Atiku’s Ally: Opposition coalition 90% ready to challenge Tinubu in 2027

…Says age can’t stop Atiku

Fabiyi Oladimeji, a close aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that the opposition coalition aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu re-election bid in the 2027 general election is 90 percent ready.

Speaking on BusinessDay Television’s (BDTV), Inside Politics on Wednesday, Oladimeji, who served as Director of Support Groups for the PDP’s presidential campaign council in 2023 elections, described the coalition as a serious, issue-driven movement backed by seasoned political leaders including Atiku, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai.

“This coalition didn’t emerge from nowhere. It was born out of a deep and critical assessment of Nigeria’s failing governance,” Oladimeji said.

“It’s about rescuing and redeeming this country from leaders who were never prepared for the responsibilities of governance.”

Oladimeji criticized President Tinubu’s administration, claiming it has failed to deliver on its promises and has deepened the country’s economic and social crises. He accused the President of riding on a legacy from Lagos State that he said was more myth than substance.

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“Tinubu came into office declaring himself a master of governance, but the reality Nigerians are facing today says otherwise.”

He emphasized that the coalition is not centered on personalities or political parties, but rather on the Nigerian people.

“Whether it’s Atiku, Obi, or El-Rufai, this is not about individual ambition; it’s about saving Nigeria from hunger, insecurity, and a worsening economy.”

Addressing questions about the political platform the coalition will use especially in light of internal crises in both the PDP and LP, Oladimeji remained vague but confident, noting that those driving the coalition know exactly what they are doing.

“The platform will be announced soon. It’s not about jumping on any party label,” he added.

He further claimed that the current administration is pushing Nigeria toward a one-party state, citing early 2027 campaign billboards by the ruling party in many cities across the country despite the official commencement of campaign, he further criticised the media for silence on the ruling party excesses.

Oladimeji argues that Nigerian democracy is too vibrant to be reduced to a one-party.

On economic performance, Oladimeji pointed to Nigeria’s ranking on the 2024 Global Hunger Index—18th, alongside war-torn Sudan—and the surge in national debt from ₦43 trillion to ₦146 trillion was signs of governance failure. He also criticized recent policies like increased NIN charges and the state of the education and health sectors.

Defending Atiku’s longstanding advocacy for restructuring, Oladimeji reiterated that it is not a campaign gimmick, but a comprehensive governance plan.

“The federal government has no business micromanaging education, health, or agriculture,” he stated.

Asked whether the coalition would proceed without support from traditional party structures like the PDP or LP, Oladimeji was unequivocal.

According to him, “This movement is not dependent on political godfathers. It is powered by ordinary Nigerians who want real change. Unity worked in 2015, and it can work again in 2027.”

He concluded by stressing that the coalition is a process, not a quick fix, stressing that it will not be hijacked by selfish interests.

“Nigerians not a cabal will decide in 2027, ” he concluded.