Presidency Responds To Opposition Move To Present A Unified Candidate Against Tinubu

The Presidency has dismissed reports of a planned coalition by opposition political parties to present a single presidential candidate against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

According to Ireporter Online, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Sunday, where he reacted to the recent Ibadan declaration by opposition figures. He described the gathering as a meeting of recycled politicians lacking fresh ideas for national development.

Dare maintained that opposition leaders were politically weakened and operating on what he termed “sinking ground,” while insisting that President Tinubu remains firmly positioned on what he described as the “rock of competence.” He added that the opposition is free to field multiple candidates, but argued that many of its key figures have long occupied political offices such as ministers, governors, and lawmakers without showing evidence of renewed vision or innovative governance.

He further stated that Nigerians have seen little or no new ideas from the opposition, stressing that their records in previous leadership positions do not inspire confidence.

“The opposition is free to field five or seven presidential candidates. But they are standing on sinking ground,” Dare said. “That is the beauty of democracy. Political leaders are free to make their choices, but that does not change the fact that there is a functional government in place with measurable achievements. That remains the reality.”