Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, the representative of Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and leader of the Labour Party caucus, has disclosed that his party is actively involved in discussions aimed at forming a coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with Sunday Sun, Ogene revealed that multiple political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), have expressed interest in having former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi align with them.
According to Ogene, the need for an opposition alliance today is even greater than it was in 2014, when political forces united to remove former President Goodluck Jonathan from office.
Nigeria in a Worse State Than Under Jonathan – Ogene
Drawing parallels with the past, Ogene argued that the country’s current situation is more dire than during Jonathan’s administration. While the major challenges of that era revolved around insecurity caused by Boko Haram insurgency and perceptions of Jonathan’s indecisiveness, Ogene believes Nigeria now faces an existential threat to democracy itself.
“Nigeria is currently facing challenges far more troubling than those experienced during President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure. Back then, insecurity was the primary concern, with Boko Haram’s activities raising alarms. However, today, the real danger is the survival of Nigeria as a democratic state,” Ogene stated.
He accused President Tinubu of consolidating power in a way that undermines democratic principles, likening his leadership style to a system where governance is dictated by a single individual rather than democratic institutions.
“If a coalition was necessary in 2014 to remove Jonathan, then the urgency for opposition leaders and political parties to unite against the current administration is even greater now,” he emphasized.
Peter Obi at the Center of Coalition Talks
On whether the Labour Party is formally part of the coalition, Ogene confirmed that discussions are ongoing and that Peter Obi remains a highly sought-after figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“My leader, Mr. Peter Obi, is a central figure in these discussions. In fact, he is the ‘beautiful bride’ in this entire equation. Political parties—including the ruling APC—are eager to have him on their side,” Ogene stated.
Beyond party politics, he noted that Obi enjoys broad support from Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and generational divides, as well as from citizens in the diaspora who are eager to see a new direction for the country.
“This coalition is not just about political parties; it includes genuine leaders who refuse to stand by and watch Nigeria being governed like a personal estate,” he added.
Can the Coalition Defeat the APC in 2027?
Addressing the prospects of the coalition’s success in 2027, Ogene was cautious yet optimistic, stating that victory would depend on the ability to assemble a strong, credible, and widely accepted team.
“The question of whether this coalition can remove the APC from power in 2027 remains open. However, any team that hopes to win must put forward its best players—leaders with youthful energy, competence, and global appeal,” he concluded.
As political maneuvering intensifies ahead of the next election cycle, the coming months will reveal whether this coalition can solidify into a formidable force capable of challenging the ruling party.
