The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata has described the recent coalition effort by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai and Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027 as dead on arrival.
Ata stated this in a statement signed by his media aide, Seyi Olorunsola and made available to newsmen in Kano on Friday.
The Minister stated that President Tinubu is on the right trajectory in transforming Nigeria to meet global standards, adding that he has implemented significant economic and political reforms aimed at stabilising Nigeria since assuming office in 2023.
According to the minister, these reforms were already yielding positive results, reinforcing the confidence of Nigerians in Tinubu’s administration.
The minister advised Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai, whom he described as “three elusive political wanderers”, to wake up from their political slumber, saying Nigerians have already found competent leadership under Tinubu.
“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,” he stated.
Highlighting Presdent Tinubu’s leadership qualities, Ata commended his adherence to the rule of law, his democratic approach to governance, and his transparency in handling national affairs.
He further 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.
The minister further criticised the trio, arguing that their alliance lacked credibility and will not gain traction among Nigerians.
He described Atiku as a “serial contester” who has repeatedly faced rejection at the polls despite multiple attempts to clinch the presidency.
Similarly, he labeled El-Rufai as a “desperate power seeker” who has lost credibility due to his self-serving political maneuvers, adding that he has burned too many bridges to be taken seriously in national politics.
Regarding Obi, the minister accused him of fostering ethnic and religious divisions, stating that his strategy of blackmailing competent and visionary leaders like Tinubu will not earn him the presidency.
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.
“President Bola Tinubu remains the most democratic and transparent leader Nigeria has had in recent times.
“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,” he declared.
