Northern Leaders and Key Stakeholders Abandon PDP, Move Toward New Political Alliance to Challenge Tinubu in 2027
Top political figures from the northern region and other influential stakeholders across Nigeria have seemingly reached a consensus on the need to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the primary vehicle for opposing incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune have revealed that over the past three months, leaders from both the North and South have been in discussions and have concluded that the PDP is no longer a viable option for the opposition. There is a growing sentiment that the party, led by governors who once held significant influence, can no longer be relied upon to play a substantial role in challenging the ruling party in 2027.
A committee, established in December 2024 to finalize the creation of a new opposition party, is expected to announce its decision by the end of February. This new “special purpose vehicle” is aimed at unseating the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming election.
While the formation of the new party is progressing, sources indicate that there is still no clear decision on who will lead the coalition in 2027. Several potential candidates are under consideration, with names such as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi (who both contested in 2023), and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and even former President Goodluck Jonathan are also being considered. There are discussions on whether to field a southern candidate to compete against what is expected to be a southern contender from the APC.
Meetings within Nigeria and across various regions have reportedly led to the resolution to establish a new, formidable opposition party. This mega-party is envisioned to challenge the APC’s dominance and position itself as a viable contender for Aso Rock in 2027.
The recent democracy summit held in Abuja is said to have been one of the early steps in mobilizing support for the new political force. According to sources, the North seems to have identified a candidate who could rival the APC’s chances effectively. While the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and other smaller registered parties are being considered as part of the new coalition, the PDP is not expected to play a central role due to concerns that many of its governors are covertly supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) candidate, is reportedly gaining prominence within the coalition, with some key figures insisting that the coalition cannot succeed without his involvement. Atiku, though viewed as a potential unifier for the alliance, may face competition from Obi and Tambuwal.
Despite concerns over Atiku’s age, supporters of his candidacy point to examples such as U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that age should not be a disqualifying factor.
The League of Northern Democrats (LND), led by former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, is also playing a pivotal role in coordinating the efforts to unite the emerging coalition.
