Atiku and Obi Continue Negotiations to Form Anti-APC Coalition Ahead of 2027 Election
Abuja, May 26, 2025 – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have intensified efforts to build a coalition of opposition parties aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election. The two leaders, alongside other political heavyweights, have been engaging in talks to agree on a common platform and candidate to challenge the APC’s dominance.
Coalition Talks and Challenges
Atiku and Obi recently met with northern political stakeholders at the Abuja Continental Hotel, continuing discussions on forming a united front. The meeting included other prominent figures such as former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
However, the coalition talks have faced disruptions. A notable incident occurred during the Abuja meeting when delegates from Jigawa State protested over the appointment of their spokesperson, leading to a temporary halt in proceedings and intervention by security personnel. Despite such setbacks, the coalition leaders remain committed to their goal.
Platform and Candidate Selection
The coalition is still deliberating on the political platform to adopt, with discussions ongoing about whether to use the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), or a new party as the vehicle for their joint effort. ADC’s National Chairman, Dr. Okey Nwosu, expressed optimism that a decision would be finalized within weeks, emphasizing ADC’s long-standing efforts to build grassroots support and unite opposition forces.
There is also consideration of backing a neutral candidate to maximize the chances of defeating Tinubu, rather than insisting on either Atiku or Obi as the flagbearer. This approach reflects a strategic effort to consolidate opposition votes across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
Political Significance
The coalition, often described as a “coalition of patriots,” aims to overcome Nigeria’s fragmented opposition landscape by uniting key players across ethnic and regional lines. Both Atiku and Obi have long harbored presidential ambitions, and their collaboration signals a potential shift in Nigeria’s political dynamics ahead of 2027.
While some factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have expressed reservations about the coalition, Atiku insists that unity among opposition parties is essential to challenge the APC’s entrenched power.
