Opposition Parties Consider Coalition to Challenge Tinubu in 2027

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has confirmed that opposition parties are actively working to form a strong alliance to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections....CONTINUE READING>>>

Discussions are ongoing among political leaders as they seek to build a formidable coalition capable of unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Peter Obi Considered the Strongest Opposition Candidate

According to Peter Ahmeh, the National Secretary of CUPP, the best chance of defeating Tinubu lies in fielding a candidate from the South. He warned that if the opposition coalition is led by a northern candidate, Tinubu would have an easy path to victory.

Ahmeh stressed the importance of unity among opposition parties, emphasizing that a collective effort is the only way to bring about political change in Nigeria.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged as the leading platform for this proposed coalition, given its national structure and political experience. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also been advocating for opposition unity. On March 8, Atiku announced his efforts to unite various parties in a bid to remove APC from power. His media aide confirmed that he is working towards a broad alliance that includes all opposition groups.

Although no final decision has been reached regarding the coalition’s official platform, Ahmeh noted that there is an unwritten political understanding in Nigeria about power rotation between the North and the South. Since Tinubu, the incumbent president, is from the South, Ahmeh argued that the next presidential candidate should also come from the South.

He identified Peter Obi as the most viable candidate to challenge Tinubu and urged northern politicians involved in the coalition talks to propose a credible running mate from their region.

El-Rufai’s Party Switch and the Opposition’s Challenge

Ahmeh also addressed Nasir El-Rufai’s recent move from the Labour Party (LP) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). While acknowledging El-Rufai’s right to switch parties, he clarified that the SDP is not leading the opposition coalition.

Given that the APC still controls the country’s resources and holds significant government power, he urged opposition leaders to take the 2027 elections seriously.

He concluded that the best strategy for defeating Tinubu is to unite behind a Southern candidate who enjoys strong support from the North.

“The formation of a coalition that includes a greater number of northern leaders has the potential to attract a greater number of interested individuals who are able to galvanise voters, encourage voters, and have their own voter base and support base.

If those who are currently discussing the coalition have the intention and purpose of defeating Tinubu, then they have only one option available to them: a candidate from the south, and that candidate is Obi. The North ought to come up with a running mate because of this.”