President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday derided opposition figures forming a coalition against his 2027 re-election bid, labeling them “political internally displaced persons” during a project commissioning in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
While inaugurating legacy projects executed by Governor Abdullahi Sule, Tinubu praised the governor’s developmental strides, drawing a parallel to his own administration’s performance. “Sule is doing well because a Bola Tinubu is doing well, too,” the President declared to cheers from the crowd.
He specifically commended Sule’s fiscal responsibility, stating: “I could see hard work coming from A.A Sule, who is determined to use the resources available to him for the benefit, stability, and prosperity of Nasarawa State.” Tinubu pledged continued federal support for the state’s development.
The President then turned his attention to the emerging opposition alliance reportedly involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Dismissing the coalition as premature, Tinubu quipped: “Those who have triggered the early politics in the perdition of coalition suddenly. Don’t pay them any attention; they are the political IDPs. Don’t give them a home; the hope is here.”
In a more combative tone, Tinubu vowed not to remain passive against political challengers: “I’m not geared for what they tried to pull on me. Early political campaign but who is the politician who will keep quiet when the gangsters are forming a coalition to unseat themselves.”
Despite acknowledging Nigeria’s economic challenges, the President insisted his administration was making progress. “We’ve cut the waste. I won’t say much on the economic dynamism that we’re facing, but the hope is here. From this moment on, you’ll have no regret,” he assured the audience.
The event concluded with Tinubu reaffirming his support for Governor Sule and acknowledging the contributions of Nasarawa’s First Lady to the state’s development.