Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his push for a coalition to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election, despite opposition from 11 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors. The PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, declared on Monday after a meeting in Ibadan that the party would not join any coalition or merger.
On March 20, Atiku, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, alongside Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, announced a coalition to challenge Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. The move has sparked debate over its feasibility, with Atiku emphasizing opposition unity as critical to reclaiming power.
In a communiqué, Mohammed stated the PDP would instead welcome individuals or groups willing to join the party to pursue good leadership in 2027, rejecting any coalition. Responding through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the governors as key PDP stakeholders but stressed that the coalition is a “pan-Nigerian movement” driven by public support. He cited internal polling that endorsed the coalition as the path to “redeem Nigeria.”
Atiku downplayed the governors’ stance as a call for broader consultation, not a setback. “When some governors realize this project has its own momentum, they will align,” he said, adding that the initiative, backed by Nigerians, remains on track.