The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the potential coalition between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, stating it will not pose a threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Speaking on Tuesday, APC National Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim described the proposed alliance as a “dream gone wrong.” Ibrahim argued that opposition leaders are plagued by internal crises, making their coalition ineffective against the ruling party.
Ibrahim’s remarks were in response to recent comments suggesting that the combined votes of Atiku and Obi in the 2023 presidential election—totaling 12 million—could have stopped Tinubu’s presidency. Speculations about a possible collaboration between the two leaders to oust the APC in 2027 have also emerged.
However, Ibrahim mocked the idea of a coalition, saying, “All over the world, you don’t just add up votes from previous elections to topple a winner. A smart ruling party like the APC uses such ambitions to exploit cracks within the opposition. If this is their strategy, we can already start celebrating Tinubu’s victory in 2027.”
Reacting to the potential alliance, Obi’s media aide said his principal is open to working with anyone who shares his vision for a better Nigeria. He emphasized that Obi’s commitment to collaboration transcends personal or partisan interests.
Similarly, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) stressed that a mere alliance between Atiku and Obi would not be sufficient to defeat the APC. According to CUPP representatives, the focus should be on ensuring credible elections.
“While a coalition can aid the opposition, the most critical alliance Nigerians need is one that guarantees free and fair elections,” a CUPP official stated, pointing to Ghana’s model of polling unit-based election results as an example.
The SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, also downplayed the effectiveness of coalitions, citing a trust deficit among political parties. Gabam argued that Nigerians are more interested in credible individuals with proven records of service than in alliances of political groups.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has also signaled its readiness to join forces with progressive political entities to create a nation Nigerians can be proud of. National Chairman Sly Ezeokenwa highlighted the party’s commitment to reconciliation and rebuilding its position in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Meanwhile, a youth leader within the PDP expressed skepticism about the Atiku-Obi alliance, describing it as “illusionary.” He noted that while both leaders could provide a viable alternative, their egos and past differences might hinder a successful collaboration.
“Atiku and Obi coming together is still an illusion. However, if they manage their egos and agree to work together, they could be a welcome alternative to this APC-led administration,” he said.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the APC and opposition parties continue to trade words, setting the stage for a potentially contentious political battle.
