As political actors realign ahead of the 2027 general elections, Director-General of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), Dr. Umar Tanko Yakasai, has dismissed the viability of a proposed opposition coalition, insisting it lacks credibility and public trust.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja over the weekend, Dr. Yakasai declared that the coalition, reportedly being formed by leading opposition figures to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would crumble under the weight of conflicting ambitions and questionable antecedents.
According to him, Nigerians are wary of the opposition’s track record, which, he argued, is riddled with poor governance and corruption that President Tinubu is currently working to correct.
“Nigerians know the antecedents of those forming this coalition,” Yakasai said. “They had the opportunity to govern and failed woefully. Now that President Tinubu is fixing the mess they created, they want to return to power through a coalition that is already showing signs of weakness.”
The TSG boss pointed to past high-profile scandals such as the alleged disappearance of $16 billion earmarked for power infrastructure and the Halliburton bribery saga as emblematic of the mismanagement under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government.
He accused former leaders now regrouping as part of the opposition coalition of being more interested in returning to power than in genuine national development.
“This coalition is nothing but a gathering of politicians with personal ambitions. They are only united by their desperation for power, not by any common vision for the country. When it comes to real agreement on policy or leadership, they will naturally fall apart.”
Dr. Yakasai, who oversees several pro-Tinubu groups nationwide, said defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the opposition further indicate the coalition’s impending collapse.
Responding to concerns that the mass defections could create a one-party state, Yakasai argued that democracy allows freedom of association, and noted that defections happen across party lines.
“Some APC members have also moved to other parties. That’s democracy. What we are seeing is that people are aligning with the President’s vision for development,” he said.
Highlighting President Tinubu’s achievements since assuming office in May 2023, the TSG DG said two landmark reforms—the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market—have saved the economy from collapse.
“The fuel subsidy had become a monster consuming billions meant for national development. Removing it was a courageous move. Also, reforming the forex market disrupted the shady round-tripping business that enriched a few at the expense of the nation.”
Yakasai urged Nigerians to be patient as the administration’s economic and infrastructural reforms begin to yield results, particularly in road construction, healthcare, education, and security.
“No reform delivers immediate results. But if we remain consistent and give President Tinubu the support and continuity he needs, the next two years will bring significant progress,” he added.
Yakasai also expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s reelection, saying a second term would consolidate the gains already being recorded.
“Even opposition candidates had promised to remove the petrol subsidy, but they wouldn’t have managed the fallout with the level of professionalism President Tinubu has demonstrated. In sha Allah, Nigerians will soon see the full results,” he said.
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