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Moves to Unseat Tinubu Began Just 6 Months Into His Presidency

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on July 6th, 2025.

According to insider sources and political observers, efforts to undermine the Tinubu presidency began taking shape just six months after he was sworn in. These early moves, while not immediately visible to the public, have since evolved into a broader coalition of discontented political figures, interest groups, and former allies who feel alienated by the administration’s direction.

Rising Discontent Among the Political Class

Several key developments reportedly triggered the early opposition. Among them was the president’s economic reform agenda, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira—moves that caused immediate hardship for many Nigerians. While these steps were praised by some international observers for their long-term economic rationale, they drew criticism from political stakeholders who feared the public backlash could erode their own influence.

“Many of those who supported Tinubu expected a seat at the table,” said a political analyst familiar with developments in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “But as appointments rolled out and policies took shape, it became clear that not everyone’s expectations were being met.”

The Emergence of a Shadow Coalition

By the end of 2023, political meetings—some informal, others more structured—began surfacing in Abuja and other political centers. Former governors, lawmakers, and party stalwarts who had grown dissatisfied with the administration reportedly began holding talks about ways to “rescue” the country from what they described as “a failing leadership.”

Though no formal opposition bloc had declared its intention to unseat the president, the formation of loose alliances among political heavyweights suggested deeper undercurrents at play. The goal, insiders suggest, wasn’t necessarily an immediate overthrow, but rather the slow erosion of Tinubu’s political capital ahead of future elections or legal challenges.

Internal and External Pressures

In addition to internal party unrest, civil society groups, labor unions, and opposition parties have also ramped up pressure on the government. Protests over the rising cost of living and fuel price hikes have added to the perception that the government is losing its grip on public trust.

Despite the mounting criticism, President Tinubu has remained defiant, urging Nigerians to be patient and describing his policies as painful but necessary for long-term recovery. In several public statements, he has dismissed rumors of internal betrayal, emphasizing unity and national interest.

Looking Ahead

If the early moves to unseat Tinubu continue to gain traction, Nigeria may be heading toward a period of intensified political turbulence. While it’s not uncommon for Nigerian presidents to face opposition, the speed and scale at which dissent has reportedly emerged under Tinubu suggest that the next few years will test not only his leadership but also the resilience of Nigeria’s political system.

For now, the president remains firmly in power. But as alliances shift and political strategies evolve, the coming months will be critical in determining whether Tinubu can consolidate his authority—or whether the seeds of dissent planted early in his presidency will take

deeper root.