Efforts to forge a unified opposition front against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections are encountering significant challenges.
Key opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), are pursuing divergent strategies, casting doubt on the viability of a consolidated alliance.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have been at the forefront of advocating for a broad coalition to challenge the APC’s dominance. …CONTINUE READING
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s call for a coalition to sack President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election may not be successful as the major opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Recall that Atiku, alongside Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna, recently announced the birth of a new coalition that will sack President Tinubu through the 2023 election, and all direction pointed to the SDP as El-Rufai joined the party after dumping the APC.
El-Rufai’s recent alignment with the SDP was perceived by some as a strategic move to position himself as a potential candidate should Atiku face obstacles within the PDP. However, the SDP has publicly distanced itself from any merger discussions, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining ideological integrity and openness to individuals, particularly youths and professionals, who wish to contribute to national development.
Similarly, the NNPP has dismissed reports of coalition talks with the PDP and other parties. Abdulmumin Jibrin, a member of the House of Representatives, refuted claims of ongoing negotiations, labeling them as fabrications by mischief-makers. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the NNPP’s openness to future collaborations with various political entities, including the APC, PDP, and Labour Party.
Within the PDP, internal dynamics further complicate the coalition narrative. While Atiku has called for opposition unity, the party’s National Working Committee has clarified that no formal merger discussions are underway. Additionally, reports suggest that some PDP governors are advocating for alternative strategies, including potential support for a Nasir El-Rufai and Peter Obi ticket, aiming to prevent a repeat of the 2023 election scenario where opposition votes were fragmented.
As the 2027 elections approach, the lack of consensus among opposition parties underscores the complexities of forming a united front. The divergent paths chosen by the PDP, SDP, and NNPP highlight the challenges inherent in coalition-building within Nigeria’s multifaceted political landscape.
