Atiku, Obi Clash as Amaechi Emerges in New Coalition
As discussions intensify over forming a formidable opposition coalition ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has emerged as a potential consensus presidential candidate, according to sources close to the alliance.
Initially, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party were considered the central figures in the proposed coalition.
However, talks have reportedly stalled due to both men’s unwavering presidential ambitions—especially Obi, who is said to have insisted on maintaining his 2023 running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.
A member of the coalition’s steering committee told The Guardian that the stalemate has prompted strategists to prepare Amaechi as a fallback option:
“With Atiku and Obi unwilling to make room for compromise, we’re putting Amaechi on standby. After all, he placed second in the APC primaries and still has strong national appeal.”
Amaechi, who recently turned 60, is seen as subtly testing the political waters.
At his birthday symposium—titled “Weaponising Hunger”—he took a veiled swipe at the Tinubu administration, revealing that he had refused to support the President’s candidacy following the APC primaries:
“I told President Tinubu I wouldn’t be part of his campaign. Two years later, I feel vindicated.”
Growing Support from Buhari Loyalists
Support for Amaechi isn’t limited to opposition ranks. Key loyalists of former President Muhammadu Buhari are reportedly backing him over Atiku or Obi, citing his ministerial performance and political loyalty.
While Atiku and Obi have both allegedly committed to a single term in office if elected in 2027, some strategists believe Amaechi would accept a similar condition, especially if zoning considerations limit tenure duration.
New Party in the Works?
Amid disagreements over whether to merge into existing parties like the SDP or ADC, coalition insiders are exploring the registration of a new political party, possibly named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
Dr. Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats, confirmed this push for a new platform, citing structural and legal vulnerabilities in merging with older parties:
“Merging into an existing party is risky. If the incumbents are serious, they will exploit loopholes in the structure. We’d lose momentum.”
Ardo also dismissed speculation that the new party was designed to promote Atiku’s interests:
“Atiku wants a merger with an existing party. I’m against that. How does opposing him mean I support him?”
Obi’s Camp Stands Firm
Katch Ononuju, a close ally of Peter Obi, stressed that Obi’s 2027 candidacy is non-negotiable if the coalition is to remain viable.
According to him, Obi remains committed to contesting with his 2023 running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed.
If the proposed ADA is registered, analysts predict that Amaechi could emerge as its standard-bearer, while Atiku may seek the SDP ticket, and Obi the ADC platform, setting the stage for a three-way opposition contest.
At Amaechi’s birthday lecture, former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson issued a word of caution to opposition leaders, warning them against repeating the missteps of 2015:
“Some of you here were part of the 2015 coalition that brought down a government. Now, 11 years later, poverty has been weaponised and the challenges have only worsened. Learn from the past—shine your eyes.”
The coming months are expected to be pivotal as coalition members negotiate not just unity, but who ultimately leads their charge in 2027.
Atiku, Obi Clash as Amaechi Emerges in New Coalition