Former senator and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has dismissed the emerging opposition coalition seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027, calling it “dead on arrival”.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, Sani said while forming a coalition is a legitimate democratic pursuit, the integrity of those behind the current effort renders it unviable.

He described the coalition as a gathering of “frustrated and angry politicians” lacking genuine commitment to the nation’s progress.

Sani criticised former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, a key figure in the coalition: “He is not a symbol of good governance. He held power for nearly two decades—DG of BPE, minister, and two-term governor—yet failed to implement the reforms he now preaches.”

He argued that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, while constitutionally free to contest, should not run in 2027. Instead, he suggested the opposition should support a southern candidate to balance regional equity.

“Atiku has contested several times. If he runs again and loses, he risks being seen as the face of political failure,” he said.

Sani accused El-Rufai of hypocrisy, saying his recent criticism of Tinubu stemmed from bitterness after being denied a ministerial appointment.

“El-Rufai is angry, frustrated, and now engages in personal attacks rather than offering constructive opposition,” he stated.

He also recalled the poor governance record El-Rufai left behind in Kaduna, including mass sackings, human rights violations, and huge debts.

On his own political future, Sani said he would consider contesting for the Senate in 2027 if the political environment in Kaduna favours it.

He concluded: “Elections are not won with posters and photo-ops. They require strategic consultations and a clear understanding of the political terrain.”