Attempts to form a coalition intended to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027 are facing critical setbacks due to zoning disagreements and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s potential candidacy. Sources close to the negotiations revealed that camps of key political figures including Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi insist power should remain in the South—creating strains with Atiku’s supporters who are advocating for his return to the ballot.
Although opposition leaders—including Atiku, Obi and Nasir El-Rufai announced the birth of a coalition last Thursday, insiders revealed many stakeholders are reluctant to fully engage without clarity on zoning and Atiku’s intentions. Concerns linger among Southern aspirants who fear being sidelined if Atiku, as in previous contests secures the coalition’s ticket.
While Peter Ahmeh of the Coalition of United Political Parties urged support for a Southern candidate, Buba Galadima of the NNPP dismissed the existence of any North-South power-sharing agreement, stressing credible elections over zoning. APC spokesperson Bala Ibrahim dismissed the coalition as self-serving while Atiku’s media aide countered—asserting the coalition’s focus is on rescuing Nigeria from economic hardship and not personal ambition. The impasse persists.. with stakeholders prioritizing consensus before solidifying the alliance.
