Coalition Urges Atiku, Obi to Unite or Risk Handing Tinubu Second Term in 2027
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that a coalition of opposition-aligned civil society groups has called on former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to form a united front ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that failure to do so could secure an easy re-election for President Bola Tinubu.
OTN News further reports that the coalition, which includes the Save Democracy Mega Alliance (SDMA) and the Civil Societies Alliance, made the appeal during a meeting in Abuja on earlier this week.
A communiqué issued after the session, signed by SDMA South-South Coordinator Tony Akeni, emphasized that only a joint ticket or strong alliance between Atiku and Obi could present a credible challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“If the right decisions are taken by stakeholders of our opposition political parties and electorates, we shall achieve the urgent objective of emancipating our country through the ballot in 2027,” Akeni stated.
“If, however, leaders of the progressive opposition miss the presidential victory in 2027 through wrong decisions, the consequences shall be dire for our nation in countless ways.” he added.
OTN News observes that the coalition described Atiku, now of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Obi of the Labour Party, as “two outstanding political opposition figures, each eminently qualified to preside over our country.”
It, however, warned that intelligence gathered from months of research indicated that neither could win the presidency alone in 2027 without collaboration.
OTN News further observes that he appeal comes amid ongoing debates over opposition strategies, with analysts and civil society groups stressing the need for unity to counter the political influence of President Tinubu, whom they describe as a master of coalitions.
The coalition urged opposition stakeholders to begin early consultations and compromise-building, noting that the window to prevent another APC victory is narrowing.
“History has placed this responsibility on Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. If they choose division over unity, they may inadvertently guarantee Tinubu a second term,” the communiqué concluded.
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