Abuja – As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, a potential grand coalition is taking shape among key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. However, reports suggesting Obi has accepted a vice-presidential slot under Atiku have been swiftly denied.
Peter Obi, speaking in Abuja after donating N20 million to support education and healthcare projects by the Anglican Church, clarified his political focus: “I’m in a coalition against hunger, poverty, and ill health—not a coalition for positions. Politics, for me, is about doing the right thing, not securing power.”
Obi’s remarks follow widespread media speculation that he had agreed to serve as Atiku’s running mate in 2027, with Atiku reportedly promising to serve a single four-year term. While the coalition talks are ongoing, insiders confirm that specific agreements, including power-sharing details, are yet to be finalized.
A source close to the talks revealed that opposition leaders are “working diligently to build a robust and viable coalition platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)” and unseat President Bola Tinubu.
Obidients React: No Truth to VP Offer
Reacting to the reports, the Obidient Movement, through its Director of Strategic Communications Nana Kazaure, dismissed the claims as “baseless.” She stated, “There is no truth or basis to the reports whatsoever. Mr. Obi remains committed to providing a united front against bad governance and has not entered into any pact to serve as a running mate.”
Kazaure emphasized that any change in Obi’s political alignment would be communicated directly by him, urging the media and public to avoid sensationalism.
Atiku’s Camp: Coalition Talks Ongoing
Confirming the coalition talks, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, said significant progress has been made. “What I can say is that all the opposition leaders are working diligently. The details are being carefully worked out, and in due course, everything will be made public,” he stated.
PDP Confident of Victory if Coalition Holds
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed confidence that a united opposition front could decisively defeat the APC in 2027. Timothy Osadolor, PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, noted that the coalition—if managed properly and free of ego—could deliver victory before 1 p.m. on election day.
“With the increasing hunger, insecurity, and frustration in the country, Nigerians are yearning for change. A united Atiku-Obi-El-Rufai front could be the answer,” Osadolor said.
He criticized the Tinubu administration for alleged misuse of public funds and warned that continued insensitivity could further galvanize the electorate against the ruling party.
ADC Opens Doors for Coalition
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), seen as a potential platform for the coalition, is adjusting its internal rules to accommodate new entrants. National Chairman Ralph Nwosu announced his decision to step down, stating the move would pave the way for fresh leadership and ease access for aspiring candidates.
“We’ve removed the two-year membership requirement to contest elections. As soon as you join, you enjoy full rights,” Nwosu explained, confirming that ADC is ready to support the broader opposition alliance.
While the full details of the coalition remain under wraps, the message from opposition quarters is clear: unity is their strongest weapon against the APC in 2027. Whether this alliance materializes into a political force strong enough to unseat the incumbent remains to be seen—but the groundwork is unmistakably underway.
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