Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reiterated his commitment to leading a broad coalition of opposition forces aimed at unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, declaring that the coalition would adopt any platform that guarantees good governance for Nigerians.
Atiku made this known on Tuesday during a meeting with a delegation of National Opinion Leaders. A video of the meeting was shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday.
According to Atiku, the coalition initiative has already gained momentum, with the “coalition train” making stops to bring onboard Nigerians of diverse backgrounds and political affiliations.
His remarks came just days after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum distanced itself from any coalition or merger plans following a meeting in Ibadan. Despite this, Atiku emphasized that the opposition alliance remains firmly on course.
In March, the former Vice President unveiled plans to form a united opposition front to challenge President Tinubu’s re-election bid. He was flanked at the announcement by notable figures including Dr Yunusa Tanko, who represented Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Atiku’s recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna, alongside other coalition members, further fueled speculation about the strength and direction of the emerging alliance. However, following their meeting in Ibadan, PDP governors, along with acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum and other party leaders, clarified that the party was not officially part of any coalition talks. They, however, expressed openness to welcome individuals or groups willing to join PDP’s mission to reclaim power in 2027.
Addressing the youth-dominated delegation, Atiku urged them to remain focused and resist short-term inducements, emphasizing the long-term stakes of the 2027 elections.
“Don’t be disrupted by people giving you pennies or kobos here and there, and nairas here and there, and then abandon your future, and the future of your children,” he cautioned.
He continued, “That’s why a number of us leaders from the parties I have mentioned—APC, PDP, Labour, and others—have come together to say we are going to have what I call in Hausa Sabuwar Tafiya, which in English means a new path, a new pathway to a new Nigeria.”
Atiku stated that the coalition’s goal is clear: to deliver good governance regardless of political platform.
“Whatever vehicle that will give us good governance in the future of our children and grandchildren, that is the vehicle we are going to ride on,” he declared.
He concluded by calling on the delegation to begin mobilization efforts.
“Get to planning and working together and getting as many Nigerians as possible to get converted to this new pathway,” Atiku urged.
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