In a bold move that could redefine Nigeria’s political landscape, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reignited his campaign for a sweeping coalition of opposition forces, declaring the mission to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 has already begun.
During a high-stakes meeting with a delegation of National Opinion Leaders, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made a striking proclamation: “THE COALITION TRAIN HAS LEFT THE STATION.”
Atiku’s words, shared in a video posted on his official X handle, echoed with urgency and purpose: “It will have multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades. Whatever vehicle guarantees good governance for our children and grandchildren, that is the one we will ride on.”
His declaration lands at a time of political friction. Just days earlier, the PDP Governors’ Forum publicly distanced itself from any merger or coalition talks — a move seen as a rebuke of Atiku’s outreach efforts. Despite this, Atiku remained unshaken.
He reminded critics and supporters alike that the mission is bigger than party politics. “This is about a new path — Sabuwar tafiya — a new Nigeria,” he said, referencing collaboration across PDP, APC, Labour Party, and more.
The coalition, unveiled in March, features a striking lineup of political heavyweights, including Dr. Yunusa Tanko of the Labour Party and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently dumped the ruling APC for the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The group’s recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna stirred fresh speculation about the coalition’s scope and intentions.
Though met with skepticism and even resistance from factions within Atiku’s own party, the coalition appears undeterred. The former VP insisted this is a citizen-led movement — one driven by collective frustration with failed leadership and rising demand for a new national vision.
“The failure of leadership is not limited to one party,” Atiku emphasized. “That’s why we, across political divides, are coming together to chart a new course.”
Turning his attention to Nigeria’s youth — many of whom were present at the gathering — Atiku issued a passionate warning against political complacency and short-term temptations.
“Don’t let them buy your future with pennies and naira,” he said. “Your future, and that of your children, is not for sale.”
He called on them to ignite grassroots mobilization and begin mass sensitization efforts. “Start working. Get people on board. Spread the message. This is a movement.”
While PDP governors continue to signal a focus on strengthening their internal party machinery, they have not ruled out future partnerships — an ambiguity that leaves room for political evolution as 2027 approaches.
Atiku’s coalition is not just a political maneuver; it is emerging as a populist crusade — one that challenges entrenched loyalties and dares to dream of a reimagined Nigeria. Whether it leads to transformation or political turbulence, one thing is clear: the 2027 race has already begun.
