A group, the Nigerian Youth Coalition, has described the leadership of the newly formed African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition as “buccaneers and scavengers” unfit to rescue the nation.
The leaders include Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola.
In a press conference held in Abuja, Victor Thompson, Convener of the Nigerian Youth Coalition, accused the political heavyweights behind the new ADC bloc of having “questionable political trademarks” and betraying the nation “over and over again.” The group distanced itself completely from any association with the ADC coalition ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Never will it be heard or read in the annals of this nation’s history that, in our generation, Nigerian youths took a stand with the very same set of people who betrayed this nation and would do so again if given the opportunity,” Thompson declared.
The coalition’s statement unleashed searing personal allegations against prominent figures. Atiku Abubakar was branded “the single most notorious factor in the collapse of the economy,” accused of political opportunism, party-hopping, and presiding over allegedly corrupt privatizations that “ruined lives and took away the livelihoods of thousands.”
Peter Obi was described as “a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” with allegations that he invested Anambra State’s resources into an alcohol business and splurged hundreds of millions of naira on personal travel and vehicles while portraying a “frugal” public image.
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Nasir El-Rufai was labeled “the alleged author and finisher of the Southern Kaduna genocide,” underscoring the coalition’s rejection of his leadership role in any new political movement.
The group’s statement also fervently defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, praising his economic reforms, fuel subsidy removal, foreign reserves growth, and increased government revenue. They declared Tinubu’s presidency a “blessing” to Nigeria and portrayed any opposition as enemies of national progress.
“We are not gullible! We will not join any movement led by a group of greedy, manipulative, and self-serving people whose only grievance against this administration is that they have not been allowed to continue to destroy our beloved nation,” the statement read.
Adding fuel to the controversy, the youth coalition hailed Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, as their “grand patron” and challenged Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to “present the scorecards of their sons,” insinuating that only President Tinubu’s family is working for Nigerian youth.
Political observers say the coalition’s statement signals an escalating propaganda war as Nigeria’s political class realigns ahead of the 2027 general election. The youth coalition also issued a stern warning to Atiku, Obi, and other opposition figures:
“While it is in your rights to assemble, associate and participate in the political process of a country you seek to destroy, we warn you in the strongest terms possible to desist from using our name as Nigerian youth to push your sinister ambition… Failure to desist will trigger an uncontrollable youth movement against you.”
The ADC coalition, which emerged barely a week ago, has yet to formally respond to the Nigerian Youth Coalition’s explosive accusations. However, the statement has set off a firestorm on social media, with supporters and critics fiercely debating the merits, and motives behind the youth group’s harsh rhetoric.
