The Patriots, a Nigerian group of elder statesmen and national leaders, has denied any links to the newly unveiled opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The coalition is being put together to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku, alongside other key political players, launched the coalition in Abuja last week. Prominent attendees included former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.
However, The Patriots have clarified that they are not politically aligned with Atiku’s coalition. According to Comrade Olawale Okunniyi, Secretary-General of The Patriots, the organization remains committed to its mission of national constitutional reform rather than electoral politics.
“The Patriots is a pan-Nigerian body focused on creating a new Nigeria that works for all. We are not affiliated with any political coalition,” Okunniyi told the Nigerian Tribune.
A Push for Constitutional Reform
Led by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, The Patriots have been advocating for a new constitution that reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians. They believe that structural reforms, rather than political realignments, will provide lasting solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
Last year, The Patriots launched Zonal Advocacy Committees in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to gather public input on constitutional changes. The group’s People’s Constitution Strategy and Advocacy Committee, co-chaired by Senator Shehu Sani, is spearheading the nationwide consultations.
“The Advocacy and Mobilisation Committee of The Patriots has enlisted the commitment of strong voices across Nigeria to mobilize stakeholders for a democratic people’s constitution,” Okunniyi stated. “Zonal advocacy teams have been holding consultations and are preparing for a national outreach in April.”
The Patriots had previously met with President Tinubu. They urged him to support a legitimate federal constitution that promotes inclusivity and governance efficiency.
NNPP Yet to Join Atiku’s Coalition
Meanwhile, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has not officially joined Atiku’s coalition either. The party, a smaller opposition with only one state governor, was absent from the coalition’s unveiling in Abuja.
NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, confirmed that party leaders are still holding internal discussions and engaging with other opposition groups. He stressed that the party is committed to strengthening opposition efforts but will take time before making any formal commitments.
“The opposition platform in Nigeria is broad,” Johnson explained. “NNPP members are consulting widely, and we will only make our position known when it is most appropriate.”
Johnson also hinted at the party’s priorities, including improving security, strengthening the Naira, reducing inflation, and empowering youth and women. “We want to ensure our contributions lead to positive changes in governance. That is our primary goal.”
Like 👍, Comment, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
