|By Adejumo Adekunle-
– Says coalition is driven by hate, warns Nigerians not to fall for ‘political desperados’
– Says Malami, Amaechi, Sirika, Aregbesola no longer relevant in APC politics
Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, has issued a scathing dismissal of the newly formed coalition of opposition politicians seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing them as a “desperate alliance driven by hate, not vision.”
Reacting to the group’s formal adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, Onanuga urged Nigerians to “keep their eyes wide open”, warning that the coalition posed no real alternative to governance and had no shared ideology beyond opposition to President Tinubu.
The group, which met on Wednesday at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, includes heavyweight political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, as well as other stakeholders like Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Solomon Dalung, Emeka Ihedioha, and retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
In a strongly worded statement, Onanuga downplayed the significance of some of the former All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains in the coalition, noting that many had long exited the party, lost political relevance, or were mired in controversy.
“The APC will not mourn the exit of the likes of Rotimi Amaechi, who left the party since 2022 after losing the presidential primary,” Onanuga said.
He described Abubakar Malami as politically estranged from Tinubu, especially since failing in his governorship bid in Kebbi State. Hadi Sirika, he noted, is currently facing trial over allegations of contract splitting.
On Rauf Aregbesola, Onanuga asserted that the former Osun governor has since been expelled from the APC over anti-party activities and “lacks political weight.” He also described John Odigie Oyegun and Kashim Imam as disgruntled politicians who had long abandoned the party’s ideals.
“A party with no clear agenda or ideology, whose members are united only by hatred for Tinubu, cannot be good for Nigeria. It will only set us back by decades,” Onanuga warned.
He further alleged that the coalition’s true motive was not national interest but a selfish scramble for power.
“They want power at all costs because they cannot endure another four years in the political wilderness,” he said.
“But what is certain is that the group will soon unravel due to their irreconcilable personal ambitions.”
Onanuga concluded by urging Nigerians to be vigilant and not be deceived by “a gathering of power-hungry politicians with no credible alternative or track record.”
