Sanwo-Olu Dismisses 2027 Opposition Coalition, Says Tinubu’s Reforms Speak Louder Than Political Noise

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rejected the relevance of the emerging political coalition aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, describing the movement as lacking in both substance and direction.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists and political stakeholders in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu expressed full confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, asserting that his ongoing reforms have earned the trust and support of the Nigerian people.

“This coalition is a needless distraction. Nigerians will never go back to Egypt,” the governor said, implying that the country has progressed beyond outdated political ideologies and approaches.

The proposed coalition, reportedly aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), features several notable political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rauf Aregbesola.

Despite their credentials, Sanwo-Olu dismissed the alliance as a gathering of “discontented actors” rather than a serious alternative to the current administration.

“The goal of this coalition is clear – to distract the Commander-in-Chief and obstruct the tangible social and economic progress being achieved. But President Tinubu understands the game and remains focused,” he said.

He listed several reforms that he said demonstrate President Tinubu’s impact, including foreign exchange stability, the implementation of a student loan scheme, increased revenue for state governments following the removal of fuel subsidies, tax system reforms, higher oil production, and significant improvements in infrastructure and minimum wage policies.

“President Tinubu is not just a leader but a nation-builder. His legacy of empowerment and vision continues to drive meaningful change across Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu said.

When asked whether the growing opposition posed any threat to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the presidency, Sanwo-Olu was emphatic: “There is no need for concern. Nigerians are discerning. They recognize real leadership and results when they see them. The record speaks louder than political noise.”

He echoed sentiments previously shared by some presidential aides who have labeled the coalition’s leaders as “political desperados” and “internally displaced politicians.”

“They offer no new vision, only grievances. Their alliance is rooted in opposition to the President rather than any unifying ideology. Such efforts are bound to collapse under their own contradictions,” he added.

When asked what advice he would give President Tinubu amid rising political rhetoric, Sanwo-Olu offered a direct message: “Stay the course. Millions of Nigerians, across party lines, recognize the difficulty of governance and the complexity of rebuilding a challenged economy. They trust his leadership and are firmly behind him.”

He urged Nigerians to remain focused and undeterred by distractions, stressing that national development must remain the priority.