The bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election gained momentum on Thursday as key opposition parties intensified consultations on forming a strong coalition. Leading the discussions are governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, confirmed this after a closed-door meeting with Obi at the Bauchi Government House. Mohammed expressed admiration for Obi’s leadership style and emphasized the need for a united opposition to offer Nigerians an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The meeting follows former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he pledged to mobilize opposition parties to challenge the APC in the next election. With opposition leaders engaging in strategic talks, discussions on a possible alliance are gaining traction.
Bala Mohammed, Obi Push for Opposition Unity
Speaking after his meeting with Obi, Governor Mohammed acknowledged the former Anambra governor’s growing influence as a leader of the opposition parties. He noted that consultations had been ongoing behind the scenes, stressing the need to consolidate efforts in rescuing the nation from the ruling party’s governance.
“We respect Obi for his vision, political approach, and deep understanding of the economy. It’s a delight to work with him, and we are discussing how to strengthen the opposition parties,” Mohammed stated.
Obi, on his part, explained that his visit to Bauchi was part of his broader engagement with political stakeholders nationwide. He stressed that Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges require collective action from opposition parties, adding that discussions would continue in the coming months.
El-Rufai’s Defection and the SDP’s Role in Opposition Politics
Nasir El-Rufai’s switch to the SDP has further reshaped opposition dynamics. The former Kaduna governor revealed that he had consulted former President Muhammadu Buhari before leaving the APC, suggesting high-profile backing for his move.
El-Rufai accused the Tinubu administration of sidelining party loyalists and alleged that ministerial appointments were influenced by financial inducements. He pledged to unify opposition figures under a formidable political platform to challenge the APC in 2027.
While his defection raised speculations, Buhari swiftly reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, stating that he remained committed to promoting the party. Despite this, El-Rufai continues to rally opposition forces, positioning himself as a key player in the coalition discussions.
NNPP, CUPP, and Atiku Advocate Broad Opposition Alliance
The NNPP has also confirmed its willingness to join forces with other opposition parties. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, disclosed that consultations were ongoing, though specific alliance details remained undisclosed.
“We are engaging with different interest groups to ensure that the mismanagement of the economy is addressed. While not all opposition parties may unite under a single platform, we aim to create a coalition strong enough to challenge the ruling party,” Johnson said.
Similarly, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) emphasized the importance of presenting a formidable southern candidate to increase the opposition’s chances against Tinubu. CUPP’s National Secretary, Peter Ahmeh, identified Obi as the most viable opposition candidate, urging northern leaders to support him with a strong running mate.
Challenges and Path Forward for the Opposition
Despite growing support for a coalition, internal disagreements persist. PDP leaders argue that their party remains the strongest platform to accommodate other opposition groups. The party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, called for a pragmatic approach in selecting a flagbearer, warning that conflicts over leadership roles could jeopardize the alliance.
While opposition parties recognize the urgency of forming a united front, key decisions regarding the alliance’s structure, leadership, and strategy remain unresolved. With political realignments taking shape, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the opposition can effectively challenge Tinubu’s APC in 2027
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