Professor Pat Utomi, leader of the National Consultative Front, has revealed ongoing strategic initiatives to forge a powerful coalition aimed at unseating the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. Utomi emphasized the seriousness of this endeavor, highlighting the urgency to address Nigeria’s current political and economic landscape.
According to Utomi, the coalition is attracting significant interest from disillusioned members of both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside five other political parties. He conveyed to The PUNCH that numerous individuals from these major parties have expressed a strong desire to join the coalition, driven by a shared commitment to rescuing Nigeria from its perceived precarious state.
“This is not a casual undertaking,” Utomi stated. “Nigeria stands at a critical juncture amidst a rapidly evolving global order. Our strategic approach involves engaging key influence groups within existing parties. We have been contacted by individuals in the APC and PDP who share our values and vision for a more effective development strategy. The Social Democratic Party, among others, is actively involved in these discussions, and approximately five additional parties are undergoing similar processes.” He also noted that a large amount of people are preparing to exit the APC and PDP, and are reaching out to the coalition.
Utomi addressed the challenge of harmonizing diverse interests within the coalition, asserting that self-sacrifice and collective decision-making will be the guiding principles. He envisions a leadership structure that prioritizes the nation’s welfare over individual ambitions.
Utomi’s announcement coincides with similar efforts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition figures, who have also declared their intent to form a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2027. The event where Atiku revealed this initiative saw the participation of prominent figures, including representatives of Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, and former government officials such as Babachir David Lawal and Nasir El-Rufai, signaling a broad-based effort to consolidate opposition forces.
