2027 Presidency: Northern Leaders Form United Front, Plan Single Candidate to Challenge Tinubu

With political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections gaining momentum, influential political leaders from Northern Nigeria have launched a strategic initiative to present a united front against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Operating under the banner of the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG – North), the leaders announced their plan to present a single consensus presidential candidate and unveil a new political platform to represent the interests of the North on the national stage.

The development emerged following a high-powered meeting held Sunday evening in Abuja, where leading figures from different political backgrounds converged to deliberate on the future of the region and its role in national politics. Present at the meeting were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and a representative of former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the group’s Chairman, Babachir Lawal, the NPCG expressed concern over the state of the nation, particularly the deteriorating security conditions ravaging Northern Nigeria. Lawal, who is also a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, noted that the rise in insecurity has triggered a ripple effect—deepening poverty, displacing communities, crippling education systems, and destroying economic productivity in the region.

The group criticized what it described as an uncoordinated and premature endorsement of President Tinubu’s second-term ambition by some Northern governors and elected officials. According to them, such endorsements were made without proper consultation with constituents, reflecting a disconnect between public officeholders and the people they represent. The NPCG called on citizens to hold such leaders accountable, emphasizing that the region’s political direction should be rooted in collective decision-making and strategic planning.

Babachir Lawal emphasized that the group’s objective is to foster unity among Northern political stakeholders and build a coalition that reflects the shared aspirations of the people. He said the NPCG intends to operate within a broader political party framework, but will also serve as a vehicle for mobilizing Northern interests ahead of the 2027 elections.

Lawal described the current socio-economic reality in the North as alarming, noting that insecurity has reached an all-time high under the present administration. He added that the result has been an unprecedented rise in poverty, hunger, displacement, and a crumbling education system, particularly at the primary and secondary school levels.

The group acknowledged that politics is driven by fear, emotion, and knowledge—but resolved that the North must not be swayed by fear or sentiment. Rather, it must embrace knowledge-based political engagement to secure its place in national leadership and governance. They stressed the importance of unity in political choices, noting that a fragmented approach would only weaken the region’s bargaining power.

The NPCG also resolved to extend its consultations and mobilisation to all 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory. A structured operational template will be developed to guide this outreach, with the aim of creating a formidable political machine capable of influencing national outcomes. The group said that the new platform would focus on promoting industrialisation, enhancing productivity, and ensuring that principles of fairness, justice, and equity are upheld across the region.

The political temperature further rose as the Labour Party found itself embroiled in internal controversy over Peter Obi’s involvement in the NPCG-led coalition. A faction of the Labour Party, led by suspended National Chairman Julius Abure, distanced itself from Obi’s participation, insisting that he lacked the mandate to represent the party in coalition talks. Obiora Ifoh, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, released a statement describing Obi’s continued association with the group as unacceptable and an affront to the party’s leadership.

In a swift response, however, the party’s National Caretaker Committee, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, threw its weight behind Obi. The committee dismissed the objections raised by the Abure-led faction as misleading and politically motivated. According to Ken Eluma Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser on Media to Senator Usman, Obi’s engagement with the coalition reflects the true spirit of the Labour Party’s commitment to rescuing Nigeria from what they described as a failing APC administration.

As the 2027 elections approach, the emerging coalition signals the beginning of what could be a major political realignment. With Northern leaders speaking with one voice and reaching across party lines, and with Peter Obi’s continued relevance in national conversations, the next electoral cycle is already shaping up to be one of the most consequential in Nigeria’s democratic history.