Key Nigerian opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman Adolphus Wabara, gathered today at the Continental Hotel in Abuja for the National Political Consultative Group (North) meeting.
The high-profile event, aimed at strategizing for the 2027 general elections, signals a critical step in ongoing coalition talks to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The meeting, attended by other notable figures such as former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami and Mustapha Sule Lamido (San Turaki), underscores the growing momentum behind efforts to unite opposition forces.
Sources indicate that discussions focused on consolidating a broad-based political platform to address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges and counter the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The choice of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a potential coalition vehicle was a key topic, with stakeholders exploring ways to merge diverse political interests into a unified front.
Atiku Abubakar, a central figure in the coalition push, has been vocal about the need for opposition unity since his 2023 presidential bid under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A pan-Nigerian movement” aimed at “reclaiming and rebuilding the country
Speaking at a recent press conference, he described the coalition as a “pan-Nigerian movement” aimed at “reclaiming and rebuilding the country.” His presence alongside Obi, who commands significant support among Nigerian youths, and Amaechi, a former APC stalwart, highlights the coalition’s intent to bridge regional and ideological divides.
However, tensions remain within the coalition. Peter Obi’s camp, represented by the Obidient Movement, has expressed reservations about arrangements perceived to favor Atiku’s presidential ambitions.
A former aide to Obi, Katchy Ononuju, recently dismissed the coalition as a “caucus of Atiku’s friends” attempting to preempt PDP governors’ zoning decisions. Obi himself has emphasized that his involvement is driven by a desire to combat poverty and bad governance, rather than personal political gain.
The inclusion of PDP BOT Chairman Wabara and other PDP stakeholders reflects efforts to navigate internal crises within the party, which has been weakened by defections and leadership disputes.
The defection of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) earlier this year has also added momentum to the coalition, though the SDP has distanced itself from merger talks.
A source close to the discussions revealed that zoning disputes and Atiku’s potential 2027 candidacy remain sticking points. “Obi and Amaechi’s camps are pushing for power to remain in the South, while Atiku’s team is advocating for a Northern candidate,” the source noted, highlighting the complexity of aligning ambitions.
Obi and Amaechi’s camps are pushing for power to remain in the South, while Atiku’s team is advocating for a Northern candidate
The National Political Consultative Group (North) meeting marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political realignment. With the 2027 elections looming, the outcome of these talks could reshape the opposition landscape and determine the viability of a united front against the APC.
