A major political realignment is underway as opposition forces within and outside the All Progressives Congress (APC) coalesce to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Key figures from the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), now part of the APC, are reportedly backing a potential Atiku Abubakar/Peter Obi joint ticket.
Both Atiku and Obi ran separately in the 2023 presidential elections under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) respectively, finishing second and third behind President Tinubu. However, political insiders believe a united front between the two could pose a formidable challenge in 2027—similar to their 2019 pairing that rattled the ruling party.
According to Sunday Telegraph, strategists within the CPC faction—led by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai—are advocating for a northern candidate to attract the region’s vast voter base. Despite El-Rufai’s recent comments supporting southern leadership in 2027, sources say his faction sees an Atiku/Obi ticket as the most viable route to victory.
The plan reportedly involves Atiku serving a single term and then endorsing Obi for the 2031 presidency.
“It’s about gaining power first,” a source close to Atiku’s camp said. “Zoning becomes relevant only after that.”
Although Atiku hasn’t publicly declared his intention to run, an aide confirmed that conversations about a grand opposition merger are in advanced stages. The planned coalition summit—expected to hold in April following Ramadan—will bring together dissidents from APC, PDP, LP, and even remnants of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), including allies of Rauf Aregbesola.
While the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has been floated as a potential platform, no final decision has been made. Insiders say the presidential candidate will likely emerge through a competitive primary.
However, recent developments within the Labour Party may complicate the coalition’s calculations. The Supreme Court’s recognition of Senator Nenadi Usman as the legitimate leader of the LP may strengthen Obi’s position in the party, especially after speculation that he might leave due to internal sabotage allegedly linked to President Tinubu.
Though Obi remains officially with Labour Party, the party’s poor performance in the recent Abia State local elections raised concerns. The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Young People’s Party (YPP) dominated the polls, despite LP Governor Alex Otti overseeing the process.
Adding to the uncertainty, key Obi allies, such as Valentine Ozigbo, have defected—raising eyebrows about Obi’s long-term plans. However, renewed support from the Obidient Movement and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) could solidify his hold on the party following the court victory.
Aide sources suggest Obi remains hesitant about playing second fiddle to Atiku again, believing it could alienate his base. “He’s very mindful of the expectations of his supporters,” one said.
Meanwhile, Atiku’s loyalty to the PDP is also in doubt. Amid persistent internal crises and rumours of his resignation—promptly denied by media aide Paul Ibe—Atiku appears increasingly disillusioned with the party’s direction.
The outcome of the upcoming opposition summit is expected to be pivotal in determining the structure, platform, and candidate of the new alliance.
