2027: Group Describes Opposition Coalition Against Tinubu as a Distraction

A political support group loyal to former governors Bello Matawalle and Abdulazeez Yari has dismissed the recent alliance of opposition leaders as inconsequential, stating that President Bola Tinubu remains the most viable option for the North-West in the 2027 presidential election.

The group, operating under the banner of the Shehi and Matawalle Project for Tinubu 2027 Mandate, described the coalition reportedly involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as lacking substance and unlikely to succeed.

The group expressed its views on Saturday in Kaduna during the inauguration of its North-West zonal and state executives, tasked with mobilising grassroots support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Speaking to journalists after the event, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Auwal Mohammed, described the opposition coalition as a political gathering driven by desperation rather than a clear ideological vision.

“That alliance is simply a political show with no real foundation. It cannot withstand the test of time,” he said.

Mohammed also defended the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, stating that the reforms currently underway are repositioning the nation for long-term growth.

“President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated leadership, vision, and commitment to economic recovery. His Renewed Hope agenda is already producing positive results,” he added.

Also speaking, the group’s North-West Zonal Coordinator, Babangida Damba, argued that the president deserves a second term, citing key policy reforms and social investments targeted at vulnerable populations.

Damba pointed to the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate unification, rural electrification, and infrastructure development as evidence of the administration’s commitment to national development.

“Though the removal of fuel subsidy was initially challenging, it has strengthened government revenue and redirected funds towards infrastructure and human capital development,” he said.

Damba urged the newly inaugurated executives to mobilise and educate the electorate in support of President Tinubu’s re-election.

The Zonal Secretary of the group, Dr. Ahmad Hashim, described the Shehi and Matawalle Project as a strategic political movement designed to promote continuity and stability.

“This is more than a campaign structure. It is a well-coordinated political initiative aimed at consolidating the progress made under President Tinubu’s leadership,” he said.

Hashim emphasised that the project draws strength from influential North-West political figures such as former Zamfara State Governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and former Governor Abdulazeez Yari.

“These two leaders are respected figures with longstanding contributions to national development. Their support for Tinubu reflects a shared vision for unity, good governance, and economic advancement,” Hashim added.