APC Fires Back as El-Rufai, Atiku Push for Coalition

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and several of its key members have strongly criticized former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar over their efforts to form a coalition against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

El-Rufai, who recently defected from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has openly invited opposition figures, including Atiku, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Rauf Aregbesola, to join forces against Tinubu. The former Kaduna governor’s recent closeness with Atiku has further fueled speculation that both politicians are working to rally a formidable opposition bloc.

The APC, however, has dismissed the move as driven by personal interests rather than genuine political ideology. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused El-Rufai of being embittered by his failure to secure a ministerial position in Tinubu’s administration. “His claim that the APC has deviated from its progressive values is nothing but a smokescreen. Nigerians see through his antics,” Morka stated.

Coalition Gains Momentum as Opposition Figures Consider Alliance

The idea of forming a grand opposition coalition has been gaining traction among political heavyweights. Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has consistently called for unity among opposition parties, stating that only a united front can unseat the APC in 2027.

Similarly, Peter Obi and the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed, recently met in Bauchi to discuss the prospects of ensuring a change in leadership. Sources indicate that other notable politicians, including former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, ex-Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, are being courted to join the movement.

Despite the momentum, some opposition figures remain cautious. Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi refused to confirm whether he would be part of the coalition, saying, “No comment.” Likewise, key figures like Aregbesola and Emeka Ihedioha have yet to publicly declare their stance.

APC Insists Tinubu Remains Unstoppable in 2027

The APC has remained defiant, insisting that Tinubu’s political strength and ongoing economic reforms will make it nearly impossible for any coalition to defeat him. Lagos State APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi dismissed the opposition efforts as a gathering of “disgruntled elements.”

Ojelabi argued that the opposition’s move lacks a clear ideology and is based solely on personal grievances. “Tinubu is focused on reshaping the Nigerian economy. His achievements are evident, and no amount of political realignment can change that. This so-called coalition is dead on arrival,” he asserted.

APC North-West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Musa Mailafiya, also questioned the viability of the SDP as a credible platform for opposition politics. He described El-Rufai’s efforts as “a desperate attempt to stay relevant” and accused him of using the SDP as a tool for personal political survival.

Internal Divisions Threaten the Opposition Coalition

Despite growing discussions around the anti-Tinubu coalition, internal divisions within the opposition remain a major challenge. Akin Oshuntokun, former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, noted that the presidential ambitions of both Atiku and Obi could hinder the formation of a united front.

According to Oshuntokun, Atiku remains a dominant force in Northern politics, while Obi commands strong grassroots support, particularly among Nigerian youths. He warned that unless one of them steps aside, the opposition could repeat the mistakes of 2023, where their inability to unite led to Tinubu’s victory.

“There will be pressure on Obi to align with a Northern politician, possibly as a vice-presidential candidate. However, his supporters may resist such a move, seeing him as their chosen leader,” Oshuntokun observed.

NNPP, Other Stakeholders Express Skepticism

Not all opposition figures are convinced about the viability of the coalition. Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), dismissed El-Rufai’s efforts as a “political gimmick” designed to serve hidden interests.

Galadima further alleged that El-Rufai was merely acting as a placeholder for Atiku within the SDP. “He lacks credibility and has betrayed too many people. I don’t see how he can successfully lead any coalition,” he said.

Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, also distanced himself from the coalition, affirming his loyalty to the APC. “I have been approached to join the SDP, but I am not part of those jumping from party to party. Tinubu still has time to prove himself, and I am committed to the APC,” Shittu declared.

As 2027 approaches, the battle lines are being drawn. While the anti-Tinubu coalition continues to take shape, its success will depend on whether opposition figures can resolve their differences and present a united front against the ruling party. However, with the APC remaining resolute in its stance, the political contest ahead promises to be intense.