April 16, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel
The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has dismissed ongoing opposition coalition efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections, while taking a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a post shared on X, Bwala responded to Atiku’s recent claim that President Tinubu would be “dead on arrival” if confronted by a coalition-backed candidate, describing the statement as unrealistic and politically exaggerated.
Bwala argued that Atiku himself had once led a broadly supported opposition effort during the 2023 presidential election but still lost, despite backing from several political structures at the time.
He further claimed that many of those political structures are now aligned with President Tinubu, suggesting that the opposition coalition currently being discussed lacks sufficient strength to challenge the government.
According to him, the idea of a strong opposition alliance would not pose a serious threat to the President, adding that Tinubu would not even need to “check the scoreboard” on election day.
His comments come amid renewed political positioning and alliance-building within opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly around the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku Abubakar has recently maintained that opposition parties are working toward a consensus arrangement for selecting a presidential candidate, though he noted that a primary election could still be held if agreement fails.
He also stated that he would be willing to step down for any candidate who emerges through a transparent process, including former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, stressing that the goal is to “save democracy.”
Atiku, however, has continued to criticise the Tinubu administration, describing its performance as deeply disappointing, particularly in economic management.
The political exchanges highlight growing tension and early manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections as key figures sharpen their positions within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to follow political developments as they unfold.
