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The camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have dismissed criticisms from former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, and ex-Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, over the newly formed opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
George and Shekarau had faulted the coalition’s formation, arguing it was driven by personal ambition rather than a structured political movement. They also expressed concerns that the alliance seemed to focus more on positioning individuals for the presidency or vice presidency rather than presenting a cohesive opposition strategy.
Their remarks came just days after Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others publicly unveiled the coalition in Abuja, putting an end to weeks of speculation. The announcement also followed El-Rufai’s defection from the APC to the Social Democratic Party on March 10.
Prominent opposition figures at the press conference included former SGF Babachir Lawal, Obi’s media aide and Obidient Movement Coordinator Yunusa Tanko, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties Peter Ahmeh, and The Alternative’s Convener, Segun Showunmi. Apologies for absence were noted from key figures, including former APC leaders Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, and Abdullahi Adamu.
Atiku’s Camp: “The Train Has Left the Station”
Reacting to the criticisms, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed the concerns, stating that the coalition was already gaining momentum and would not be distracted.
“The coalition train has left the station. It’s going to stop at stopovers, and people are going to get on board. If Bode George and Shekarau want to join, they are free to do so. Otherwise, they should just keep quiet,” Ibe told The PUNCH.
He added, “People like Bode George know nothing about the coalition, so they cannot speak on what they don’t understand.”
Obi’s Camp: “We Are Focused on Nation-Building”
Obi’s ally, Yunusa Tanko, also defended the coalition, emphasizing that their objective was nation-building.
“We have made our position known. If George and Shekarau have their views and support what’s happening, Nigerians can see that for themselves. But we are against it and have clearly stated our stand,” Tanko said.
When asked about the possibility of forming a mega party, he responded, “We will make the announcement at the right time. When it’s ready, everyone will know.”
Lukman: “A Coalition Is Necessary to Prevent a One-Party State”
Former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Mallam Salihu Lukman, argued that the coalition was crucial to preventing Nigeria from becoming a one-party state.
“With the way political parties are struggling with internal crises, the APC may end up as the only party contesting in 2027,” he warned.
Lukman noted that while Bode George still believed in reviving the PDP, Shekarau’s skepticism was likely due to his contempt for some figures in the coalition.
“For many of us, the priority should be understanding that the country is at a critical stage. If opposition parties don’t unite, we might end up with just the APC running in 2027,” he added.
