By Parrot Newspaper 
2027: Opposition Forces Mull Alliance to Challenge Tinubu
By Parrot Newspaper
As the 2027 presidential election draws closer, key opposition figures are intensifying their efforts to unseat President Bola Tinubu. Discussions surrounding a possible alliance among opposition parties have gained momentum, with leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) exploring a united front.
Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, confirmed the development after a closed-door meeting with Peter Obi, the 2023 LP presidential candidate, at the Bauchi Government House. The meeting, held on Thursday, signaled a strategic move by opposition leaders to consolidate forces ahead of the next general elections.
Opposition Unity in the Works
Speaking after the meeting, Governor Mohammed praised Obi’s political style and vision, expressing his willingness to work with him to provide Nigeria with “purposeful leadership.” He described Obi as the de facto leader of the opposition and emphasized the need for collaboration.
“This is not the first time we are meeting. We have discussed critical national issues, including the need to provide a vibrant opposition,” Mohammed stated. “We are committed to closing ranks and ensuring good governance.”
Obi, in his remarks, noted that the state of the country necessitated consultations with influential figures across political lines. He stressed the importance of addressing poverty and insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria, as part of a broader national development agenda.
El-Rufai Joins the Opposition Bloc
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has also thrown his weight behind the opposition movement. Having defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), El-Rufai vowed to mobilize opposition leaders into a formidable force against Tinubu in 2027.
“I will focus on engaging and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to unite under a single platform to challenge the APC,” El-Rufai declared.
His defection and open criticism of the Tinubu-led administration signal a growing dissatisfaction within the political landscape, further energizing opposition efforts to form a broad coalition.
NNPP, CUPP Weigh In
NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, confirmed that consultations were ongoing regarding potential alliances, though he remained cautious about revealing specifics.
“We are engaging with various political groups to ensure that we present a strong and credible opposition in 2027,” Johnson stated. “The opposition must unite to end the current mismanagement of our economy and national affairs.”
Similarly, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has expressed support for a coalition, emphasizing the need for a southern candidate to lead the charge against Tinubu. CUPP National Secretary Peter Ahmeh identified Obi as a strong contender, arguing that a northern candidate would hand Tinubu an easy victory.
Atiku’s Call for Unity
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also been vocal about opposition unity. The PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate recently revealed ongoing efforts to build a broad coalition against the APC.
“Atiku is advocating a robust coalition that accommodates all opposition parties,” his media team confirmed.
Will the Opposition Get It Right?
While talks of an opposition alliance are gaining traction, past attempts at unity among opposition figures have often been undermined by personal ambitions and ideological differences. The ability of the PDP, LP, NNPP, and other opposition elements to agree on a single candidate and a unified strategy will determine whether they can pose a real threat to Tinubu’s re-election bid.
For now, consultations and negotiations continue, with the opposition hopeful of building a coalition capable of challenging the APC’s hold on power. Whether this unity will materialize or collapse under the weight of internal rivalries remains to be seen.