Abuja, February 21, 2026 — A prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, has announced the end of his 36-year political alliance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring his support for opposition leader Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Imam, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former chairman of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) board, made the announcement on February 19, 2026. In his statement, he criticized what he described as poor leadership in the country, arguing that Nigeria’s vast resources have not translated into improved living standards for citizens.

His endorsement of Atiku, a former Vice President and leading opposition figure, has generated significant debate online and within political circles. Critics were quick to reference a 2023 controversy involving Imam’s son, who was briefly appointed chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) board by President Tinubu. The appointment of the 24-year-old recent graduate sparked widespread backlash over allegations of nepotism and questions about competence. The appointment was withdrawn within days following public criticism.

While some of Imam’s defenders have maintained that he did not lobby for the appointment and opposed the decision, others have questioned his current criticism of the administration, pointing to what they describe as past silence on similar governance issues.

The development underscores shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections and signals potential realignments within Nigeria’s opposition and ruling party structures. Political analysts say such moves could influence coalition-building efforts in the coming months as parties position themselves for the next electoral cycle.