Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stood his ground on the need for a united front to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections, saying the proposed opposition coalition is not just a party arrangement, but a people-driven movement.
While governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have rejected plans to join any coalition, Atiku believes the project goes beyond political parties and has already gained the support of Nigerians across different backgrounds.
Speaking through his media aide on Monday, Atiku responded to the position taken by 11 PDP governors who, during a meeting in Ibadan, declared that the party would not be part of any merger or alliance ahead of 2027. The governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, insisted the PDP would instead welcome others into its fold rather than join forces with any coalition.
But Atiku countered this stance, saying the coalition was never meant to be about one party or one individual. He stressed that the initiative is about saving Nigeria and giving citizens a better alternative in the next general elections.
“This is not just a PDP project. It is a Nigerian project,” Atiku said. “The people are already part of it, and they are the real owners of this movement. No amount of political disagreement can stop what the people have embraced.”
He also downplayed the PDP governors’ opposition, saying it only highlights the need for more dialogue and understanding. According to him, the door remains open for all parties, groups, and leaders who truly want to see change in 2027.
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Atiku had earlier announced the coalition plan in March alongside former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai. The move sparked debates within the political scene, especially within the PDP, which is still battling internal crises following the 2023 elections.
While the PDP governors focus on strengthening their own party structure, Atiku says the bigger picture is national unity and strategy.
“We are still at the beginning of this journey,” he said. “There will be alignments and realignments. This is not a setback—it’s just part of the process. We must keep talking and keep moving forward.”
Meanwhile, the PDP governors have proposed key party meetings and events, including a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27 and a national convention in August. They also addressed leadership matters within the party and condemned the worsening security situation in several states.
Despite the differences, Atiku remains confident that unity will eventually prevail.
“When the time comes, I believe more leaders will see the need to stand with the people. We all want the same thing—a better Nigeria,” he said.
