

Some opposition figures and political parties have expressed support for the proposed summit.

 

The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the party was not opposed to opposition parties working together to defeat the APC.

 

He, however, argued that any coalition must take into account the popularity and strength of the various presidential candidates.

 

“Undoubtedly, the opposition parties will be stronger if they coalesce into one party. Therefore, the NDC is not opposed to the possibility of the opposition coming together. However, any such proposition must take into consideration the strongest and most popular of the presidential candidates to lead it,” he said.

 

Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, also expressed support for genuine efforts to strengthen opposition cooperation.

 

His Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said Atiku remained committed to working with other opposition leaders to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative in 2027.

 

He said, “Atiku Abubakar has consistently maintained that the challenge before the opposition is bigger than any individual or political party. At a time when Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity and declining living standards, opposition leaders have a responsibility to put the national interest above personal ambitions.”

 

He added that Atiku was favourably disposed to the August 18 summit, although his attendance would depend on his schedule and the final arrangements of the organisers.

 

Similarly, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, Chairman of the Oyo State Advisory Council, said Governor Seyi Makinde was favourably disposed to the summit.

 

Ayorinde said political leaders had the right to consult and explore alliances ahead of elections, describing such engagements as legitimate aspects of democratic politics.

 

He said, “There is nothing strange, unlawful or undemocratic about like-minded political leaders coming together to discuss the future of our country and the direction of our democracy.”

 

He added that any political realignment should be guided by national interest, democratic principles and the desire to provide Nigerians with credible leadership.