Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has dismissed the credibility of a newly formed coalition of politicians preparing to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Speaking on 60 Minutes with Mr. Kay, scheduled to air on News Central TV, Farotimi said the coalition—comprising several prominent figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former governors Nasir El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, and Peter Obi—lacks the moral authority to rescue Nigeria.
The outspoken lawyer accused some of the politicians of ruining their states while in power, specifically naming El-Rufai of Kaduna and Aregbesola of Osun, and criticized Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for allegedly failing to deliver on promises of overseas jobs after his re-election.
“If what they’re calling a coalition is about bringing back the same people who ruined this country—the one who destroyed Kaduna, the one who could not pay my father’s gratuity in Osun—then they have already failed,” Farotimi said.
He further described Nigerian politicians as “fraudsters”, accusing them of recycling old failures while making new promises. According to him, Nigerians are aware of their deceit and lack of accountability.
On President Tinubu’s administration, Farotimi argued that claims of progress are false, stressing that ordinary Nigerians are still unable to move freely and safely in their own cities.
“Whatever they say is working is only working for those in government. They keep recruiting more people who won’t question them as they continue to destroy this country,” he added.
The coalition, reportedly rallying under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform, has positioned itself as a major opposition force ahead of 2027. But Farotimi’s remarks highlight deep skepticism among civil society and citizens about whether these politicians can truly deliver change.
