2027: APC’s real threat lies within not ADC coalition – Onoh
As Nigeria’s political landscape heats up ahead of the 2027 general elections, Dr. Josef Onoh, the former southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has issued a stark warning to the President, telling him that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, led by opposition heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, is not the primary […]
As Nigeria’s political landscape heats up ahead of the 2027 general elections, Dr. Josef Onoh, the former southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has issued a stark warning to the President, telling him that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, led by opposition heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, is not the primary threat to his re-election bid.
Instead, Onoh alleged that the real danger against Tinubu’s 2027 reelection bid lies within his own fold—a cabinet of 48 ministers whose lackluster performance, personal ambitions, and failure to champion the administration’s achievements could jeopardize Tinubu’s chances in 2027.
Onoh has pointed out a troubling reality, that out of a 48-member cabinet, only Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is a lone Defender of the president.
He said that Wike Stands Out amongst the rest and has consistently and publicly defended President Tinubu against the ADC coalition’s aggressive campaign.
Wike had in a recent a recent thanksgiving service at St. James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, dismissed the coalition’s motives, accusing its leaders of pursuing personal gain rather than national interest.
He challenged the credibility of the opposition leaders, stating that they want to rescue their stomach instead of Nigeria. Wike used the opportunity to highlight Tinubu’s achievements, such as the rehabilitation of the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre and the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Structure.
“Wike’s vocal defense stands in stark contrast to the deafening silence from other ministers. I find it alarming that at a time when the opposition is mobilizing under the ADC banner, the majority of Tinubu’s cabinet members remain mute, failing to counter the coalition’s narrative or promote the administration’s successes. This lack of unity and loyalty within the cabinet can erode public confidence in Tinubu’s leadership. Also Poor Ministerial Performance is a Liability for 2027,” Onoh warned
The Tinubu’s 2023 campaign spokesman in the South East has repeatedly criticized the underwhelming performance of many ministers, arguing that their inability to deliver tangible results weakens the administration’s case for re-election.
Onoh argued that the ministers tasked with implementing Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, have not demonstrated the capacity to mobilize grassroots support for the President’s re-election.
“Without visible achievements or a compelling narrative from the cabinet, the APC risks losing ground to the ADC coalition, which is capitalizing on public discontent to position itself as a viable alternative.”
A significant concern raised by Onoh is the growing trend of ministers prioritizing their personal political ambitions over their current responsibilities.
“For example, an incumbent minister has openly declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in on of the south west states, signaling a shift in focus from his ministerial duties to personal political goals. Similarly, other ministers are reportedly eyeing governorship races or other political offices in their home states, diverting their energy from advancing Tinubu’s agenda.
“This pursuit of personal ambition, undermines the cohesion and effectiveness of the cabinet. Ministers preoccupied with their own political futures are unlikely to invest in mobilizing support for Tinubu’s re-election or promoting his administration’s achievements. This internal disarray could prove fatal in 2027, as a fragmented cabinet fails to present a united front against a determined opposition coalition.”
He emphasized that a cabinet that does not share the President’s vision is a ticking time bomb, stressing that the lack of synergy among ministers, coupled with their failure to actively promote Tinubu’s achievements, creates a vacuum that the ADC coalition is exploiting.
The coalition composed of seasoned politicians such Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, has gained momentum by highlighting Nigeria’s economic challenges and insecurity, blaming Tinubu’s administration for the hardships.
Onoh argues that the coalition’s energy stems from the administration’s inability to effectively communicate its successes.
“For instance, Tinubu’s reforms, such as the removal of the fuel subsidy, increased state allocations, and advancements in infrastructure, have been cited as significant achievements by supporters like Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“Yet, these milestones are rarely amplified by cabinet members or heads of agencies, leaving the public unaware of the progress made. Also the way and manner the defunct presidential campaign council members were treated and 90% of them were not rewarded has created a deep sense of mistrust for the APC as a party and the president as a person especially seeing him rewarding those who called him drug dealer and unprintable names over his diehard supporters and loyalists. This communication gap and animosity amongst various support groups allows the opposition to dominate the narrative, portraying Tinubu’s government as ineffective.”
Onoh has has recently been a vocal advocate for a cabinet reshuffle, urging President Tinubu to replace underperforming ministers with individuals who share his vision and are committed to his re-election.
He warned that failure to act swiftly could lead to electoral defeat in 2027, as the opposition continues to gain traction. Onoh’s call for a reshuffle is particularly urgent as Tinubu prepares to return from his trip to Brazil, where he attended the G20 Summit. The President’s absence has only amplified the need for a proactive cabinet that can defend his policies and rally public support in his stead.
Onoh pointed at the ADC coalition’s aggressive mobilization as evidence of the stakes involved.
The coalition’s leaders have already begun regional campaigns, with figures like Atiku and Obi leveraging their political networks to challenge Tinubu’s APC.
“Without a cohesive and dynamic cabinet, Tinubu risks being outmaneuvered by an opposition that, despite its own internal contradictions, is united in its goal to unseat him.
Onoh further criticized heads of government agencies for their failure to promote Tinubu’s achievements. Agencies responsible for key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure have not effectively communicated the impact of policies such as the student loan initiative or increased oil production. This silence allows the opposition to paint a one-sided picture of failure, further fueling public discontent.
Onoh argues that agency heads, like ministers, must be held accountable for their role in advancing the administration’s agenda. Their failure to highlight tangible results undermines Tinubu’s re-election prospects and strengthens the ADC coalition’s narrative of a government in disarray.
“Cabinet reshuffle is not just a necessity but an urgent imperative to ensure that his team is aligned with his vision and capable of countering the opposition’s momentum. The ADC coalition, while formidable, is not Tinubu’s greatest challenge. The real danger lies in a cabinet and administration that fail to deliver, communicate, or unite behind their leader.
As Tinubu returns from Brazil, Dr. Onoh urges him to take immediate steps to reorganize his cabinet, appoint loyal and competent ministers, and ensure that agency heads actively promote his achievements.
“Failure to do so could hand the opposition the ammunition they need to derail Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. The clock is ticking, and the president must act now to secure his legacy and Nigeria’s future. Mr. President, you are a general alone, leading compromised soldiers to battle,” Onoh cautioned.