President Tinubu Dismisses Opposition Critics, Labels Coalition Members as Political Refugees Seeking Relevance [VIDEO]

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a direct jab at members of a newly-formed opposition coalition, describing them as "political internally displaced persons (IDPs)" who have lost both direction and credibility. His statement comes at a time when the political atmosphere is growing more tense ahead of the 2027 general elections, with realignments and strategic positioning already unfolding across the country.

Speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting with party stakeholders in Abuja, Tinubu dismissed the relevance of the Coalition for Democratic Rebirth (CDR), a group recently formed by a mix of former governors, ex-ministers, and past lawmakers, most of whom were once prominent members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP). According to Tinubu, such figures are only trying to return to relevance after being pushed to the political sidelines by the outcome of the 2023 elections and subsequent party reconfigurations.

He remarked that Nigerians should not waste their time listening to individuals who have no ideological direction and whose only motivation is personal political survival. “Don’t pay attention to them; they are political internally displaced persons. They have no compass, no destination. They just want to be seen and heard again after falling out of favor,” Tinubu asserted, making it clear that he views the new coalition as politically inconsequential.

The President's comment is already stirring conversations across political circles, particularly because of the weight of personalities involved in the coalition. Figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and several others have reportedly held discussions about forming a “third force” that could challenge both the APC and PDP in 2027. For many observers, this move signals an early start to what promises to be a heated electoral cycle.

Tinubu’s choice of words, especially the term “political IDPs,” has been viewed by some as dismissive, even provocative. Political commentators say it reflects the President's confidence in his current control of the political space, but it also reveals his growing concern over potential opposition alliances that could reshape electoral outcomes in key regions. The IDP metaphor implies that these politicians have been dislodged from their original political homes and are now wandering, seeking a new base of relevance.

Critics argue that such language is unnecessarily divisive, particularly at a time when national unity and reconciliation are paramount. Others say it reflects a typical political style in Nigeria, where dismissing opponents with sharp words is considered part of the game.

Despite the President’s dismissal, the coalition members appear undeterred. In a counterstatement, a spokesperson for the group said Tinubu’s remarks were evidence of political panic. “If we are truly irrelevant, the President wouldn’t bother addressing us. His response shows he is aware of the momentum we are building across party lines,” the spokesperson said.

The group insists that their objective is to provide Nigerians with a credible and people-centered alternative to the APC and PDP, which they accuse of failing to meet the expectations of citizens. Their emerging platform, they claim, will prioritize issues like youth employment, insecurity, inflation, and institutional reforms that have plagued the country for years.

Meanwhile, analysts remain divided on whether the coalition has the structure, unity, and popular support required to mount a serious challenge. Nigeria’s political history is filled with coalitions that start strong but fade out due to internal contradictions, lack of funding, or the overpowering influence of entrenched parties.

For President Tinubu, whose administration is still grappling with criticism over fuel subsidy removal, naira devaluation, and economic hardships, the emergence of an opposition coalition presents both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, it could re-energize his base and consolidate party loyalty. On the other, it could attract disenfranchised voters seeking alternatives to the political establishment.

What remains clear is that Tinubu is not shying away from political confrontation. His labeling of coalition members as "political IDPs" was not just a casual insult, but a calculated political message aimed at undermining the legitimacy of his opponents before they gain traction with the public.

Whether that strategy will succeed depends largely on how the coalition navigates the months ahead. Will they fade away like many before them, or will they surprise the nation with a new political blueprint that resonates with ordinary Nigerians?

Only time will tell. But for now, the President has fired the first real shot in what promises to be a long, contentious journey toward the next election cycle.

Don't pay attention to Coalition people; they are political internally displaced persons (IDPs).

~ President Bola Tinubu says pic.twitter.com/bxF2kUIPZz

— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) June 25, 2025