••Ex-VP’s ally reveals coalition plans, while APC dismisses threat and other parties express interest in united front.
By OBSERVERS TIMES .
Whispers of a formidable opposition alliance are growing louder as an associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar disclosed that he is open to partnering with Labour Party’s Peter Obi in a bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. The revelation comes amid increasing political realignments and growing dissent within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
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Atiku, who narrowly lost the 2023 presidential election, is reportedly spearheading efforts to forge a united front against Tinubu. According to an anonymous source close to Atiku, speaking exclusively to The PUNCH, both Atiku and Obi have recognized the necessity of collaboration. “They now realize that to defeat Tinubu, they cannot go it alone,” the source stated, citing the combined vote share of the two candidates in the last election as evidence of their potential strength.
The political landscape is further complicated by growing discontent within the APC, with figures like former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, expressing opposition to Tinubu’s administration. Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and his call for a united opposition have fueled speculation of a major political realignment.
However, the APC remains confident in its ability to retain power. Dr. Lanre Adebayo, Director-General of The Progressive Institute, an APC think tank, dismissed the notion of any opposition party posing a significant threat in 2027. “I don’t think we have a party that can challenge the APC,” Adebayo asserted during a visit to the National Assembly.
Despite the APC’s confidence, other opposition parties are signaling their willingness to join a coalition. The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have expressed openness to alliances, albeit with caveats. The NNPP emphasized its desire to maintain its party identity, while the ADC stressed the importance of integrity and values in any coalition.
The Young Progressive Party (YPP) also indicated interest in a broad-based alliance but cautioned against a coalition dominated by “recycled elites,” urging older politicians to make way for fresh leadership.
Concerns are also being raised about the growing number of defections to the APC, with critics warning of a potential drift towards a one-party state, which they argue would undermine democracy.
As the 2027 election draws closer, the potential alliance between Atiku and Obi, coupled with the evolving political landscape, sets the stage for a high-stakes battle for Nigeria’s presidency.
