By Efforts to form a strong opposition coalition against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections are facing setbacks due to personal ambitions among key political figures. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar confirmed the coalition’s formation during a press conference on the Rivers State crisis, but disagreements over leadership are causing tensions.
Leading figures in the coalition include Atiku (PDP), Peter Obi (LP), Nasir El-Rufai (SDP), Rotimi Amaechi (APC), and others. However, sources say there is a struggle between northern and southern leaders over who should lead the alliance. While Atiku’s camp wants him as the consensus candidate, supporters of Obi and Amaechi insist that power should remain in the south.
An insider revealed that negotiations are stalling due to zoning disagreements and the choice of a political platform. “While we are making progress, some leaders’ ambitions are creating divisions. The north favors Atiku, while the south wants a southern candidate,” the source stated. The coalition is also in talks with party leaders to finalize a unifying platform.
Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, dismissed concerns about internal conflicts, accusing the APC of spreading misinformation. “The mission is clear—to form a coalition strong enough to resist the ruling party’s tactics. The APC should focus on governance instead of fabricating crises,” he said.
Former APC vice chairman Salihu Lukman confirmed that negotiations are ongoing but emphasized that no final decisions have been made. He explained that discussions revolve around getting leaders to work together and deciding on a party platform for the elections.
While talks continue, observers warn that if personal ambitions are not set aside, the opposition may struggle to present a united front in 2027. For now, the battle for leadership within the coalition remains unresolved.
