Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has reaffirmed his commitment to building a wide-reaching opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking during a meeting with National Opinion Leaders, a moment he shared in a video posted to his X handle on Wednesday, Atiku made it clear that the group he is leading is prepared to adopt any political platform that will guarantee the defeat of President Bola Tinubu and secure good governance for Nigerians.
He likened the coalition to a fast-moving train with multiple stops, inviting Nigerians from all backgrounds to hop on board. According to him, this alliance stretches across party lines and includes figures from the APC, PDP, Labour Party, and others, all united by a shared goal of changing the country’s trajectory.
This declaration comes shortly after governors elected under the PDP banner publicly distanced themselves from any formal coalition or merger talks during a gathering in Ibadan. While those governors emphasized loyalty to the PDP and openness to welcoming new members, they stopped short of endorsing any joint political movement for now.
Unfazed by the governors’ stance, Atiku stressed that the time has come for Nigeria to embrace what he described as Sabuwar Tafiya, which means “a new journey” in Hausa. He said the coalition’s mission is not simply to win elections but to bring about real and lasting change that will benefit young people and generations yet unborn.
He made it clear that the focus is not on political labels or old divisions but on using any viable means to deliver progress. In his words, “Whatever vehicle that will give us good governance in the future of our children and grandchildren, that is the vehicle we are going to ride on.”
Atiku also had a message for young Nigerians, urging them not to let themselves be swayed by financial handouts. He warned against sacrificing long-term progress for short-term gains, calling on them to stand firm and stay focused on the bigger picture.
His coalition efforts seem to be gathering momentum. Just recently, he held a high-profile meeting in Kaduna with former President Muhammadu Buhari, Dr Yunusa Tanko—a key figure from Peter Obi’s Labour Party—and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, now aligned with the Social Democratic Party. These meetings hint at deeper collaborations and a broadening of the opposition’s base.
As the countdown to 2027 continues, Atiku’s recent statements and outreach moves are fueling fresh political conversations. While his plan has yet to receive formal backing from PDP governors, it is becoming clear that a significant realignment may be unfolding—one that could alter the course of Nigeria’s political future.
