Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his commitment to leading a coalition aimed at ousting President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, calling the movement a transformative effort for Nigeria’s future. Speaking to a delegation of National Opinion Leaders during a courtesy visit in Abuja on Wednesday, Atiku outlined his vision for a broad, unified platform capable of challenging Tinubu’s rule and pushing for a new direction in Nigerian politics.
“We are assembling a coalition, a fast-moving train with multiple stops, to bring on board Nigerians from all walks of life,” Atiku declared on his verified X handle (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the need for broad-based support in the pursuit of good governance. The statement reflects his strategy to gather a diverse array of political players and citizens who are dissatisfied with the current administration’s performance.
Atiku’s remarks came in response to the growing discussion within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the party’s political positioning for 2027. While some governors within the PDP have advocated for a more insular approach, urging the party to remain the center of power, Atiku’s coalition-building effort signals a broader, more inclusive strategy for the future of Nigeria.
“[The coalition] is not just about electoral victory,” Atiku stressed. “It’s about delivering real governance that prioritizes the people—now and for future generations. We are not only fighting for 2027; we are fighting for the future of our children and grandchildren.”
A New Path Forward: Atiku’s Vision for Nigeria
In his push for a renewed national direction, Atiku has emphasized the creation of what he calls the ‘Sabo Tafiya’ or ‘New Path’, a political movement bringing together leaders from across party lines, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Labour Party, and other key Nigerian political players. By setting aside traditional party affiliations, Atiku’s coalition aims to present a united front focused on governance and national unity rather than partisan conflict.
“We have come together, from all political sides, to say we are going to take a new path—a new path towards a new Nigeria,” Atiku explained, underscoring the coalition’s broad and inclusive approach. His efforts to unite opposition voices, including prominent figures such as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and journalist Dele Momodu, signal a serious challenge to Tinubu’s leadership heading into the next presidential election.
Atiku’s call for unity is echoed by his repeated warnings about the influence of money in politics, urging Nigerians to resist financial inducements that could derail the country’s future. “Don’t be disrupted by those who offer pennies in exchange for your vote, for the future of our children is far too important,” he said, drawing attention to the corrosive effects of vote-buying and political manipulation.
Tensions Within the PDP and Growing Coalition Support
Atiku’s push for a unified opposition comes at a time of internal tension within the PDP. Some party leaders remain hesitant to support any moves for broader mergers or alliances, arguing that the PDP itself remains the most viable opposition to Tinubu’s administration. However, Atiku’s coalition-building efforts have gained momentum, with increasing support from key figures across different political parties, signaling a shift in Nigerian politics toward collaboration over division.
The 2027 election will be pivotal, not just for the future of President Tinubu’s tenure but also for the future of the Nigerian political landscape. Atiku, a seasoned political veteran, has positioned himself as the standard-bearer for change, determined to lead a movement that transcends political differences in favor of a unified effort to secure a better future for all Nigerians.
