Opposition Heavyweights in Talks to Forge Coalition Ahead of 2027 Elections
Key opposition figures in Nigeria, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, are engaged in high-level discussions aimed at forming a united political front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
Confirming the development on Thursday, Paul Ibe, spokesperson for Atiku, stated that talks are ongoing among the opposition leaders. “There have been ongoing discussions between Atiku Abubakar and some opposition leaders: Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai. The conversation is continuing, and once a consensus is reached, they will unveil their collective position in response to the aspirations of Nigerians,” he said.
Atiku and Obi had previously teamed up under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2019 election, running as presidential and vice-presidential candidates, respectively. While they were defeated by then-incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, Ibe hinted that the possibility of a similar ticket remains open. “That ticket was viable in 2019, and it remains viable today,” he said, emphasizing that the decision ultimately lies with the principals involved.
The renewed talks come against the backdrop of internal wrangling within the PDP and other opposition parties, spurring speculation about a new mega-coalition. El-Rufai’s recent move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), after leaving the APC, is seen by analysts as part of broader realignment efforts. Meanwhile, Peter Obi has expressed reluctance about entering traditional political coalitions, instead advocating for a unifying national movement focused on fighting poverty and systemic challenges.
While formal agreements have not been announced, the ongoing discussions are being closely watched as Nigeria’s political landscape begins to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
