- Osita Okechukwu doubts the feasibility of opposition parties forming a strong coalition to challenge President Tinubu in 2027
- Okechukwu emphasizes differences between current circumstances and 2015, citing Tinubu’s leadership and economic improvements
Mr Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has voiced scepticism regarding plans by opposition parties to merge with the aim of unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Okechukwu, who played a pivotal role in the merger committee that birthed the APC as a formidable opposition in 2013, asserted in a statement released yesterday that the current circumstances differ significantly from those of 2015.
The recent initiation of merger talks among certain opposition parties in Nigeria, aimed at forming a robust coalition to challenge President Tinubu in 2027, has garnered attention. However, Okechukwu pointed out that Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape has evolved since 2015.
“Firstly, the likelihood of opposition political parties forging a formidable coalition to unseat the APC, akin to the defeat suffered by the PDP in 2015, is improbable due to differing circumstances,” Okechukwu stated.
He emphasized that removing an incumbent President should not be undertaken lightly but should stem from a genuine desire to replace an underperforming administration. Okechukwu highlighted Tinubu’s steadfastness and the increased allocation to state governments under his leadership.
“While it’s acknowledged that Atiku referenced the current socio-economic challenges, President Tinubu maintains a clear focus. In contrast, the landscape in 2015 under President Goodluck Jonathan was marked by bleak prospects,” Okechukwu remarked.