Abuja, Nigeria – As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, a broad-based coalition of opposition leaders is finalizing its structure and operational framework. The coalition, which includes key political figures from various parties, aims to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration but faces challenges in selecting a political party platform.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Salihu Moh. Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (Northwest) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), confirmed that negotiations are in advanced stages. He emphasized that the coalition is primarily focused on uniting opposition leaders and setting aside personal ambitions to ensure a formidable front in 2027.
“The second issue being negotiated is the political party that will be the platform for the 2027 electoral contest,” Lukman stated, acknowledging that this remains the most difficult hurdle.
Prominent figures driving the coalition include former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party (LP) candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai; and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal.
Additionally, aggrieved APC members such as former Nasarawa State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi; and former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, have joined the coalition.
The group first signaled its intentions last Thursday at a press conference in Abuja, where it condemned the state of emergency in Rivers State and reaffirmed its commitment to unseating President Tinubu.
A major obstacle in the coalition’s plans is finding a suitable political platform. Lukman revealed that several coalition members have applied to register new parties, but these applications are allegedly being stalled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“For reasons best known to INEC, these applications are being frustrated. It seems INEC is unwilling to register new parties, and even existing smaller parties face threats of deregistration,” he noted.
Lukman further alleged that some existing opposition parties are being deliberately destabilized, making it difficult for them to remain viable contenders in 2027.
The coalition expressed concerns over what it described as the shrinking democratic space under the current administration, warning that Nigeria’s political system is at risk of becoming a one-party state.
“The way the Nigerian democratic space is rapidly shrinking can only be imagined under a military government,” the coalition stated.
It called on the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and prevent any moves that could undermine the country’s democratic development.
Despite the challenges, Lukman assured that negotiations are nearing completion, and once the political party issue is resolved, an official announcement will be made.
“All attempts to push Nigeria into a one-party state will be defeated. Once negotiations are concluded, Nigerians will be informed, and mobilisation for 2027 will commence,” he said.
He emphasized that the coalition is committed to fielding credible candidates who will be accountable to Nigerians and promote true democratic governance.
“This coalition is not just about fielding candidates but about ensuring Nigeria’s democracy thrives beyond the frustration of imperial-style leadership,” Lukman added.
With the 2027 elections drawing closer, the coalition’s next moves will be closely watched as it seeks to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
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