The camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have pushed back against criticism from former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Bode George, and former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, over the recently announced opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
George and Shekarau questioned the purpose of the coalition, dismissing it as a vehicle driven by personal ambition rather than a structured political alliance aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
They also expressed concern over what they described as a scramble for presidential and vice-presidential positions, rather than a unified strategy for governance.
Their remarks came just days after Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other political figures unveiled the coalition during a press conference in Abuja.
The event marked the formal launch of an alliance that had been the subject of speculation for weeks, and followed El-Rufai’s recent defection from the APC to the Social Democratic Party on March 10.
Other notable figures at the event included former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; Peter Obi’s media aide and Obidient Movement Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko; National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh; and Segun Showunmi, convener of The Alternative.
Some influential political actors, including former APC leaders like Rotimi Amaechi (former Rivers State Governor), Kayode Fayemi (former Ekiti State Governor), and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, were absent but sent apologies, signaling their support or interest in the coalition.
In response to the backlash, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed the criticism, emphasizing that the coalition was already gaining momentum and would not be distracted.
“The coalition train has left the station. It will make stops, and people can choose to get on board.
If Bode George and Shekarau want to join, they’re welcome. Otherwise, they should stay quiet.
Bode George knows nothing about this coalition, so he has no basis to speak on it,” Ibe said.
Speaking for Obi, Yunusa Tanko reaffirmed the coalition’s goals and dismissed opposing views.
“We’ve made our position clear—we’re focused on nation-building.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but we’re committed to this process.
When the time comes to announce a mega party, the public will be duly informed,” he said.
Tanko also noted that conversations were ongoing among key players and hinted at future announcements regarding a formal party platform for the alliance.
Meanwhile, former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Salihu Lukman, stressed the need for such a coalition, warning that Nigeria risks becoming a one-party state due to internal crises in many opposition parties.
Lukman said, “Bode George’s view may stem from optimism about rebuilding the PDP, while Shekarau’s comments seem dismissive of those in the coalition.
But the bigger issue is that all parties are in crisis, and if care is not taken, APC could be the only viable option by 2027.
What we’re seeing now is a commitment to forming a united political front.
Discussions are ongoing to finalize the platform that will contest the next election.”