Efforts to form a unified opposition against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election are encountering significant obstacles, primarily due to disagreements over zoning and the uncertainty surrounding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s potential candidacy, according to sources involved in the negotiations. Discussions among key political figures, including representatives from the camps of 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, have revealed a strong push for the presidency to remain in the South for an eight-year term.
The source stated that the hesitation of southern participants to fully commit to coalition discussions stems from the lack of clarity regarding Atiku’s intentions. They fear that premature engagement could jeopardize their own ambitions and regional interests.
Coalition Formation The move towards a unified opposition gained momentum following a recent announcement by Atiku, Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. They declared the formation of a coalition aimed at challenging Tinubu’s administration in the 2027 election. Atiku has consistently advocated for opposition unity. The formal commencement of the coalition was marked by a gathering attended by various political figures, including former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal and representatives from other political groups. Apologies for absence were noted for key figures such as Amaechi, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu.
primary reason for the stalled negotiations is the conflicting ambitions of key coalition members. “Obi and Amaechi’s camps are demanding that power remain in the South, while Atiku’s camp is pushing for his candidacy,” the source explained. This uncertainty is causing southern politicians to hesitate, as they fear that Atiku’s involvement could undermine their regional aspirations. “Without clarity on the zoning issue, discussions will remain unresolved,” the source added. Peter Ahmeh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties and an Obi ally, confirmed the camp’s position, emphasizing the importance of honoring the unwritten agreement between the North and South. He expressed confidence that a strong southern candidate could defeat Tinubu.
“We should allow the South to complete their eight years, so the North can come after,” Ahmeh said. He also stressed the need for competence and merit in governance, which he believes would eventually diminish regional and tribal divisions.
However, not all coalition members agree on zoning. Buba Galadima, a leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and an ally of Rabiu Kwankwaso, argued that opposition parties should prioritize credible elections over regional considerations. “I don’t discuss the North and I don’t discuss the South when I speak on democracy,” Galadima stated, emphasizing that free and fair elections should be the primary focus. Similarly, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor argued that the coalition ticket should be open to all Nigerians, regardless of region, citing the current economic challenges.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the coalition efforts. APC Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim criticized the coalition as being built on a “faulty foundation,” alleging that Atiku is driven by personal ambition. In response, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, criticized the APC’s governance and urged them to focus on addressing the nation’s challenges. He emphasized that the coalition’s primary goal is to oust the APC and that discussions are ongoing to solidify the alliance. “The goal is to oust the All Progressives Congress (APC), and I believe that’s what’s most important to them right now,” Ibe stated.
