Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has announced the formation of a coalition of opposition parties to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Atiku made the announcement today during a press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where he was joined by other opposition leaders.
He stated that the coalition aims to unify efforts in providing a strong alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and ensure the restoration of democratic governance in the country.
“This is the birth of a new coalition of opposition ahead of 2027,” Atiku declared while addressing journalists. “The goal is simple: to rescue Nigeria from the current administration’s misgovernance and set the country on the path of true democracy, economic recovery, and national unity.”
A United Front Against APC
The coalition comprises key political figures and parties across the country, including the Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and members of other opposition groups. Notably, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was represented at the event by Yunusa Tanko, while former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, were also in attendance.
Prominent figures such as National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Peter Ahmeh, and Alternative Party Convener, Segun Showunmi, also lent their support to the initiative. Apologies were received from other opposition stalwarts, including former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu.
Opposition Reacts to Rivers State Emergency Rule
The coalition’s formation comes amid rising tensions following President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Atiku, speaking on behalf of the opposition, criticized the move as unconstitutional and a threat to democracy.
“We are seeing a dangerous trend where democracy is being trampled upon in Nigeria,” he said. “The National Assembly must not allow itself to be used to legitimize unconstitutional actions. We call on all patriotic lawmakers to reject the President’s decision.”
Labour Party’s representative, Yunusa Tanko, echoed Atiku’s sentiments, stating that the opposition must work together to prevent further erosion of democratic institutions. “We cannot afford to sit back and watch Nigeria slip further into authoritarianism,” he said.
Strategic Plans for 2027
The newly formed coalition plans to hold nationwide consultations to strengthen opposition alliances and build a formidable campaign strategy for the 2027 elections.
Sources close to the coalition indicate that discussions are ongoing to determine a common candidate who will represent the opposition bloc against Tinubu or any other APC candidate.
According to Atiku, the coalition will also focus on policy frameworks aimed at addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, insecurity, and governance failures under the current administration.
“We must offer Nigerians a real alternative,” he stated. “It is not just about removing a party from power but about giving the people leadership that prioritizes their needs and aspirations.”
Public Reactions and Political Implications
The announcement of the coalition has sparked reactions across the political landscape. Supporters of the APC have dismissed the move, claiming that the opposition remains fragmented and lacks the cohesion needed to unseat the ruling party.
However, opposition supporters see the development as a positive step toward unity. Political analysts believe that the success of the coalition will depend on its ability to manage internal differences and present a single, strong candidate in 2027.
With the opposition gearing up for a political battle, the coming months will be critical in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.
Whether this coalition can withstand the pressures of political rivalry and personal ambitions remains to be seen, but for now, the opposition has signaled its readiness to challenge the status quo.
For now, Rivers State remains in political uncertainty, with Governor Fubara’s whereabouts unknown since the takeover of the Government House.
With tensions high and political maneuvering intensifying, Nigeria faces a critical period of governance and democratic scrutiny in the months ahead.
