Osuntokun Casts Doubt on Opposition Coalition’s Ability to Unseat Tinubu in 2027

A former Director-General of the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Council, Akin Osuntokun, has expressed skepticism over the viability of the newly announced opposition coalition aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Osuntokun emphasized that while political alliances are not new in Nigeria, he does not believe this particular coalition poses a significant threat to Tinubu’s re-election bid.

According to Osuntokun, Tinubu’s extensive political experience, strategic acumen, and incumbency advantage place him in a strong position to secure a second term.

“If he (Tinubu) could win an election against all odds when he was not President, you can imagine his influence now that he holds power,” he said.

Osuntokun advised the coalition leaders to field a southern candidate, warning that selecting a northern contender—such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—could alienate supporters due to Nigeria’s informal North-South power rotation principle.

He acknowledged that forming a united front is essential for any opposition movement seeking to challenge an incumbent but cautioned that internal disputes over candidate selection could derail the coalition’s efforts.

“For any political party to effectively challenge the power at the center, it requires coming together to form a grand party,” he noted. However, he warned that personal ambitions within the alliance could jeopardize its stability.

The opposition coalition, announced last Friday by Atiku in Abuja, brings together prominent political figures, including former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and a representative of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

While the coalition draws inspiration from the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, Osuntokun remains unconvinced that history will repeat itself in 2027, citing Tinubu’s firm grip on political strategy and resources.