A political coalition comprising former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other figures has accused PDP governors of rejecting a proposed alliance meant to strengthen the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. The group alleges that these governors plan to support a weak presidential candidate to divide opposition votes and indirectly aid President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
The coalition, through a statement by one of its leaders, Salihu Lukman, claimed PDP governors are knowingly or unknowingly participating in Tinubu’s political strategy. Lukman criticized the PDP leadership, asserting that the party has lost public trust and no longer represents a credible alternative, as the ruling APC has absorbed its values.
On March 20, Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai unveiled their coalition aimed at unseating Tinubu in 2027. The announcement triggered discussions about opposition unity, with mixed reactions across the political space. Despite this, following a meeting in Ibadan, the PDP Governors’ Forum led by Bala Mohammed formally rejected any talks of merger or coalition, although it said the party remains open to individuals or groups who wish to join its platform.
Responding, Lukman insisted that the coalition remains essential for reviving the country’s democratic values and institutions. He argued that the PDP, once dominant, is now dysfunctional—citing the absence of NEC meetings for two years and unclear party leadership. Lukman accused PDP governors of hijacking party structures and weakening internal democracy.
According to Lukman, any effort to save Nigeria’s democracy requires moving beyond loyalty to compromised parties like the PDP, which he says harbors leaders sympathetic to the APC and Tinubu’s government. He singled out FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, alleging that his influence within the PDP is suppressing efforts to field a credible candidate in 2027.
The statement emphasized that the coalition aims to restore public trust through meaningful political negotiation—something both APC and PDP have allegedly ignored. Lukman said Nigerians had long hoped the PDP would recover and serve as a strong opposition, but the party instead descended into disarray, allowing Tinubu’s APC to dominate the political space.
He argued that Wike’s strategic role is less about his ministerial duties and more about ensuring PDP doesn’t present a serious challenger to Tinubu. However, the coalition claims that strategy has recently shifted, with PDP governors now working to counter the coalition by presenting a candidate who could split the opposition vote.
The statement concluded by urging all patriotic Nigerians—including PDP members—to consider joining the coalition to save democracy. Lukman said Nigeria is in urgent need of political rescue and that the opposition’s unity and determination are key to the nation’s future.
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