The camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have responded to criticisms from former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, and ex-Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, regarding the newly formed opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 election.
Bode George and Shekarau had argued that the coalition, rather than being a structured political movement, was motivated by personal ambitions of individuals seeking the presidency or vice presidency.
Their remarks came three days after Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others announced the coalition’s formation at a press conference in Abuja, putting an end to weeks of speculation.
The coalition’s unveiling followed El-Rufai’s defection from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on March 10.
Other notable opposition figures at the event included former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; Obi’s media aide, Yunusa Tanko; CUPP National Secretary, Peter Ahmeh; and Segun Showunmi, convener of The Alternative. Apologies were also received from prominent APC figures such as ex-governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu.
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Reacting to the criticism, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed George and Shekarau’s remarks, stating, “The coalition train has left the station. If they want to join, they are welcome. Otherwise, they should remain silent. Bode George knows nothing about this coalition.”
Similarly, Obi’s spokesperson, Yunusa Tanko, reaffirmed their commitment to nation-building, emphasizing that their stance on national issues, including the Rivers State crisis, has been made clear.
On the possibility of forming a mega party, he stated, “When the time comes, Nigerians will be informed.”
Meanwhile, former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Mallam Salihu Lukman, stressed the coalition’s importance in preventing Nigeria from becoming a one-party state.
He warned that internal crises within multiple parties could leave APC as the sole contender in 2027.
Lukman clarified that while a coalition is in progress, discussions on a new party platform are still ongoing. “A mega party must be attractive to Nigerians, just as APC was in 2014-2015. We are confident that what we offer will inspire confidence and bring real change.”