The decision by governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to abstain from joining the planned opposition coalition has sparked a strong backlash from the organizers of the anti-Tinubu coalition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Atiku and his coalition have accused the PDP governors of effectively acting as spoilers for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The anti-Tinubu coalition further criticized the PDP governors for overstepping their authority by usurping the powers of other organs within the party, arguing that their actions are damaging the opposition’s chances of unseating the ruling party in the upcoming election.
Atiku, in a statement, emphasized that the coalition he is leading remains committed to adopting any platform that guarantees good governance and effective leadership to challenge Tinubu’s administration in 2027. He reiterated that the opposition forces are united in their goal to provide an alternative that would save Nigeria from further decline.
This development follows the resolution made by the PDP Governors’ Forum on April 14, where the governors stated that they would not participate in any coalition with opposition political parties, politicians, or groups. This move has caused division within the opposition ranks, as many see it as a setback to any unified effort against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting to the PDP governors’ stance, the spokesman of Atiku’s coalition, Salihu Moh. Lukman, asserted that the coalition remains a strong and viable option to defeat both the APC and President Tinubu in the next election. He added that the coalition is vital not only for electoral success but also for rescuing Nigeria’s democracy, which he claimed is on the brink of collapse due to the current administration’s policies.
As the 2027 elections approach, the divide within the opposition has raised questions about the unity and strategy of those challenging the incumbent government, with many now wondering if the PDP governors will reconsider their position or continue to chart their own course.
