This government is trying to shape public perception early, painting the coalition as doomed from the start. That’s a tactic born out of fear, not confidence

Paul Ibe, the spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is increasingly anxious about the rising momentum of a unified opposition alliance poised to challenge and possibly unseat it in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television, Ibe dismissed recent comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who had declared that any opposition coalition would inevitably collapse.

Wike’s remarks, Ibe insisted, reflect more of the ruling camp’s insecurity than any reality about the strength or viability of the alliance being formed.

According to Ibe, the fact that top government figures are already publicly discrediting an opposition coalition—several years ahead of the next general election—shows a deep-seated fear of what a united front might accomplish.

“They wouldn’t be so fixated on the coalition if it weren’t a genuine threat. Their preoccupation with whether it will succeed reveals that they are already worried,” he argued.

He further stated that attempts to delegitimize the coalition are part of a broader narrative being pushed by the government to discourage and divide opposition efforts before they fully take shape.

“This government is trying to shape public perception early, painting the coalition as doomed from the start. That’s a tactic born out of fear, not confidence,” Ibe noted.

Urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and determined, Ibe emphasized the importance of staying focused on the goal of replacing the current government in 2027. He called for unity among opposition parties and political actors, stressing that collaboration is essential for change to be achieved at the national level.

“Nigerians must not be distracted by the propaganda. They should stay focused on the bigger picture. The work begins now—not in 2026 or 2027. If we are truly committed to creating a better country, we must come together and ensure this administration is voted out,” he said.

Assessing the current state of the nation under President Tinubu, Ibe offered a scathing critique, describing the administration as a complete disappointment. He criticized the government’s priorities, accusing it of being more preoccupied with strategizing for the 2027 elections than actually delivering governance or improving the lives of Nigerians.

“This administration has its sights set on staying in power rather than solving the issues confronting ordinary Nigerians. People are hungry, inflation is soaring, and insecurity remains a daily threat. Yet, what we see is a government consumed by political maneuvering for the next election,” he said.

Ibe argued that, nearly two years into President Tinubu’s tenure, there are no tangible signs that the country is on a path to recovery or growth. According to him, if progress were truly underway, Nigerians would have begun to feel its impact by now.

“There’s no evidence things will improve. We’ve seen enough time pass to begin noticing change if it were coming. But instead, Nigerians are dealing with worsening conditions—rising prices, insecurity, and a general lack of direction,” he concluded.

With the 2027 elections still some time away, Ibe believes the groundwork for political change must be laid now. The road to a better Nigeria, he emphasized, lies in collective action, unity of purpose, and the courage to vote for transformative leadership.