Politics
Northern leaders, stakeholders back mega coalition to challenge Tinubu in 2027
DDM News

A coalition of northern political leaders and key stakeholders across Nigeria has reportedly decided to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the main opposition platform for the 2027 presidential election.
The leaders, drawn from both the North and South, have been holding strategic meetings over the past three months, concluding that the PDP is no longer a viable force to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
According to investigations by Diaspora digital media (DDM), the consensus among these leaders is that PDP governors, who hold significant influence in the party, cannot be relied upon to spearhead the opposition movement.
As a result, a committee was established in late December 2024 to finalize the details of a new political platform, with a deadline set for late February 2025 to unveil the party that will lead the opposition against the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, while the coalition is gaining momentum, no final decision has been reached on who will be its presidential candidate.
Sources reveal that several prominent figures are being considered, including former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 candidate Mr. Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former Rivers State Governor Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sokoto State Governor Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
Additionally, there is speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan could emerge as a compromise candidate, particularly if the contest requires a southern flagbearer to counter a southern APC candidate.
The coalition’s formation is reportedly the result of high-level discussions within Nigeria and abroad, particularly in what sources describe as “West and East Coast” meetings.
These engagements have reinforced the determination of northern leaders and their southern allies to build a formidable opposition structure ahead of 2027.
A key step in this direction was the recently concluded democracy summit in Abuja, which sources say was organized as part of efforts to mobilize support for the emerging coalition.
The plan involves aligning with smaller political parties such as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and other registered parties that could serve as the foundation for the mega coalition.
Notably, the PDP does not feature prominently in this arrangement, as many of its governors are believed to be hesitant to openly challenge Tinubu, with some reportedly working behind the scenes to support his re-election.
While the coalition has yet to finalize its presidential candidate, sources indicate that Peter Obi is being seen as an indispensable figure in the new alliance.
Some proponents argue that the coalition’s chances of success would be significantly weakened without his participation.
Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar is reportedly positioning himself as a central figure in the opposition movement, but Obi and Tambuwal are also being closely watched.
Addressing concerns about Atiku’s age, an insider dismissed the argument, citing the example of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who remains politically relevant despite being in his late 70s.
This suggests that Atiku’s supporters believe his age will not be a major obstacle in the 2027 race.
The Nigerian Tribune also gathered that the League of Northern Democrats (LND), led by former Kano State Governor Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, is playing a crucial role in coordinating efforts to unify different opposition factions.
LND is actively engaging northern stakeholders to ensure that the region remains a key player in the emerging coalition.
As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares to release the 2027 election calendar in May, discussions among northern leaders and their allies are intensifying.
The focus is on finalizing a strategy that will position the new coalition as the strongest alternative to the APC.
With political dynamics shifting rapidly, the coming months will be crucial in determining the coalition’s structure, candidate selection, and overall strategy.
While the opposition is yet to reach full agreement on its presidential flagbearer, the consensus among northern leaders is that a united front is necessary to challenge Tinubu’s hold on power in 2027.
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