In 2027, Babachir Lawal Asserts Tinubu's Unease Amid Strengthening United Opposition Coalition
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has dropped a bombshell, claiming that President Bola Tinubu is feeling the heat from the opposition coalition led by Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai ahead of the 2027 general election.
In an interview with Punch, Lawal spilled the beans on the Presidency's supposed concern about the opposition's growing momentum. He asserts that the administration is scrambling to disrupt the coalition, backing up his statement with instances of censorship, such as the banning of songs by popular Nigerian musician Idris Abdulkareem.
Lawal also shared insight into the political strategy behind the opposition alliance, pointing out that his erstwhile allies, including Atiku and El-Rufai, are well-versed in Tinubu's tactics. "We've stayed together before. If you still think I was the one sent to buy Tinubu's presidential election form, then it means we know each other well," Lawal said.
Meanwhile, the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, dismissed the threat posed by the opposition coalition, calling it a gathering of "internally displaced politicians."
The Big Picture
The opposition coalition's strategy to form a strong front has been dented by defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Internal dynamics within the APC could also pose challenges, particularly with the influx of new members and potential power struggles.
Despite these challenges, the opposition coalition remains determined to take on the APC in the 2027 general election. Whether Tinubu's alleged anxiety over the opposition is warranted remains to be seen.
As the political landscape continues to shift, one thing seems certain: the battle for power in 2027 is shaping up to be a heavily contested one.
Insights:
- Defections: The opposition coalition has faced setbacks due to defections from opposition parties joining APC, weakening their stance[1][3].
- Unity and Strategy: The opposition needs a unified front to challenge the APC effectively. Forming a coalition with Peter Obi's Obidient movement has been proposed, but has faced opposition, further complicating the opposition's efforts[1][2].
- Internal Dynamics: While the APC is gaining strength through defections, internal dynamics within the party could still pose challenges due to potential factions or power struggles[4].
- Tinubu's Popularity: Tinubu's increased footprint and popularity might impede opposition efforts but could also create internal competition within the APC if not managed properly[4].
- The alleged nervousness of President Bola Tinubu over the emerging opposition coalition, led by Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai, is rooted in the growing momentum of the opposition, as stated by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.
- In an attempt to disrupt the opposition coalition, the Presidency has reportedly resorted to censorship, banning songs by popular Nigerian musician Idris Abdulkareem, according to Lawal's claims.
- Determined to take on the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election, the opposition coalition remains undeterred despite facing challenges such as defections from opposition parties joining the APC, as previously mentioned.
- Internal dynamics within the APC, particularly with the influx of new members and potential power struggles, could pose challenges to Tinubu's presidency, as suggested by the opposition's understanding of Tinubu's tactics.
- The political landscape in Nigeria continues to change as policy-and-legislation, general news, and politics unfold, with the battle for power in 2027 expected to be fiercely contested by both the APC and the opposition coalition.
