The political terrain in Nigeria is witnessing a seismic shift with the emergence of a formidable opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The coalition, formed under the umbrella of the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG), is poised to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, bringing together political heavyweights including Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, and former Senate President Adolphus Wabara.
Held in Abuja, the coalition’s latest strategic meeting signals a serious recalibration of Nigeria’s opposition landscape. The group, also featuring Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, former ministers Bolaji Abdullahi, Aminu Wali, Adamu Maina Waziri, and ex-AGF Abubakar Malami, has begun consultations to select a political party that will serve as the coalition’s electoral vehicle. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has emerged as a strong contender, with final decisions expected in the coming weeks.
Despite tensions with his Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi remains central to the coalition’s appeal. His involvement, although unofficial, has sparked concerns within LP leadership, who described his association as an “affront.” The party insists it will not entertain any coalition or merger, leaving Obi’s next political move under intense scrutiny. However, his grassroots support remains undiminished, with the Obidient Movement declaring they will only back him as a presidential candidate, not as a running mate.
Political analysts argue that the coalition presents the best opportunity to build a viable opposition capable of dethroning the APC. Katchy Ononuju, a former adviser to Obi, warned that failure to address the zoning controversy that splintered the PDP could derail the coalition. He urged members to rally behind a Southern candidate with mass appeal, pointing to Obi’s performance in the 2023 election as proof of his unmatched momentum.
Tensions over potential ticket arrangements are already simmering. While some suggest an Atiku–Obi alliance, members of the Obidient Movement have dismissed any arrangement that places Obi as a vice-presidential candidate. Ononuju reinforced that Obi’s supporters would only back him as the lead contender, insisting that no other political figure in Africa commands the type of movement he has built.
Other voices in the political space, such as activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam, acknowledge the strategic necessity of Obi’s coalition involvement, describing it as a smart recalibration. Idam believes that aligning with a larger political force might offer Obi the insulation needed to resist electoral sabotage by the APC, who he claims will stop at nothing to prevent a repeat of 2023’s results.
As internal alignments continue and a final platform is chosen, the coalition’s evolution will shape the countdown to 2027. The power dynamics within it — particularly who emerges as the flagbearer — could either unify the opposition or expose deeper fractures. For now, Nigerians are watching closely as the coalition gains traction, hoping it can deliver the electoral earthquake it promises.
