Tinubu Won’t Even Check the Scoreboard’ – Bwala Ridicules Atiku’s Coalition Plan

Daniel Bwala, a former aide to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has taken a swipe at his former boss’s push for an opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting President Bola Tinubu remains firmly in control.

Bwala’s reaction followed Atiku’s appearance on Arise TV on April 15, where the PDP leader signaled openness to backing a consensus candidate to challenge Tinubu. Atiku suggested that a united opposition could make the President “dead on arrival” in 2027.

Responding on social media, Bwala dismissed the idea with sarcasm, recalling that Atiku was defeated in the 2023 election despite enjoying the backing of several governors and strong political structures.

“You were the coalition candidate in 2023, yet he defeated you when you had governors, states, and structures,” Bwala wrote. He added that many of those same political forces have since aligned with President Tinubu.

Bwala went further to describe current opposition figures as “aggrieved stateless leaders,” arguing they lack the grassroots strength needed to mount a serious challenge against the ruling party. According to him, Tinubu is so secure politically that he may not even “bother to check the scoreboard” on election day.

The exchange underscores widening cracks between Atiku and some of his former allies as the race toward 2027 begins to take shape. While Atiku has adopted a conciliatory tone, indicating he could step aside for a consensus candidate, including Peter Obi, critics like Bwala believe the opposition’s lack of control at the state level weakens any coalition effort against the APC’s growing influence.