The stage is set for a renewed battle for the Nigerian presidency as opposition leaders, including 2023 presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, along with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, have officially launched a coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027.
At a press conference held at the Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja, Atiku confirmed the coalition's formation, emphasizing the importance of opposition unity in Nigeria’s political landscape. He declared, "Yes, this is the birth of the coalition of opposition ahead of 2027." This announcement was made in the presence of several key opposition figures, including former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal and Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties.
Atiku, who has been at the forefront of discussions around opposition unity, revealed that the coalition is aimed at challenging the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and removing them from power in 2027. He stressed the need for the opposition to unite under a common agenda to address the issues facing Nigeria, particularly in the areas of power supply, security, and education.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, supported Atiku’s comments, noting that the coalition would prioritize the well-being of the Nigerian people. He also expressed concerns over what he termed as the "moral attack" on Nigerian democracy, particularly with the recent developments in Rivers State.
The formation of the coalition gained further momentum following El-Rufai's defection from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on March 10. His shift added weight to the opposition's call for a collective movement to challenge Tinubu’s leadership.
However, despite the growing momentum behind the coalition, the ruling APC has dismissed the efforts, calling them "speculative" and accusing Atiku of relying on his past failures. Bala Ibrahim, the APC’s Publicity Director, mocked Atiku for being a "serial contestant" and "serial loser," emphasizing that the ruling party remains unfazed by the opposition’s claims. Ibrahim added that the APC's membership continues to grow, and its leaders remain focused on delivering tangible results to the Nigerian people.
In a similar vein, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje dismissed the coalition, claiming that no political alliance would prevent President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. Ganduje expressed unwavering confidence in Tinubu's performance since taking office, stating that the President's achievements would speak for themselves and solidify his chances for re-election.
The Presidency also weighed in on the matter, with Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga reiterating President Tinubu's commitment to governance. Onanuga described the opposition coalition as a group of "disgruntled" individuals focused on self-interest rather than public good.
As the 2027 election approaches, the political landscape in Nigeria continues to heat up, with opposition groups striving to challenge the ruling APC's hold on power. While the opposition coalition garners attention, the APC remains resolute in its belief that President Tinubu's re-election is inevitable, citing his track record and the lack of cohesion within the opposition ranks. With many questions still unanswered about the coalition's platform and leadership, it remains to be seen whether this effort can gain the traction needed to pose a serious challenge to Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
