By Francis Ajuonuma
The NDIGBO FOR TINUBU 2027 FORUM (NDI-ABAT) has accused Nigeria’s opposition coalition of plotting to destabilise President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the pro-Tinubu group alleged that opposition leaders were pursuing a broader political agenda that could undermine constitutional democracy.
The NDI-ABAT National Coordinator, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and the Secretary General, Dr Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr, signed the statement.
The group specifically raised concerns over comments made during the recent opposition summit in Ibadan, Oyo State, where Governor Seyi Makinde referenced “Operation Wetie,” a phrase historically linked to the violent political crisis of the Western Region in 1965.
NDI-ABAT described the remark as “an ominous precursor” and warned that such rhetoric could incite political instability as the next presidential election approaches.
“The introduction of violence, the resurgence of old historical wounds, and the use of divisive rhetoric such as the ‘Operation Wetie’ slogan have no place in the democratic processes of this nation,” the statement said.
According to the forum, the opposition’s choice of Ibadan as the venue for its summit was not accidental, given the city’s symbolic association with the 1965 political unrest.
“For the sake of clarity, Nigerians must ask whether this was a coincidence or a deliberate strategy designed to send a dangerous political message,” NDI-ABAT stated.
The group further alleged that opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, Governor Makinde, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, could be positioning themselves to challenge Tinubu through unconstitutional means if they fail at the polls.
“It is our firm belief that the opposition coalition has formed a united front with the sole purpose of destabilising the Tinubu administration,” the statement added.
NDI-ABAT also urged the Federal Government and security agencies to investigate what it called possible links between inflammatory political rhetoric and growing insecurity across parts of the country.
“We call for immediate and decisive action to ensure that the 2027 elections are held peacefully and that no attempt to subvert democracy through violence or unlawful means is tolerated,” the group said.
Reaffirming support for President Tinubu, the forum maintained that democracy remains Nigeria’s only legitimate path to political transition.
“While the opposition may seek to revive the ghosts of 1965, Nigerians have learned from history and will not be intimidated by such threats,” the statement concluded.
