2027 coalition: Tinubu in panic mode, has allocated millions of naira for another round of state-level endorsements — Abdul Rasheeth

2027 coalition: Tinubu in panic mode, has allocated millions of naira for another round of state-level endorsements — Abdul Rasheeth

 

 

With just under two years to Nigeria’s next general election, political tensions are rising as opposition forces intensify efforts to form a grand coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

 

Reports suggest that the presidency is increasingly worried by the fast-developing alliance, which brings together heavyweights such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai.

 

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According to Abdul Rasheeth, Special Assistant on Media to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, President Tinubu has reportedly summoned a closed-door stakeholder meeting in response to the emerging coalition.

 

Rasheeth alleged that the president has allocated millions of naira for another round of state-level endorsements, with N3 million reportedly earmarked per state to secure political backing.

 

“Worried about the coalition, he has called a meeting of stakeholders for tomorrow, with each state expected to send representatives. Each state will receive 3 million shared for another endorsement,” Rasheeth posted. “However, Oga President, it’s clear that these endorsements won’t change your outcome; it is inevitable that you will lose in 2027.”

 

Opposition Closing Ranks

Meanwhile, discussions among opposition leaders have reportedly reached an advanced stage, with strong consideration being given to adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the common platform for the 2027 election.

 

According to TheCable, a near-consensus has emerged in favor of the ADC, with Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai among those leading the charge.

 

El-Rufai, who defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in March, has made a case for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), arguing that it offers better structure and brand recognition.

 

He has been given two weeks to formally present the SDP as a viable alternative, though insiders say the majority of coalition members still lean toward the ADC.

 

“The preponderance of opinion within the group favors the ADC,” one coalition source told TheCable.

 

Defections and Party Realignments Loom

The realignment of Nigeria’s political landscape appears imminent. Atiku Abubakar is reportedly preparing to exit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), amid growing fears among his camp that former President Goodluck Jonathan may re-emerge as a contender for the PDP’s presidential ticket. Internal conflicts within the PDP have only fueled speculation of a major shift.

 

Similarly, Peter Obi is said to be reconsidering his stay in the Labour Party, which has been engulfed in legal disputes and leadership wrangling since the 2023 elections.

 

During a recent meeting with PDP stakeholders and opinion leaders from Nasarawa State, Abubakar appeared confident about the coalition’s momentum.

 

“Indeed, the coalition train has left the station and would have multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades,” he stated.

 

Looking Ahead

 

The opposition coalition is expected to reconvene in early June, with a final decision on the party platform expected shortly after. If successful, the alliance could significantly reshape the 2027 electoral landscape and pose the most formidable challenge yet to President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

 

As Nigeria watches these political developments unfold, one thing is clear: the battle for 2027 is already underway — and it’s shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent memory.