By John Audu.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reiterated his commitment to forging a broad opposition coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. Speaking during a meeting with National Opinion Leaders on Tuesday, Atiku emphasized the coalition’s inclusive and urgent mission, declaring that the “train has left the station.”
In a video of the meeting posted on his official X handle on Wednesday, Atiku stated, “The coalition train has left the station and would have multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades. Whatever vehicle will give us good governance for the future of our children and grandchildren, that is the vehicle we are going to ride on.”
Atiku’s coalition effort, officially launched in March, includes notable figures such as Dr. Yunusa Tanko, representing Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The coalition seeks to unite opposition voices across party lines under a movement Atiku calls Sabuwar Tafiya—Hausa for “a new path” to a new Nigeria.
However, this push for unity has not been without challenges. Just days before Atiku’s remarks, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum distanced itself from any coalition or merger talks during a two-day retreat in Ibadan. The meeting, which included PDP governors and acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum, issued a statement disassociating the forum from Atiku’s coalition initiatives.
Despite internal tensions, Atiku remains resolute, stressing that the coalition is a citizen-driven response to perceived failures in leadership and will not be derailed by party politics. Addressing the largely youth-dominated audience, he urged young Nigerians to resist short-term material inducements that could undermine their future.
“Don’t be distracted by people giving you pennies or kobos here and there, and nairas here and there, and then abandon your future and the future of your children,” Atiku warned. He called on the youth to engage in grassroots mobilization and mass sensitization for the emerging political movement.
Atiku’s recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna alongside other coalition members further fueled speculation about the alliance’s depth and direction.
While PDP governors appear focused on strengthening their party machinery, they have not entirely ruled out potential partnerships, leaving room for future collaboration with Atiku’s coalition.
