Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reiterated his position that a broad coalition of political forces remains the only viable path to defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Atiku’s stance comes in response to a communiqué issued by the 11 governors of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) following their meeting in Oyo State on Monday, where they distanced the party from the proposed coalition initiative being championed by the former presidential candidate.
In the communiqué, the PDP Governors’ Forum maintained that the party was open to welcoming individuals, groups, or political parties willing to join its fold, but stopped short of endorsing a formal coalition. They emphasized internal party unity and consolidation as the preferred strategy to reclaim power and provide good governance.
However, Atiku, through his media aide Paul Ibe, described the coalition drive as a “pan-Nigerian initiative” that has already gained momentum beyond the confines of party politics. He emphasized that the movement “belongs to the people,” not any single individual or party.
He acknowledged the governors as critical stakeholders but noted that broader consultation was still needed. “It is still early days. There will be further alignments and realignments as we move closer to the election,” Ibe said, suggesting that the political landscape remains fluid ahead of 2027.
Atiku’s push for coalition-building signals a growing divergence within the PDP over strategy for the next general elections, particularly on how to build the broad-based support necessary to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
