The All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party, has dismissed the potential threat of an opposition alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi for the 2027 presidential election. APC National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, characterized the proposed coalition as a “dream gone wrong,” arguing that simply adding up the combined votes of the two candidates from the previous election does not guarantee victory. Ibrahim emphasized that a “smart winner” leverages such situations to fracture the opposition and that the APC remains confident of a decisive victory in 2027, even suggesting the party has established a “Progressive Institute” for the opposition to learn from their electoral successes. This stance underscores the APC’s belief in its own political strength and its perception of the opposition as fragmented and lacking a coherent strategy.
The discussion of a potential Atiku-Obi alliance emerged following statements by Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, who suggested that the two leaders, having learned from the 2023 elections, could unite to challenge the APC in 2027. Ibe argued that their combined vote total would have been sufficient to defeat President Tinubu and prevent the perceived hardship his administration has brought upon Nigerians. This sparked debate among other opposition figures and political analysts about the feasibility and potential impact of such a coalition. While some acknowledged the possibility of a united front challenging the APC, others expressed reservations, highlighting the need for a broader movement focused on ensuring free and fair elections and addressing systemic issues.
Peter Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, responded by emphasizing Obi’s commitment to collaborating with anyone sharing his vision for a better Nigeria, but not for personal gain. This suggests a willingness to consider an alliance but not necessarily with Atiku specifically. Other opposition voices, including the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), stressed the need for a more comprehensive approach than simply uniting behind two individuals. They emphasized the importance of free and fair elections and a coalition of credible leaders committed to national interest, suggesting that a successful challenge to the APC would require more than just a combination of votes.
CUPP National Secretary, Peter Ahmeh, acknowledged the potential benefits of an Atiku-Obi alliance but also pointed out the potential for regional sentiments to play a role. He argued that having a southern candidate on the ticket would be crucial to counter the narrative of northern domination. Ahmeh emphasized the need for both leaders to prioritize national interest over personal ambition, suggesting that a successful coalition hinges on their ability to find common ground. He also stressed the importance of free and fair elections, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
The SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of a simple coalition at this time. He pointed to a deep-seated “trust deficit” among political parties, arguing that the current political landscape requires a “rescue movement” comprised of credible individuals rather than a mere coalition of existing parties. Gabam’s perspective highlights the erosion of public trust in the political system and suggests that a successful opposition movement would need to demonstrate a genuine commitment to national renewal.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) also expressed its willingness to collaborate with other progressive forces to build a better Nigeria, signaling a broader interest in cross-party alliances beyond the potential Atiku-Obi partnership. APGA National Chairman, Sly Ezeokenwa, emphasized the party’s commitment to reconciliation and its readiness to work towards a more unified and prosperous nation. This indicates a growing awareness among opposition parties of the need for collaboration to effectively challenge the ruling APC. However, the differing views on the specific form and leadership of such a coalition underline the complexity of forming a united front against the incumbent party. Meanwhile, the APC remains dismissive, confident in its ability to weather any opposition challenge, whether from individual candidates or a united front. The party’s rhetoric suggests it perceives the opposition as disorganized and lacking the strategic acumen to pose a serious threat to its continued rule.
