“Nigerians will never go back to Egypt,” asserted Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasizing his belief that the coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 will ultimately fail.
He labeled the formation of the coalition, which has coalesced around the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as a mere distraction that the President should overlook.
In a conversation with journalists and fellow politicians in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that the Nigerian populace will rally behind the President to fully realize the benefits of his significant reforms. He stated, “The target is to distract the Commander-in-Chief and derail the social and economic gains that we can see and feel, but President Tinubu knows the game and will never fall for their bait.”
The coalition comprises notable politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-governors Nasir el-Rufai and Rauf Aregbesola. While its proponents argue it provides a viable platform for their ambitions, Sanwo-Olu views it as an assembly of disgruntled leaders lacking a coherent ideology.
Sanwo-Olu further emphasized that the President’s achievements and reform agenda are robust enough to withstand any narrative intended to undermine his administration or re-election prospects. He pointed to stability in the foreign exchange market, the introduction of a student loan scheme, extensive infrastructural developments, increased state revenues following the removal of fuel subsidies, tax reforms, heightened oil production, and the national minimum wage as evidence of Tinubu’s impactful leadership.
When questioned about any concerns regarding the ADC and its supporters, Sanwo-Olu replied, “No one should be concerned or distracted by what ADC or any other group is attempting to orchestrate. The truth is clear, the people can see the difference, and history is on his side. They have nothing but bitterness to offer; they are bound together by their illogical resentment against President Tinubu, not by any edifying ideology. They will run out of steam.”
In response to a query about advice for the President, Sanwo-Olu stated simply, “The President should stay the course. Millions of well-meaning Nigerians across party lines and compatriots, who understand what it takes to govern the most populous black nation on earth and revive a troubled economy, are behind him and trust his leadership.”
He concluded by urging a focus on delivering results, deepening reforms, and building a stronger Nigeria, asserting that any attempts to destabilize this foundation will be futile. Amid the ongoing discourse from the ADC and other opposition figures, Sanwo-Olu called for calm, discipline, and continued confidence in the President’s leadership.