2027: Atiku vows to lead opposition coalition to unseat Tinubu

As political realignments take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has reaffirmed his commitment to spearheading a united opposition movement aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu and restoring what he calls “good governance” in Nigeria.

Atiku made the declaration during a strategic meeting with a delegation of National Opinion Leaders, where he emphasized the need for a formidable coalition that transcends party lines.

He stated that the group is ready to leverage any viable political platform necessary to achieve their objective of national recovery.

A video clip from the meeting was shared on Atiku’s official X handle (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, further signaling his active engagement in pre-election consultations and political mobilization.

Describing the alliance as a “fast-moving train with multiple stops,” Atiku noted that the coalition is open and inclusive, seeking to bring on board Nigerians from all walks of life, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion.

The comments come just days after governors elected on the PDP platform distanced themselves from any merger or coalition talks during a meeting in Ibadan. The governors, while reaffirming their commitment to party unity, expressed willingness to welcome new members into the PDP but rejected any formal coalition or merger discussions at this stage.

Atiku, however, appeared undeterred. Referring to his coalition drive, he emphasized the need for Nigeria to chart a “new path,” which he called Sabuwar Tafiya in Hausa. “A number of us leaders from the APC, PDP, Labour, and others have come together to say we are going to take a new path—a new pathway to a new Nigeria,” he said.

He reiterated that the primary goal of the coalition is not just electoral victory, but the delivery of genuine good governance that secures the future of the youth and unborn generations. “Whatever vehicle that will give us good governance in the future of our children and grandchildren, that is the vehicle we are going to ride on,” Atiku stated.

Atiku also urged young Nigerians to resist financial inducements and remain committed to the broader vision. “Don’t be disrupted by people giving you pennies or kobos here and there, and then abandon your future and your children’s future,” he warned.

The former Vice President’s coalition efforts have recently gained momentum following his high-profile meeting with former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna, alongside key political figures such as Dr Yunusa Tanko, a representative of Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, now of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

As 2027 approaches, Atiku’s comments and coalition moves signal a growing political realignment that could reshape the nation’s electoral landscape. However, with PDP governors yet to formally endorse his coalition strategy, questions remain about the unity and direction of the opposition heading into the next general election.