Hobnob News Exclusive:
In a bold political move that could reshape Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have joined forces to launch a united opposition coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s hold on power.
The landmark announcement was made during a press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday. Atiku, speaking on behalf of the opposition leaders, confirmed that talks had reached a significant milestone, signaling the official birth of a coalition geared toward reclaiming power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections.
“There is no doubt, this is the beginning of the coalition of opposition ahead of 2027,” Atiku declared to a packed room of journalists and political stakeholders, underscoring the urgency for unity among opposition factions.
This political alliance is a direct response to mounting calls for opposition parties to collaborate in order to present a formidable front against the APC, which has governed since 2015. Atiku, who contested the 2023 election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been an ardent advocate for opposition unity, warning that fragmented efforts would only serve to prolong APC dominance.
The coalition talks have gained even greater traction following El-Rufai’s defection from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on March 10, a move that has sent shockwaves through the political establishment. El-Rufai’s departure is widely seen as a catalyst in galvanizing momentum for an opposition alliance.
Peter Obi, though absent from the press conference, was represented by Yunusa Tanko, Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement. Tanko reaffirmed Obi’s full commitment to the coalition, emphasizing that its ultimate goal is to liberate Nigerians from what he described as an increasingly authoritarian and unresponsive government.
“This coalition is not just about winning elections—it’s about addressing the issues that matter to Nigerians: power supply, insecurity, education, and respect for democratic institutions,” Tanko stated. “Our democracy is under siege, and we refuse to be silent in the face of injustice and disregard for the people’s will.”
He added that more details regarding the coalition’s structure, name, and platform would be unveiled in due course.
Prominent political figures from across the spectrum were present at the event, including Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP); and Segun Showunmi, Convener of The Alternative.
Interestingly, the coalition has also received tacit support from within the ruling party itself. While unable to attend the press conference, notable APC figures including former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, conveyed their apologies, suggesting potential interest in the coalition’s trajectory.
Peter Ameh confirmed that discussions with opposition figures are intensifying and inclusive, though a name and formal structure for the coalition are yet to be decided.
“As the former Vice President said, this is only the beginning. Talks are ongoing, and we are engaging more political actors. Once a consensus is reached, we will announce the coalition’s name and platform,” Ameh explained.
Meanwhile, PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, urged party leaders to be open-minded and adaptable in the coalition talks. He stressed that flexibility is key to forming a successful alliance, especially given PDP’s stature as the leading opposition party.
“My advice is simple: PDP leaders must not be rigid. They need to accommodate others, to ensure this coalition becomes a reality,” Osadolor said. “The priority must be to unseat the APC in 2027 for the good of Nigeria.”
As political tides shift and alliances solidify, Nigerians can expect a heated contest in 2027, with the newly formed opposition coalition promising to give the ruling APC its toughest challenge yet. Hobnob News will continue to monitor and report on developments as they unfold.
