By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has launched a scathing critique of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, arguing that their repeated political realignments and coalition-building efforts reflect instability and opportunism rather than principled leadership.
In an opinion article published on Sunday, Fani-Kayode also dismissed emerging opposition alliances, claiming they are already fracturing under internal contradictions and leadership disputes ahead of the 2027 political cycle.
“The biggest mistake that anyone can make when dealing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is to think he is an ordinary person. He is not. No matter what you throw at him, he comes out on top,” he wrote, describing Tinubu as resilient and politically strategic.
He further argued that opposition coalitions involving Atiku and Obi are inherently unstable, alleging that ideological differences and personal ambitions are driving them apart.
According to him, “this was a break-up and breakdown that was waiting to happen,” insisting that the alliances were “marriages of opportunism and convenience.”
Fani-Kayode also criticized the political history of both men, stating that between them they had changed parties multiple times over the past decades, which he claimed undermines their credibility.
“Between you both, you have collectively changed political parties no less than 11 times between 1999 and 2026,” he wrote.
He advised both politicians to reconsider their ambition for the presidency, adding that their political trajectory suggests a pattern of instability. “Leaders are meant to live for the benefit of their political party: the political party is not meant to live for the benefit of its leaders,” he said.
Drawing comparisons from literature and mythology, he likened their political behaviour to “Gollum” from The Lord of the Rings and the mythological figure Icarus, suggesting excessive ambition would ultimately lead to their downfall.
The former minister also predicted that ongoing opposition coalitions would collapse before the next general election, arguing that internal disputes over party control and presidential tickets would deepen divisions further.
He concluded by expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s political structure, describing him as a “builder of platforms” who has demonstrated patience and strategic discipline over the years.
“As always, I wish you well, but I urge you to settle down and reconcile yourselves to a life outside of power because you will NEVER smell it again,” he added.
The article adds to growing political commentary around emerging opposition alliances and their ability to mount a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid ongoing debates over leadership, zoning, and party cohesion.
