Atiku Maintains Coalition Is Key to Unseating Tinubu in 2027 Despite PDP Governors’ Rejection.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reiterated his stance that only a united opposition coalition can successfully challenge and remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office in the 2027 presidential election.

This reaffirmation comes in contrast to the position held by 11 governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who have publicly distanced the party from any such merger or coalition.

PDP Governors Reject Merger Talks.

After a high-level meeting in Ibadan on Monday, the PDP Governors’ Forum — chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State — issued a communique dismissing the idea of joining any coalition or merger ahead of 2027. Instead, the governors declared that while the PDP remains open to welcoming individuals, parties, and groups seeking good governance, it would not formally merge with or enter a coalition driven by Atiku or any external movement.

“While acknowledging speculations about political mergers or alliances, the PDP remains focused on strengthening itself as Nigeria’s foremost opposition party and welcomes new members, but will not enter any coalition at this time,” Governor Mohammed stated.

Atiku Responds: The Coalition Is People-Driven.

Reacting to the governors’ decision, Atiku Abubakar, speaking through his media aide Paul Ibe, described the opposition coalition as a pan-Nigerian movement that transcends party lines. He emphasized that the initiative is rooted in the will of the Nigerian people, not just political elites.

“Governors are important stakeholders, but they are not the only ones. This project belongs to the people,” Ibe said. “It’s a national mission aimed at reclaiming Nigeria from failed leadership, and the momentum has already begun.”

Atiku further explained that preliminary polling and internal consultations had shown strong public support for a united opposition. He also hinted that political realignments were still ongoing and that some governors may eventually join the cause.

“This is not a setback — it’s a call for deeper dialogue. We believe many leaders will come around as the movement grows. The desire to rescue Nigeria is stronger than ever,” he added.

Background: Coalition Formed With Peter Obi and El-Rufai.

On March 20, Atiku, along with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, announced the formation of a strategic coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general election.

The announcement sparked a national debate, with mixed reactions from stakeholders within and outside the PDP, particularly concerning the party’s involvement and the broader implications for the 2027 political landscape.

PDP Leadership Crisis Deepens Over National Secretary Role.

Beyond the coalition debate, the PDP is also navigating an internal leadership dispute. During the Ibadan meeting, Governor Mohammed addressed the controversy over the party’s National Secretary position.

Although the party previously recognized Sunday Ude-Okoye, following a lower court’s decision, the Supreme Court later nullified that appointment, emphasizing that internal party matters should not be settled in court.

As a temporary measure, the forum resolved that Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo will serve in an acting capacity until the South-East Zone nominates a new secretary, subject to ratification by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

Governors Address Security Concerns and Emergency Declarations.

The PDP Governors also used the meeting to express concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, particularly in Plateau, Borno, Katsina, and Edo States. They called for a bottom-up security approach, enabling state and local authorities to play more active roles in preventing and responding to threats.

The forum also showed solidarity with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, condemning attempts to destabilize the state and urging caution over the declaration of a state of emergency.

Plans for 2025 PDP NEC and Convention Unveiled.

Looking ahead, the PDP Governors proposed a strategic roadmap leading up to the 2027 elections. Key among their resolutions:

• The NEC meeting is scheduled for May 27, 2025.
  
• An early national convention is to be held in Kano from August 28 to 30, 2025.
  
• Zoning and Convention Committees were announced:
  
  • Zoning Committee: Governor Douye Diri (Chairman), Governor Dauda Lawal (Vice Chairman), and Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Secretary).
    
  • Convention Committee: Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (Chairman), Governor Ademola Adeleke (Vice Chairman), and Governor Peter Mbah (Secretary).

As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 elections, the divide within the PDP and the emergence of a cross-party coalition highlight the shifting dynamics of national politics. While Atiku Abubakar pushes for opposition unity, PDP governors are treading cautiously, emphasizing internal consolidation. Whether the coalition will eventually gain full party support remains to be seen, but the movement’s momentum continues to build.