Nigeria’s opposition parties appear to be stepping up efforts to mount a formidable challenge against President Bola Tinubu in the next general election in 2027.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) are in talks about forming a coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed confirmed the discussions after a closed-door meeting with Obi at the Bauchi Government House.
“We respect him for his politics, leadership, and economic knowledge,” Mohammed said. “We believe in his vision for unity and good governance.”
He added that their talks focused on strategy, including political challenges in Rivers State and strengthening the opposition.
“This is not our first meeting. We previously spoke in Abuja. Today’s discussion is a continuation. The opposition must unite to offer Nigerians a real alternative,” he explained.
The meeting followed former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent comments about working to unite opposition figures against Tinubu.
“I will engage and persuade other opposition leaders to join a strong democratic platform to challenge APC in all elections,” El-Rufai had stated.
Obi Calls for Urgent Action To Save The Country
Peter Obi said he visited Bauchi to consult key political figures on national issues.
“Our country needs urgent leadership. The North plays a major role in fixing things. We must tackle poverty, education, and security,” Obi said.
BREAKING:
— SERAH IBRAHIM (@TheSerahIbrahim) March 13, 2025
Peter Obi and Bala Mohammed hold talks in Bauchi, addresses the media.
“I am ready to work with Peter Obi to the very end”.
The government of today is not democracy.
We would use knowledge, tactics and strategies to transcend Nigerians irrespective of the plans of… pic.twitter.com/7BCZoZFUf0
He criticized current politics, saying, “Instead of focusing on hunger, education, and healthcare, politicians are arguing about budget padding and scandals. We need better priorities.”
Meanwhile, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) confirmed that discussions on a 2027 alliance were ongoing.
CUPP National Secretary Peter Ahmeh said the opposition needs a strong southern candidate to defeat Tinubu.
“Yes, consultations are happening. The opposition must unite and respect the power-sharing agreement between the North and South,” he said.
He warned that running a northern candidate could help Tinubu win easily. “The South should complete eight years before power shifts. We must also consider candidates with strong records.”
Ahmeh identified Obi as the best southern candidate and urged northern leaders in the coalition to pick a credible running mate.
“If the goal is to defeat Tinubu, there is only one choice: Obi as the candidate. The North must provide a strong running mate,” he stated.
PDP and LP React to Coalition Talks
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor urged opposition parties to put aside differences and form a strong alliance.
“A coalition is good, but leadership struggles could create issues. Who will step down for another? That’s where problems start,” he said.
He encouraged honest discussions, adding that PDP was open to talks and ready to accommodate all interests.
Labour Party (LP) National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh, however, clarified that the party’s leadership was not officially involved in coalition talks.
“Peter Obi can meet and discuss with like-minded people. Politics is about strategy. But as a party, we have not received any coalition proposal,” he said.
He stressed that party decisions are made collectively by elected officials.
“As of now, LP has not discussed merging with any party. I doubt that will change anytime soon,” he concluded.
The discussions are still ongoing, and Nigerians are watching closely to see if the opposition will unite enough to be a serious threat against Tinubu – one of Nigeria’s shrewdest political actors.
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