Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President Bukola Saraki have intensified efforts to unify Nigeria’s opposition forces in a bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Their moves are part of a broader strategy to launch a new coalition, with a tentative national declaration scheduled for May 30 under the emerging All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
On Friday, Atiku visited Osun State and met with former Governor Rauf Aregbesola in a bid to bring him into the opposition fold. Aregbesola, once a close ally of Tinubu, is seen as a valuable asset given his grassroots support in the South-West. The meeting, held at Aregbesola’s residence, was attended by several prominent Osun politicians, though details of their discussions were not made public.
Simultaneously, Saraki led members of the PDP Reconciliation Committee to Enugu State, where they held a closed-door meeting with Governor Peter Mbah. The visit was partly to address tensions in the South-East PDP, where leaders have threatened to exit the party unless their nominee, Udeh Okoye, is confirmed as National Secretary. Saraki praised the South-East’s longstanding support for the PDP and expressed optimism about resolving internal disputes.
Speaking after the meeting, Saraki noted, “We are laying the foundation for a stronger PDP. There is nothing insurmountable about the challenges ahead.”
Meanwhile, discussions around forming a new opposition platform are gaining momentum. The coalition is currently split into three camps:
- New Party Advocates: Led by former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, this group supports the formation of a fresh political entity — the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) — to avoid the baggage of existing parties.
- Merger with Existing Party: Headed by Liyel Imoke, this group is exploring the option of merging with an existing party.
- SDP Supporters: Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai leads this camp, advocating for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as the platform for opposition unity. El-Rufai has praised the SDP as a viable alternative capable of challenging the APC.
However, some coalition members are wary of joining the SDP due to recent controversial statements by its leaders. Dr. Umar Ardo, secretary of the Amaechi committee, argued that only a new party can provide the unity, credibility, and fresh start needed to defeat Tinubu.
Quoting historical failures of past coalitions, Ardo emphasized that unity and a new structure are vital. “Nigeria’s political history is filled with failed alliances. What we need is not just a coalition but a new platform with a unified purpose,” he stated.
Ardo added that forming a new party would be a bold move and a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions. If INEC refuses registration despite legal compliance, it would expose institutional bias and could galvanize public support for reform.
He concluded by invoking Sun Tzu and Machiavelli to underline the necessity of bold leadership: “Fortune favors the bold. Forming a new party signals strength, purpose, and real change.”
A document signed by Amaechi outlines the justification for the All Democratic Alliance, describing it not just as a political party but a “national renaissance movement” rooted in democratic values, justice, and visionary leadership. The ADA aims to unite opposition voices under a common banner and restore trust in Nigeria’s political system.
As preparations for the May 30 declaration continue, the opposition’s next steps could redefine Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
