A top aide to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has downplayed the significance of a new political coalition formed by opposition figures, characterizing its leaders as “expired politicians” lacking real influence. Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, made these comments during a media chat with journalists at the NUJ Press Centre in Kano.
According to Abdulaziz, President Tinubu remains unfazed by the coalition or any potential political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. The president’s focus, he emphasized, is on nation-building and implementing necessary policies, rather than engaging in what he termed “cheap politics.” Abdulaziz cited subsidy reforms, a student loan scheme, and major infrastructure projects as examples of the administration’s priorities.
Abdulaziz also described the coalition leaders as “bitter individuals” more concerned with their own exclusion from power than with the welfare of the Nigerian people. He suggested that this perception is contributing to the coalition’s lack of support among Nigerians.
In response to claims that the Tinubu administration is favoring the South with development projects, Abdulaziz pointed to several large-scale initiatives underway in the North, including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway, and the Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line. He argued that the continuation of funding for these projects demonstrates the president’s commitment to the region’s development.
The government is also launching new projects, such as the Sokoto-Badagry highway, which Abdulaziz said reflects the administration’s efforts to promote development across all parts of the country. By emphasizing the breadth of its development initiatives, the Tinubu administration aims to demonstrate its commitment to the welfare and progress of all Nigerians, regardless of regional affiliations.
As the political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the 2027 elections, the effectiveness of President Tinubu’s policies and the viability of opposition coalitions will be closely watched by Nigerians and international observers alike. The administration’s ability to deliver on its development promises and address the concerns of various regions will likely play a significant role in shaping the country’s political future.
