Prominent opposition leaders, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Peoples Democratic Party’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have initiated discussions to form a coalition in preparation for the 2027 elections.
This development comes just a year into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s term.
The talks also involved notable PDP figures such as former Senate President Bukola Saraki and ex-Governor of Jigawa State Sule Lamido.
While details of the meetings are not fully disclosed, both aides to Obi and Atiku have indicated that the conversations revolved around the nation’s welfare and the potential for a united opposition front.
Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, confirmed the meeting but did not provide specifics, suggesting the dialogue was aimed at presenting better alternatives for Nigerian citizens.
“Yes, they met at His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s residence for about 20 minutes this afternoon (yesterday). It was held behind closed doors. So, we wouldn’t know exactly what was discussed” Ibe said.
“We can only guess that it was in furtherance of efforts towards offering Nigerian citizens much better options.
“What is important is that there have been calls for the opposition to coalesce into a strong force and surely, they must have had very positive discussions on some issues of significance . But what we don’t know yet is the exact details of their discussion.”
Obi’s aide, Yunusa Tanko, elaborated on the focus on national issues and the alleviation of poverty, especially in the Northern regions.
“His (Obi) abiding devotion is to the emergence of a Nigeria that works for all its peoples and where the people are quickly pulled out of poverty.
“Worried about the state of the nation and the increasing uncertainty in the living conditions of the poor and underprivileged, Obi in Abuja on Monday visited some top Nigerians, among whom are Former Vice President, and PDP Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President Senator Bukola Saraki and the former Governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Sule Lamido.
“At the centre of discussion during each of these visits was the state of the nation and how to reduce the suffering of all Nigerians irrespective of class and location.
“In particular, the desperate condition of the downtrodden in our midst was highlighted. Of particular interest and emphasis in these discussions was the worrisome situation in the Northern parts of the country.”
The meetings mark a significant shift from previous elections where Atiku and Obi ran separately, leading to their defeat by President Tinubu.
The possibility of a coalition comes amidst internal challenges within both the PDP and LP, including leadership disputes and a series of defections.
