Tinubu Re-election Challenged by Swelling Coalition

GoA growing opposition coalition is intensifying talks to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general elections.

The coalition is considering an offer to endorse a southern candidate who would commit to serving only one term.

Northern Interests Demand Southern Candidate

Northern stakeholders are asking for this route, with more voices calling on the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to retire and make way for a southern candidate. Most of the stakeholders, a source who is close to negotiations revealed, understand that nominating a good and credible southern candidate would make victory over President Tinubu easier.

Single-Term Commitment

The union is insisting that any of its southern candidates it supports must take a one-term mandate. The proposal mentioned above is one of the options on the table, National Secretary of Coalition of United Political Parties Peter Ahmeh asserted.

Internal Conflicts

However, internal strife in the coalition, particularly over zoning and personal aspirations of the key players, has delayed concrete agreements. Ahmeh acknowledged that these impediments are arising but reaffirmed commitment to ironing them out and welcoming the many Nigerians afflicted by the maladministration of the APC.

Opposition Leaders Unite

The union includes prominent opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, who have promised to defeat President Tinubu. The decision comes amid weeks of high-level meetings and political realignments, including El-Rufai’s defection from the APC to the SDP.

Atiku’s Commitment

Atiku’s media advisor, Paul Ibe, appealed for calm in the wake of speculations over the internal deliberations of the coalition. According to him, Atiku is committed to the coalition and believes that a solid, united coalition is the only way to oust those who are not good-willed for the country.

SDP National Chairman

SDP National Chairman Shehu Gabam confirmed that consultations are ongoing nationwide but declined to provide details. He explained that the party is carrying out further consultations and will cross the bridge when they get there.

Coalition’s Goal

The objective of the coalition is to ensure a fair process that benefits the people’s interest and strengthens the unity of the coalition.

Since the 2027 general elections are imminent, the opposition leaders are set to prevent President Tinubu from getting re-elected and bring change into the country.

Key Players

* Atiku Abubakar: Opposition leader and former Vice President

* Peter Obi: Labour Party leader and opposition candidate

* Nasir El-Rufai: Former Governor of Kaduna State and Chairman SDP

* Shehu Gabam: National Chairman SDP

* Peter Ahmeh: National Secretary Coalition of United Political Parties