The coalition of opposition parties aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election continued its deliberations yesterday, grappling with unresolved issues around the formation of a united political platform.
A major announcement is expected from the coalition this week, barring any last-minute changes. However, sources indicate that consensus remains elusive on two critical matters: the format the coalition will adopt and the platform to be used for the electoral challenge.
High-Profile Stakeholders in Attendance
The strategic meeting, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel under the auspices of the National Political Consultative Group (North), brought together an array of influential political figures. Among those present were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mr. Babachir Lawal, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (represented by a delegate).
Also in attendance were PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, former Cross River State Governor Mr. Donald Duke, ex-Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana, and other northern political stakeholders.
Chaos Erupts Over Jigawa Delegation Dispute
The meeting descended into chaos when delegates from Jigawa State disrupted proceedings in protest of imposed representation. Tensions escalated after Mr. Babachir Lawal introduced a delegate to speak on behalf of Jigawa State, a move met with fierce opposition from Jigawa attendees who stormed the stage and rejected the nominee.
The situation grew tense, prompting the intervention of security forces including personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and private operatives. They formed a protective barrier around key political figures, including Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi, to prevent further disruptions.
Order was eventually restored after appeals from stakeholders, leading to the appointment of Mustapha Lamido—son of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido—and another delegate to represent the state.
Divisions on Coalition Structure and Platform
The coalition remains divided over whether to create a new political party, merge with an existing one, or replicate the alliance model of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) and All Peoples Party (APP), which jointly fielded a single candidate in the past.
Dr. Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), recently declared his group’s support for the coalition and confirmed the establishment of two key committees: one to assess the feasibility of registering a new political party and another to evaluate merging with an existing party.
Former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke heads the committee on party mergers, while Rotimi Amaechi chairs the committee exploring the creation of a new party, with Dr. Ardo serving as secretary.
Confusion Over Adopted Platform as ADC, LP Make Claims
The process took a surprising turn when African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, Chief Ralphs Nwosu, asserted that the coalition had selected the ADC as its platform for the 2027 election. This claim was complicated by Peter Obi’s separate declaration that he intends to run under the Labour Party (LP), which is currently mired in a leadership crisis with multiple factions.
A source close to the coalition said these premature declarations could harm ongoing negotiations. “Peter Obi’s statement came as a surprise, especially given the internal problems within the Labour Party,” the source noted, adding, “It appears he is positioning himself for a stronger bargaining stance, unlike Atiku, who has avoided strong public commitments to the PDP.”
Obi: “Northern Nigeria Holds the Key to National Development”
During the gathering, Peter Obi emphasized the untapped potential of northern Nigeria, calling it a key asset to solving the country’s problems. Speaking to northern leaders and stakeholders, he stated that poverty and lack of governance were the root causes of insecurity in the region.
He urged the north to shift from voting along religious and ethnic lines to focusing on competence and capacity. Reflecting on his time in the banking sector, he lamented the economic decline of Kano, once a commercial hub, due to poor leadership and failed policies.
ADC Chairman: Final Decision to Be Reached Soon
ADC’s Nwosu assured that final talks would be concluded within one or two weeks. He explained that ADC had long initiated grassroots dialogues, stressing the importance of inclusive politics and warning against opportunistic politicians using parties as “molue” vehicles for personal ambitions.
Nwosu stated that ADC’s coalition efforts included meetings with nearly all notable 2023 presidential aspirants, including Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
He insisted the ADC is not a mere placeholder but a serious platform capable of transformative leadership and governance, backed by grassroots support and civic engagement.
As coalition talks intensify, all eyes remain on the opposition bloc as it navigates complex political dynamics, internal divisions, and the urgent task of presenting a united front ahead of the 2027 general election.
