Opposition Coalition in Disarray as Atiku Refuses to Make Way for Southern Candidate

A major rift has emerged within a key opposition coalition in Nigeria, as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has rejected calls to step down in favor of a Southern presidential candidate.

Atiku’s stance has sparked a heated debate within the coalition, with some members accusing him of attempting to hijack the party’s structure.

The controversy began when Southern leaders and stakeholders in the coalition urged Atiku to step aside, citing the principle of equity, justice, and rotation of power.

However, Atiku has refused to yield to the pressure, insisting that he will not abandon his constitutional right to aspire to the presidency.

In a statement, Atiku called for open and transparent primaries to determine the party’s standard-bearer. He emphasized that zoning should not be used to silence competent individuals and that every qualified member should test their popularity through a credible primary.

The Obidient Movement, a faction within the coalition, has threatened to pull out if Atiku insists on contesting. They insist that Peter Obi is the only acceptable candidate and that his supporters will not support anyone else.

The coalition is on the brink of collapse, with party insiders warning that the internal disputes may derail efforts to build a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections. The situation remains fluid, with both sides digging in their heels.

The future of the coalition hangs in the balance, and it remains to be seen whether the internal conflicts can be resolved quickly. The next few days will be crucial in determining the fate of the coalition and its prospects in the 2027 elections.