Atiku Eyes Coalition Leadership as Opposition Parties Gear Up for 2027 General Election

As post-election issues continue to unfold at the Supreme Court and politicians come to terms with their election fates, the focus is shifting to the 2027 general elections, with key players strategizing for a coalition that could challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to sources, presidential candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) are considering forming a powerful alliance to unseat the APC.

This move is reminiscent of James Freeman Clarke’s quote, emphasizing the long-term vision of statesmanship over short-term political gains. In a recent interview on Channels Television, political economist and National Consultative Front (NCFront) convener, Prof. Pat Utomi, who is an ally of LP’s Peter Obi, confirmed discussions among the parties’ presidential candidates to establish a new mega-party.

Utomi stressed that the focus of the proposed party is not centered on individual presidential ambitions but on addressing Nigeria’s challenges and serving the interests of the ordinary citizens. However, he clarified that discussions are currently centered on defining the party’s values, policies, and national strategy, rather than selecting specific candidates. Utomi highlighted the need for a fresh start in Nigerian politics, emphasizing the lack of a true political party since 1999 and criticizing existing platforms as enabling machine politics aimed at state capture rather than serving the nation’s interests.

Despite Utomi’s optimistic view, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP has expressed readiness to lead a coalition of opposition parties to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections. Atiku’s statement came in a congratulatory message to PDP governors whose elections were upheld by the Supreme Court, where he reaffirmed his commitment to leading the charge against the ruling party. In response to the opposition’s plans, the APC Professionals Council has dismissed the coalition as “dead on arrival.”

The council’s National Director-General, Seyi Bamigbade, criticized Atiku’s repeated presidential bids, suggesting that he focus on retirement rather than pursuing another electoral campaign. Adding to the mix, Bisi Akande, the pioneer Interim Chairman of APC, warned against returning the PDP to power in 2027. Akande cautioned that a PDP-led coalition would not alleviate the country’s current challenges, emphasizing the need for continuity in the ruling party’s efforts to address longstanding issues.

In a separate development within the PDP, the Concerned PDP League (CPDPL) advised Atiku against contesting the 2027 elections, urging him to respect the zoning arrangement that favors the South for the next presidential term. The group also advised Bala Mohammed, the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, to refrain from seeking the presidency until 2031 to ensure stability within the party and the country’s political system. The evolving political landscape suggests that discussions and maneuvering for the 2027 elections are already in full swing, with key figures positioning themselves for a potential shakeup in Nigeria’s political arena.

The Guardian