The Honourable Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has strongly dismissed the recent coalition efforts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential elections.
Speaking through his media aide Seyi Olorunsola, Hon. Ata described their alliance as a “dead on arrival” political gambit, asserting that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock come 2027.
He emphasized that President Tinubu is on the right trajectory in transforming Nigeria to meet global standards.
Since assuming office in 2023, the President has implemented significant economic and political reforms aimed at stabilizing Nigeria’s economy and governance structure.
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According to the minister, these reforms are already yielding positive results, reinforcing the confidence of Nigerians in Tinubu’s administration.
The minister advised Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai—whom he described as “three elusive political wanderers”—to wake up from their political slumber, as Nigerians have already found competent leadership under President Tinubu.
He stressed that the country has moved past the era of “trial-and-error” governance, rejecting politicians who lack clear ideology and rely on mere sentiments to garner support.
Highlighting President Tinubu’s leadership qualities, Hon. Ata commended his adherence to the rule of law, his democratic approach to governance, and his transparency in handling national affairs.
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He pointed to the President’s swift intervention in resolving the recent political crisis in Rivers State as a testament to his leadership acumen and commitment to national stability.
Hon. Ata further criticized the trio of Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai, arguing that their alliance lacks credibility and will not gain traction among Nigerians.
He described Atiku Abubakar as a “serial contester” who has repeatedly faced rejection at the polls despite multiple attempts to clinch the presidency.
Similarly, he labeled Nasir El-Rufai as a “desperate power seeker” who has lost credibility due to his self-serving political maneuvers, adding that El-Rufai has burned too many bridges to be taken seriously in national politics.
Regarding Peter Obi, the minister accused him of fostering ethnic and religious divisions, stating that Obi’s strategy of blackmailing competent and visionary leaders like Tinubu will not earn him the presidency.
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He dismissed the opposition’s coalition as a mere gathering of political jobbers who have lost touch with the Nigerian populace and are only seeking relevance.
Hon. Ata reaffirmed that President Bola Tinubu remains the most democratic and transparent leader Nigeria has had in recent times.
He assured Nigerians that the current administration is focused on delivering meaningful progress and will not be distracted by the antics of desperate politicians seeking power without a clear vision for the nation.