A major political shift may be on the horizon as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai are reportedly in discussions about forming a powerful coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. This was confirmed by Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, during an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.
Speaking candidly, Ibe said the meetings between the prominent political figures are ongoing and aimed at unifying opposition forces to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle.
“Yes, it’s out there in the open. There have been ongoing discussions between Atiku Abubakar and some opposition leaders: Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai. These talks are happening, and once they conclude, the group will announce the direction they plan to take, based on the aspirations of Nigerians,” Ibe stated.
This potential Atiku Peter Obi El-Rufai coalition has sparked widespread interest and speculation. In 2019, Atiku and Obi ran on the same presidential ticket under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ultimately losing to then-incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC. Despite that loss, many analysts and supporters still view the Atiku-Obi ticket as a politically viable pairing.
When asked whether both men might run together again in 2027, Ibe remained cautious but optimistic. “What I’m saying is that the ticket was viable in 2019, and it remains viable today. But it’s up to the individuals to decide how they want to proceed. They are in talks, so let’s wait and see.”
Read Also: 85% of Nigerian Foreign Scholarship Students Never Return – Education Minister Decries Brain Drain
Interest in forming an opposition alliance has intensified, especially in light of internal divisions plaguing the PDP and other parties. The recent departure of El-Rufai from the APC and his association with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has added momentum to speculation that the SDP could serve as the new platform for this emerging alliance.
El-Rufai, a two-term governor under the APC, exited the party earlier this year citing unresolved political and ideological differences. Since then, he has shown increasing alignment with reform-minded politicians and smaller opposition movements.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, has been somewhat reserved on the idea of a formal political coalition. He has instead emphasized his commitment to a broader coalition focused on eradicating poverty, improving governance, and tackling Nigeria’s deep-rooted challenges.
Obi recently stated, “I am more interested in building a coalition against poverty, corruption, and insecurity. That is the kind of coalition Nigerians truly need.”
Still, the possibility of an Atiku Peter Obi El-Rufai coalition is gaining traction among political observers and voters alike, many of whom see it as a potentially game-changing move in the lead-up to 2027. With opposition parties struggling to find unified voices, the combined clout of these three influential leaders could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
For now, the discussions remain behind closed doors, but the nation watches closely as these political powerhouses navigate the path toward what could become the most formidable opposition coalition Nigeria has seen in years. If the Atiku Peter Obi El-Rufai coalition materializes, it could significantly alter the balance of power and give the ruling APC a run for its money in 2027.
