President Bola Tinubu has taken a sharp dig at the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing it as a “coalition of confusion” during the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja.
Addressing party stalwarts, Tinubu urged postponement of APC congresses until December, suggesting that delaying could allow more defections from opposition parties into the APC. He sharply commented:
“It’s not a bad idea to abandon a sinking ship and be absent from a coalition of confusion.” .
Tinubu’s remarks come amid a series of high-profile moves where notable figures such as Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar have aligned with the ADC, intensifying speculation of opposition collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections .
Opposition Reacts Swiftly
The ADC promptly rejected Tinubu’s characterization, accusing the APC leadership of showing intolerance toward meaningful opposition. Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, stated the President’s words reflected desperation rather than political confidence:
“This kind of language shows the APC’s clear intolerance for any opposition. They are unsettled, even angry, about the ADC’s rise…” .
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) backed this sentiment, describing Tinubu’s words as a thinly veiled attempt to intimidate and weaken the burgeoning opposition alliance .
What It Means for Nigeria’s Political Landscape
Theme What’s at Stake
Defections & Realignments ADC has emerged as a major opposition hub as key politicians switch allegiances .
Political Strategy Tinubu’s moves suggest an aggressive strategy to absorb opposition figures and weaken coalitions that oppose the APC.
Narrative Control By labeling the ADC a confusing coalition, Tinubu aims to frame opposition unity as chaotic and unviable.
With 2027 on the horizon, Nigeria’s political battleground is rapidly shifting. The ADC alliance and APC’s consolidation strategy are both under the spotlight — making this latest exchange a critical marker in the evolving democratic contest in the country.
