Atiku Pushes Ahead with Coalition Despite PDP Governors’ Rejection

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his commitment to building a broad coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, despite resistance from eleven governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

Speaking through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku said the coalition already enjoys widespread national backing and cannot be derailed by political hesitation. “This is a pan-Nigerian movement – a Nigerian project with Nigerians at its heart. It’s difficult to derail something when the people have taken ownership of it,” he said on Monday. 

His comments followed a meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum in Ibadan, where the governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, distanced themselves from the coalition. Instead, they expressed willingness to receive like-minded individuals and parties into the PDP fold, but rejected the idea of a merger or formal alliance. 

“Noting the nationwide speculations about possible merger of political parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger,” Governor Mohammed said, reading from the communique. “However, the PDP welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join it with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.” 

Atiku, however, maintained that the movement was beyond the party’s internal politics. “The governors are key stakeholders of any party, not just the PDP. They are important, as are all other stakeholders, including ordinary Nigerians,” he said. “At the start of this journey, we conducted internal polling which indicated that this was the path we should take to redeem Nigeria.” 

He acknowledged the need for further dialogue but insisted the rejection by the governors was “not a setback at all,” suggesting that “when the governors, or some of them, realize that this is a project with its own momentum… they will align properly.” 

The tension over the coalition coincides with unresolved leadership disputes within the PDP. The governors reaffirmed Sunday Ude-Okoye as national secretary, following a lower court decision. However, they noted that the Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, would serve in acting capacity until a substantive nominee is presented by the South-East zone and ratified by the NEC. 

In addition, the governors condemned the deteriorating security situation across the country, especially in Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo States. “We condemn the recent attacks in Plateau State and commiserate with the government and people of the state, especially those who lost their lives and properties during this unfortunate mishap,” the communique read. 

Looking ahead, the Forum proposed to hold a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27, followed by an early national convention from August 28 to 30 in Kano. Zoning and convention committees were also announced, with Governor Douye Diri heading the zoning committee and Governor Ahmadu Fintiri leading the national convention committee.