Tinubu Mocks Atiku-Led Coalition: “No One Without History in This Calabash”

By Emmanuel Kwada

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday took a sharp swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the emerging opposition coalition, dismissing its leaders as individuals with questionable past records, particularly in the privatisation of public assets.

Speaking while hosting a delegation of Renewed Hope Ambassadors at the State House, President Tinubu used colourful language to describe the alliance, referring to it as a “calabash” coalition and questioning the credentials of its key figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“If you look at all of them, no one without history among these calabash (coalition). The head (Atiku) was the chairman of the privatisation council of Nigeria at one time. He privatised the steel industry in Delta. Is it working today?

They privatised Ajaokuta… is it working today? They privatised another man’s political party; that one says no,” the President said.

The remarks appear to target Atiku Abubakar’s role as Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Tinubu specifically referenced the privatisation of the Delta Steel Company and the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, both of which have faced operational challenges and controversies over the years.

The President further accused the coalition of attempting to “privatise” the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid reported leadership crises and disputes within the party as opposition figures explore platforms for a possible alliance against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tinubu’s comments come as political realignments intensify ahead of 2027, with reports of efforts by Atiku, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, and other opposition leaders to build a formidable coalition.

The Presidency has not issued a formal clarification on the speech, but sources close to the government say it reflects President Tinubu’s confidence in his administration’s reform agenda despite ongoing economic challenges.

As the political temperature rises, observers expect sharper exchanges between the ruling party and opposition blocs in the coming months. The ADC has been at the centre of recent speculation as a possible vehicle for a unified opposition ticket.