President Bola Tinubu has dismissed opposition figures working to form coalitions against him ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing them as "political IDPs" (Internally Displaced Persons).
The president made these remarks on Wednesday during his one-day state visit to Nasarawa State, where he commissioned several infrastructure projects including the multi-billion naira Lafia flyover and underpass.
"Just don't pay them any attention. They are the political IDPs. Don't give them a home. The hope is here," Tinubu told his supporters, suggesting that opposition groups were effectively forming coalitions to unseat themselves rather than his administration.
The president's comments come amid growing political realignments as various opposition parties and figures reportedly explore collaborative strategies to challenge the ruling party in the next general election.
Nasarawa State was reportedly on lockdown during the presidential visit as security measures were heightened to ensure the smooth commissioning of the infrastructure projects.
Political Tensions Rising
The president's remarks reflect the increasing political temperature as Nigeria moves closer to another election cycle. Recently, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged opposition parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to "put their houses in order," stating that President Tinubu wants a vibrant opposition.
Political analyst and former senator, Shehu Sani, has also reportedly advised opposition parties to focus on internal reorganization rather than directing accusations at the president.
Meanwhile, the president is expected to sign four tax reform bills into law on Thursday, as part of his administration's economic reform agenda.
In a separate development, President Tinubu and Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso have been rallying stakeholders as the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) meeting commences in Abuja.
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