Empty Vessels and Dead Coalitions: Tinubu Taunts Opposition Amid Growing APC Momentum

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has thrown a pointed jab at Nigeria’s political opposition, describing their coalition efforts as lifeless and composed of “empty vessels.” The remarks came during his speech at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit, where he lauded the strides made under the Renewed Hope Agenda and welcomed a wave of defections from rival parties.

Speaking before an audience that included the 22 APC governors under the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Tinubu declared the opposition movement irrelevant and ineffective, while expressing confidence that more political figures would soon switch allegiance to the ruling party. His tone was assertive, underscoring the dominance of the APC and signaling a continuation of its political consolidation.

Without naming specific coalition movements, the President mocked what he described as a series of hollow alliances incapable of presenting a serious challenge to the APC’s authority. “They are dead. Empty vessels. They make the most noise but carry nothing of substance,” Tinubu said to applause from party faithful.

He went further to extend an open invitation to politicians who might be considering defection, assuring them that the APC remains a big, accommodating platform. “We are ready to receive as many who are willing to join us in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the President stated, reiterating that such movement is constitutionally protected. Citing Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he affirmed the right of every Nigerian to associate freely and move without restriction, including political affiliation.

Recent defections from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have shifted the political landscape, giving the APC a boost in both morale and manpower. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, along with former governor Ifeanyi Okowa and several senior PDP figures, joined the ruling party in April 2025—a political realignment that has sparked nationwide conversations.

The President’s comments come as the APC continues to solidify its grip on power, not just through policy but by strategically absorbing elements from the opposition. The defection of high-profile PDP members has been interpreted as a blow to the main opposition party’s cohesion and long-term viability.

Bolstered by the show of unity among APC governors, who unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu, the summit served as both a political rally and a platform for asserting dominance. Party leaders celebrated what they called significant progress in the Renewed Hope Agenda, hailing the administration’s commitment to national development and inclusivity.

Observers see Tinubu’s remarks as a calculated effort to marginalize opposition voices and cement the APC’s position ahead of future elections. By framing opposition parties as ineffective and fractured, the President has reinforced a narrative of APC invincibility—one that could influence political alignments in the months to come.

As the ruling party gains ground and more defections appear likely, Nigeria’s political map may continue to be redrawn, with the APC positioning itself as the only viable vessel capable of steering the country forward.