The momentum for a united opposition against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election is gaining traction, as key political figures and parties strategize to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) are reportedly in discussions to form a coalition that could present a formidable challenge.
Confirming the ongoing talks, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, held a closed-door meeting with LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, at the Bauchi Government House. Speaking after the meeting, Mohammed underscored the need for collaboration among opposition leaders to provide an alternative vision for the country.
PDP, Obi Discuss Political Strategy
Governor Mohammed expressed his willingness to work with Obi in addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges, commending him for his political approach, economic insights, and commitment to national unity.
“We deeply respect his vision and leadership style. His knowledge of governance and economic policies aligns with our collective goal of national development,” Mohammed stated.
Their discussions reportedly centered on political strategy, with particular focus on opposition challenges in Rivers State and the broader necessity of a united front. Mohammed emphasized that this was not their first meeting, recalling prior engagements in Abuja.
“The opposition must come together to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative in 2027,” he added.
El-Rufai’s Involvement in Opposition Mobilization
The push for a stronger opposition has also been echoed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Recently, El-Rufai vowed to mobilize opposition forces against Tinubu, stressing the need for a well-structured alliance.
“I will engage with and persuade opposition leaders to form a united platform that can challenge the APC across all elections,” El-Rufai declared.
While there are speculations about his alignment with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), sources suggest he may be working to integrate the party into a broader opposition framework.
Peter Obi: Nigeria Needs Urgent Intervention
During his visit to Bauchi, Peter Obi reiterated the urgent need for a leadership overhaul, stressing that the country, particularly the North, must address poverty, education, and security to move forward.
“Our nation is at a critical juncture. The North is central to fixing Nigeria’s problems. Until we eradicate poverty, we cannot effectively combat crime,” Obi remarked.
He criticized the current political discourse, lamenting that while Nigerians grapple with hunger and inadequate healthcare, political debates remain centered on budget scandals and administrative controversies.
“We must redirect our focus to issues that truly matter—hunger, education, and healthcare,” he asserted.
Coalition Talks Gain Momentum
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) confirmed that discussions on forming an alliance were ongoing. CUPP’s National Secretary, Peter Ahmeh, emphasized the importance of selecting a strong southern candidate capable of defeating Tinubu.
“Yes, conversations about an opposition coalition for 2027 are ongoing. The opposition must unite, and we must also consider the historical understanding between the North and South regarding power rotation,” Ahmeh noted.
He cautioned that if the coalition fields a northern candidate, Tinubu would secure victory effortlessly.
“I am 100% sure that if the opposition selects a northern candidate, Tinubu will win by noon on election day. To stand a chance, the coalition must rally behind a southern candidate, and Obi fits that role,” he said.
Ahmeh urged northern politicians involved in the coalition to carefully select a credible running mate from their region to ensure broad national appeal.
PDP Calls for Unified Strategy
Reacting to the ongoing coalition discussions, PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, emphasized that opposition parties must set aside personal ambitions and work towards a common goal. He warned that internal disagreements over leadership roles could weaken the coalition’s chances.
“A coalition is good because it brings key players together. However, the challenge lies in determining leadership roles. We must be wary of politicians whose ambitions exceed their capabilities,” Osadolor remarked.
While advocating for the PDP to lead the coalition, he stressed that decisions must prioritize the broader interest of Nigerians over personal political aspirations.
Labour Party Maintains Distance
Despite Obi’s involvement in consultations, the Labour Party clarified that its leadership was not officially engaged in coalition discussions. LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, stated that while Obi had the right to engage with political figures, the party had not formally considered a merger or alliance.
“Our 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is free to consult with like-minded individuals. However, on a party level, no formal coalition talks have taken place,” Ifoh stated.
He emphasized that political parties are governed by collective decision-making processes, not individual preferences.
“Nigerian political parties are structured around elected National Working Committees (NWC) and National Executive Committees (NEC), which decide the party’s direction. As of today, no coalition discussions have been brought before the Labour Party’s leadership,” he added.
Conclusion
With the 2027 elections drawing closer, the opposition’s ability to present a united front remains a critical factor. While discussions for a coalition are intensifying, challenges such as leadership selection and party interests must be resolved to create a formidable alternative to the APC. Whether these opposition efforts will materialize into a well-structured alliance remains to be seen.
