The Presidency has swiftly dismissed the opposition coalition rallying under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as a “desperate and disjointed” attempt to unseat President Bola Tinubu.
The administration has urged these political forces to shift their focus towards the 2031 general election.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Presidential spokesperson, Sunday Dare, made it clear that the ongoing efforts by the opposition coalition to challenge President Tinubu’s second-term ambition were driven by “avarice and opportunism” rather than a genuine national interest.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031,” Dare declared.
“President Tinubu is barely two years into a transformative administration that has delivered reforms with courage, stability with clarity, and vision with determination.”
Naijaonpoint reports that Dare’s statement comes as the opposition seeks to build a “Third Force” to counter the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general election.
However, Dare firmly asserted that the Tinubu administration remains steadfast and unrivalled in both its democratic capacity and political reach.
“The Presidency already rests with the region rightfully due. And that’s where it will be till 2031,” Dare emphasised.
He also targeted the “disgruntled politicians” who he claims have brought their “political harlotry” to the ADC.
Dare was particularly critical of the emerging coalition, highlighting its inability to replicate the historic APC merger of 2013 that led to the ousting of the incumbent government. He argued that the figures leading the coalition lack the discipline, selflessness, and grassroots support necessary to foster such a movement.
“In 2013, the merger that birthed the APC was driven by national interest. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, despite commanding the loyalty of several sitting governors, chose to wait. He bided his time, played the long game, and built a viable political structure,” Dare recalled.
Contrasting this with the current opposition coalition, he added, “Today, no one in this coalition commands that kind of loyalty or trust. Not one of them could genuinely unite an award, let alone a country.”
Further dismissing the coalition’s narrative of political injustice, Dare called it a “political fairy tale” designed to manipulate public sentiment.
“There is no injustice to redress, only an ambition to control the national treasury. Nigerians are too wise to fall for this illusion,” Dare asserted, emphasising the wisdom of the Nigerian people in rejecting false claims.
Earlier in the week, the Presidency had labelled the adoption of the ADC by the opposition bloc as a “laughable copycat move” that lacked ideological foundation.
“Those eyeing 2027 should instead look to 2031,” Dare concluded.
“President Tinubu’s leadership is secure, and the Nigerian people are witnesses to his commitment and achievements.”