No Opposition Alliance Can Displace APC, Group Replies Galadima

No Opposition Alliance Can Displace APC, Group Replies Galadima

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has dismissed claims by Buba Galadima that a proposed opposition alliance could unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, describing the assertion as unrealistic and detached from current political and economic realities.

The group said the comments failed to take into account the policy reforms and economic recovery recorded under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since he assumed office.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Danjuma Sada, the Forum said President Tinubu’s administration has implemented bold and necessary reforms that have stabilised the economy and strengthened public confidence.

It said the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates helped Nigeria avert fiscal collapse and restore investor trust, noting that inflation is easing, oil production is improving and key sectors are gradually recovering.

According to the Forum, Nigeria attracted $5.3 billion in oil and gas investments in 2025, emerging as the leading destination in Sub-Saharan Africa despite an overall regional decline. It added that the number of active oil rigs has nearly doubled, while Nigeria’s share of sanctioned African oil and gas projects rose significantly in the last two years.

The group also highlighted what it described as people-focused policies introduced by the Tinubu administration, including the increase in the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 and the rollout of a student loan scheme.

It said the student loan programme has so far disbursed ₦161.97 billion to over 864,000 students across 263 public institutions, easing the burden of access to tertiary education.

The Forum further pointed to a sharp rise in federal allocations to states, which it said increased to ₦5.81 trillion in 2024, up from ₦3.58 trillion the previous year, helping states meet salary obligations and clear pension arrears.

On youth empowerment, TSF praised the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme targeting one million young Nigerians nationwide.

It said more than 250,000 youths are already enrolled in over 2,600 training centres, receiving hands-on skills in areas such as fashion, modern agriculture and technology repairs, alongside monthly stipends and starter packs.

According to the group, Nigeria’s economic recovery is gaining international recognition, citing reports that show the economy is now on a growth path following decisive reforms.

The Forum recalled comments by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who said that without the President’s interventions, at least 27 states would have struggled to pay salaries and carry out basic government functions.

TSF argued that growing support for President Tinubu, including defections from opposition parties, reflects public approval of his reform agenda.

It said the collapse of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) structure after the exit of its only governor further exposed the weakness of the opposition being promoted by Galadima.

The group described the proposed opposition alliance as a coalition driven by personal ambition rather than clear ideas or unity of purpose.

“No hastily assembled alliance can erase the mandate freely given by the Nigerian people,” the statement said.

The Forum maintained that while opposition figures focus on rhetoric and recycled alliances, President Tinubu remains focused on laying a strong foundation for a prosperous and self-reliant Nigeria, insisting that no opposition alliance can displace the APC under the current trajectory.