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JUST IN: APC backs Tinubu as Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai intensify coalition talks
The 2023 presidential candidates, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, along with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, have announced the formation of a coalition of opposition leaders to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The former Vice President confirmed this while responding to a question on behalf of the opposition leaders, during a press conference on Thursday at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
There have been increasing discussions recently on whether opposition parties should form a coalition to defeat President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku has repeatedly stressed the importance of unity among opposition parties.
In his latest remarks on March 8, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate revealed that he was working to unite opposition parties in a coalition to remove the All Progressives Congress from power.
After El-Rufai’s move from the APC to the SDP on March 10, conversations among opposition parties and leaders gained significant traction.
Atiku, accompanied by opposition leaders on Thursday, declared that the gathering marked the beginning of the coalition.
He stated, “Yes, this is the birth of the coalition of opposition ahead of 2027.”
The former Governor of Anambra State, Obi, also supported Atiku’s statement, emphasising that the coalition aimed at the liberation of the Nigerian people.
Obi, represented by Yunusa Tanko, the Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, stated that Nigerians would see more of the coalition addressing governance issues.
He stated “Yes, His Excellency Peter Obi and former Vice President are together on this.
The idea of plans for a dialogue among the opposition is very important. It is established that we need to work together as a team; there’s no doubt about it, even the former Anambra State Governor himself has said it before.
“But the only thing he emphasised is that it must be based on a programme to emancipate the Nigerian people, and that is exactly what we have just started.
“Our democracy has been attacked morally, with indignity and a level of disdain. That was exactly what was shown in that particular pronouncement against the Rivers State government and we will not stand as democrats to continue witnessing such a bizarre show of power and an unacceptable level of disdain against the Nigerian people.
“So, Nigerians should expect to see this coalition, especially when it comes to the issues that affect the lives of the Nigerian people—issues like power supply, security, and the level of disdain with which our educational systems are moving. All of this will be issue-based.”
When questioned about the party, he responded, “It will be announced.
”Other opposition leaders present at the press conference were former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ameh, and the Convener of The Alternative, Segun Showunmi, among others.
Among those involved in the coalition, but whose apologies for absence were noted, are leaders from the ruling APC, including former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and the immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu.
Ameh stated that talks about the coalition had intensified.
He disclosed that the coalition effort involved politicians from various opposition parties.
He, however, said no decision had yet been made regarding the name or platform on which the coalition would be based.
He stated “As the former Vice President mentioned, the press conference signals the birth of the coalition.
The discussions have intensified, and we will continue to engage with political leaders and parties.
“As of now, we have not yet decided on the name or platform for the coalition. However, discussions are ongoing regarding both. It will be announced once we reach a conclusion and agreement.”
The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, urged party leaders to remain flexible as the coalition discussions take centre stage.
Osadolor stated that it was in the best interest of both the PDP and Nigeria as a whole to ensure the APC was removed from power in 2027.
He stated “Well, my advice to the leaders of the PDP is that they should not be too static or too rigid.
They should also learn to be flexible and accommodating because they are the big brother of all the other opposition parties in this country.
“Therefore, they should be able to shift some ground to accommodate and make the coalition a major talking point.
Olatunji Rilwan Disu (commonly known as Tunji Disu) is a senior Nigerian police officer who was appointed as the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) of the Nigeria Police Force on February 24, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This followed the resignation of the previous IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, who cited family considerations. Disu’s appointment is acting pending formal review by the Nigeria Police Council and confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, as required under the Police Act.
Early Life and Education
– Born: April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria (currently 59 years old; he turns 60 in April 2026).
– Education: – Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University (LASU).
– Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies (also from LASU).
– Master’s degree in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State.
– Master’s degree in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from LASU.
– He completed primary education at schools like Mayflower Junior School (Ogun State) and secondary at St. Gregory’s College, Lagos.
Professional Career
Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) after training at the Nigeria Police Academy, Kaduna.
He has over 33 years of service, rising through various operational and leadership roles.
Key positions and achievements include:
– Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in multiple locations.
– Officer-in-Charge of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) units.
– Leadership in anti-kidnapping squads and state Criminal Investigation Departments.
– Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos, where he focused on urban crime reduction.
– Head of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for high-profile operations.
– Commissioner of Police in Rivers State (led operations against violent cult groups) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
– Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos (assumed this role around early 2026; promoted to AIG in March 2025).
– Specialized training in forensics, criminal intelligence, internet fraud (including at University of Cambridge), small arms smuggling (Botswana), and strategic leadership (Police Staff College, Jos).
He is recognized for intelligence-led policing, discipline, anti-corruption stance, and community-oriented approaches.
Personal Interests and Achievements
Disu is a decorated judoka (third dan black belt), having started practicing in 1986 during his time at LASU. He won multiple gold medals at national and police games, plus a silver at other competitions.
Recent Appointment Context
The appointment came amid Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges. It has sparked discussions on seniority (bypassing some more senior officers like DIG Frank Mba), federal character, and timing (Disu is close to the mandatory retirement age of 60 or 35 years of service).
Some view it as strategic for pre-2027 election security preparations, while others debate merit versus other factors. President Tinubu expressed confidence in Disu’s experience to provide steady leadership.
Overall, Tunji Disu is regarded as a seasoned, professional officer with a strong track record in field operations, investigations, and command roles. His tenure as acting IGP is expected to focus on enhancing police efficiency and addressing national security priorities.
……Appoints AIG Tunji Disu as New Inspector-General of Police.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Kayode Egbetokun as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Tunji Disu as his successor, multiple reliable sources confirmed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
The development followed a directive from President Tinubu asking Egbetokun to resign, reportedly during a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.
Egbetokun, who served as the 22nd IGP, had been in the position since his appointment by Tinubu on June 19, 2023, with confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council on October 31, 2023.
Sources within the presidency and the Nigeria Police Force indicated that preparations were underway for a formal handover ceremony from Egbetokun to Disu. An official announcement from the presidency was expected shortly.
Tunji Disu, who until recently served as the AIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, is set to become the 23rd Inspector-General of Police. Described by some reports as one of Nigeria’s finest contemporary officers, Disu is anticipated to receive swift confirmation from the Senate.
Egbetokun had been appointed at age 58 and was originally due for retirement on September 4, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60, though his tenure extended beyond that point.
The leadership change marks a significant shake-up in Nigeria’s security apparatus amid ongoing efforts to address policing challenges across the country.
Further details on the reasons for the removal and Disu’s priorities as the new IGP are yet to be officially disclosed.
The Bayelsa State House of Assembly on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, confirmed Pastor Peter Akpe as the new Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
The confirmation occurred during a plenary session after Governor Douye Diri nominated Akpe to replace the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died in December 2025.
Pastor Akpe, a clergyman with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and holder of a Ph.D., had served as Chief of Staff to Governor Diri at Government House, Yenagoa.
He is from Ebedebiri community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa West Senatorial District—the same senatorial district as his predecessor.
Prior to his appointment as Chief of Staff in March 2024, Akpe held several key positions, including Deputy Chief of Staff (2020–2023), Acting Chief of Staff, Head of Administration, and member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, where he also served as Majority Leader during the Seriake Dickson administration.
With the lawmakers’ approval, Pastor Peter Akpe is now cleared for swearing-in, completing the process to fill the vacant deputy governorship position and ensuring continuity in the state’s executive arm under Governor Douye Diri’s leadership.
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