El-Rufai Reveals Agreement With Atiku, Obi on Coalition Plans

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has revealed that he, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have agreed to abandon their respective political parties if a consensus is reached on a new platform for a united opposition coalition.

El-Rufai made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Monday, where he discussed ongoing consultations among key political figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to El-Rufai, although the trio are currently still affiliated with their “legacy parties”—the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Atiku, the Labour Party for Obi, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for himself—they are open to collectively adopting a new political platform if consensus is reached.

“When I joined the SDP, I made it very clear, just like every other person. Just like Atiku is in the PDP and Peter Obi has not officially left the Labour Party. But we all agreed that if we have a consensus on a platform, we are going to give up our legacy parties and focus on the platform,” El-Rufai said.

He noted that discussions are ongoing and that the leadership of the coalition will soon receive a report on engagements with the SDP and other political groups before taking a final decision.

Commenting on the state of the nation under the current All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration, El-Rufai said public discontent was widespread.

“Nigerians are tired of the APC, we know that. We have polled that. There is a 91% disapproval of this administration across the country. It is the worst in Nigerian history. But Nigerians are looking for credible options,” he added.

The former governor’s remarks come amid growing calls for a united opposition ahead of the 2027 polls, with various political actors advocating for a strong alternative to challenge the ruling APC.