In a political landscape already saturated with recycled ambitions, the proposed alliance among Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Peter Obi for the 2027 elections appears more like a rerun of a tired sitcom than a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s future. This coalition, ostensibly formed to challenge President Bola Tinubu, seems to be unraveling before it even gains momentum.
Former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, has cast doubt on the coalition’s ability to unseat President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. Shekarau described the alliance as a gathering of individuals with personal political ambitions rather than a structured and unified opposition front. He emphasized that none of the key figures involved represent their party leadership, stating, “This is just a gathering of certain individuals with political ambitions; none of them has officially consulted their party leadership.” Shekarau further argued that a coalition featuring prominent figures does not necessarily equate to an effective political alliance, highlighting that only registered parties could formally unite, making the recent gathering an informal arrangement rather than an officially recognized coalition.
Further complicating the coalition’s narrative, Buba Galadima, a prominent leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and close ally of Rabiu Kwankwaso, has dismissed claims of any existing agreement between the North and South regarding the 2027 presidential election. Galadima emphasized that opposition parties should prioritize ensuring credible and fair elections over regional considerations, stating, “Anybody who tells you there is any understanding or agreement between the North and South, tell him he’s a liar.”
The Patriots, a body of elder statesmen and leaders of thought in Nigeria, have also distanced themselves from the coalition. Led by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, The Patriots are focused on advocating for constitutional reforms to address Nigeria’s systemic challenges. According to their Secretary General, Comrade Olawale Okunniyi, the organization is committed to bringing about a new Nigeria that works for all, emphasizing that their efforts are non-partisan and aimed at achieving a popularly agreed constitution.
As this coalition of political journeymen attempts to present a united front, the reality suggests a fragile alliance riddled with contradictions and personal ambitions. Nigerians are left to wonder whether this coalition is genuinely about national interest or merely a recycled cast of characters seeking another shot at the limelight. As the 2027 elections approach, perhaps it’s time for the electorate to demand fresher faces and ideas, rather than settling for this rerun of political ambitions past their expiration dates.
