Atiku’s Coalition Dream Faces Headwinds as PDP Governors Distance Party from Merger Talks

In a bold reaffirmation of his political stance, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reiterated that a coalition of opposition forces remains the only viable strategy to dislodge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. However, the path to unity appears turbulent, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has publicly dissociated the party from any merger or coalition efforts.

Atiku, who was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, maintains that only a pan-Nigerian opposition front can present a formidable challenge to Tinubu’s incumbency. This sentiment was voiced shortly after PDP governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, declared in a communiqué that the party would not be a part of any coalition or merger at this time.

The announcement, made during a meeting of 11 PDP governors in Ibadan, represents a significant divergence from Atiku’s ongoing efforts to rally opposition figures under a single umbrella to consolidate electoral strength.

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Coalition the Only Credible Path, Says Atiku

Despite the apparent resistance from within his own party, Atiku remains firm in his conviction. Through his media aide, Paul Ibe, he stressed that the drive for coalition is not just a political maneuver but a national imperative.

“The coalition is a pan-Nigerian movement and project,” Ibe stated. “This is about the people, and not just about politicians. The opposition must unite to reclaim Nigeria from what we see as poor governance under the APC.”

According to Ibe, internal polling and strategic consultations have consistently shown that Nigerians are yearning for a united opposition. Atiku believes that the coalition must involve not just political heavyweights but also grassroots voices from across the country.

He emphasized that while the governors’ stance is significant, it does not define the future of the movement. “Governors are important stakeholders, but so are ordinary Nigerians,” Ibe remarked. “This project has its own momentum. It’s too early to label this a setback. Instead, it’s a call for more dialogue and engagement.”

PDP Governors: We Stand Alone, But Open to Allies

In contrast, the PDP governors have firmly stated that the party will maintain its independence. Governor Bala Mohammed, speaking on behalf of the group, clarified that the PDP has no interest in any formal merger or coalition.

However, the door isn’t completely shut. Mohammed added, “The PDP, as a major opposition party, welcomes any party, persons, or groups that are willing to join it in reclaiming power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”

This statement signals that while a formal coalition may be off the table, strategic alliances or political realignments are still possible within the party’s framework. Yet, the refusal to endorse Atiku’s broader coalition plan highlights internal frictions over strategy and leadership direction as 2027 looms closer.

Bode George Rejects Atiku as PDP Leader

Further compounding the situation, prominent PDP elder statesman Chief Bode George has publicly dismissed the notion that Atiku is the de facto leader of the party. George emphasized that being the party’s past presidential candidate does not confer unilateral leadership powers.

“He is not the leader of the PDP,” George stated in a television interview. “If Atiku is running for his own private interests, that’s entirely separate from the interests of the party.”

He pointed out that Atiku’s push for coalition appears to be a personal project, not a party-endorsed strategy. George also hinted at possible rifts should Atiku attempt to seek the party’s presidential ticket once again.

“If he picks the 2027 ticket, that will be the end of this party,” George declared. “Eight years in the north must be followed by eight years in the south. That is our doctrine. If Atiku insists on contesting again under PDP, it will contradict our foundational principles.”

What Lies Ahead?

Atiku’s unwavering call for a coalition and the PDP’s cautious distancing reveal the complex dynamics shaping Nigeria’s pre-election political environment. While Atiku envisions a united opposition with the strength to challenge the APC, the PDP appears more focused on reinforcing its internal structure and asserting its autonomy.

The coming months are likely to witness intensified political maneuvering, consultations, and realignments. While the coalition dream remains alive in Atiku’s camp, convincing key stakeholders within the PDP—and beyond—will be essential for any opposition strategy to gain meaningful traction.

One thing is clear: the battle for 2027 has already begun, not at the ballot box, but within the opposition’s own ranks.