The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that no alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Governor of Anambra State Peter Obi can unseat President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
Bala Ibrahim, APC’s National Publicity Director, made this assertion during an exclusive interview, responding to comments by Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe. Ibe had suggested that both Atiku and Obi had learned valuable lessons from their 2023 campaigns and could join forces to defeat the APC-led government.
Learning from 2023 Elections
Paul Ibe argued that a combined effort by Atiku and Obi, who garnered approximately 12 million votes in 2023, could have stopped Tinubu from securing the presidency. He voiced these opinions during a recent episode of Politics Today on Channels Television.
This perspective has sparked diverse reactions, with opposition groups drawing comparisons to the 2015 elections when a coalition helped Muhammadu Buhari defeat incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
Responding to the idea of a coalition, Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, stated that Obi is open to alliances that prioritize the welfare of Nigerians over personal or political ambitions.
“Obi’s dedication to a better Nigeria remains unwavering,” Ibrahim said. “He is willing to work with anyone who shares his vision of a prosperous and united nation, but not for power’s sake.”
However, Ibrahim clarified that Obi’s commitment to collaboration transcends individuals or political parties.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) expressed skepticism about whether a partnership between Atiku and Obi alone could guarantee success against the APC. CUPP National Secretary, Peter Ahmeh, emphasized the importance of credible elections alongside coalitions.
“While a coalition could help defeat the APC, what Nigerians need most is a guarantee of free and fair elections,” Ahmeh said. “Without credible polling processes, even the strongest coalition may fail.”
Ahmeh also highlighted regional dynamics, stressing the necessity of balancing political representation to address concerns across the country.
A Call for Credible Leadership
SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, voiced doubts about the effectiveness of a political coalition at this stage. He attributed the challenges to a lack of trust among political parties and the absence of credible leadership to unify opposition forces.
“The current political decay requires more than just merging parties,” Gabam stated. “What Nigerians need is a movement led by credible, experienced individuals committed to national development.”
Gabam emphasized that people are drawn to trustworthy leaders, not merely party affiliations.
APGA’s Position on Alliances
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) expressed its willingness to collaborate with other progressive forces. APGA National Chairman, Sly Ezeokenwa, emphasized the party’s readiness to rebuild Nigeria through meaningful partnerships.
“With our internal leadership disputes resolved, APGA is poised to reclaim its place in Nigerian politics,” Ezeokenwa said. “We are open to alliances that serve the nation’s interest.”
APC’s Response to Coalition Speculations
Reacting to the possibility of an Atiku-Obi alliance, APC’s Bala Ibrahim dismissed it as a futile attempt. He argued that elections are won through strategic planning, not by adding up previous votes.
“A coalition based on past votes is a flawed strategy,” Ibrahim said. “The APC has mastered the art of exploiting cracks within the opposition, ensuring its dominance.”
He added that the APC remains confident about its chances in 2027, describing opposition plans as unrealistic.
Timothy Osadolor, Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), criticized Atiku and Obi for their lack of unity during the 2023 elections. He argued that their failure to collaborate contributed to the hardships Nigerians are currently facing.
“Atiku and Obi have yet to show a genuine commitment to working together,” Osadolor stated. “If they had united earlier, Nigeria might not be in its current state.”
Osadolor suggested that while an alliance could offer a viable alternative, managing egos and building trust would be critical for success.
As the 2027 elections approach, the debate around the Atiku Obi Alliance continues to dominate political discussions. While opposition parties explore strategies to challenge the APC, questions about leadership, trust, and electoral integrity remain central to Nigeria’s political future.
Whether a coalition can unseat President Tinubu will depend not only on unity among opposition leaders but also on their ability to inspire confidence among the electorate and ensure credible elections. For now, the ruling APC remains unshaken, projecting confidence in its ability to retain power.
