The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence that no opposition alliance, including one between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra Governor Peter Obi, could challenge President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.
Speaking with The Punch, APC National Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim dismissed speculations about an Atiku-Obi coalition, calling it a futile attempt. He argued that such a partnership would not be enough to unseat Tinubu, citing divisions within the opposition and the APC’s strategic edge.
“It’s a dream gone wrong,” Ibrahim remarked. “Adding up the votes of Atiku and Obi in the last election doesn’t guarantee success. Politics is not mathematics; it’s about strategy and unity.” He also teased the opposition for “learning lessons” from the APC’s tactics, promising further political “tutorials” in 2027.
Ibrahim added, “This dedication stems from his unshakeable optimism in the country’s potential and his focus on the welfare and prosperity of all citizens. Regarding Paul Ibe’s statement about Atiku’s willingness to unite with Obi, it’s clear that both leaders are open to working together to save Nigeria from the APC-led administration’s tyranny. However, Obi’s commitment to collaboration isn’t limited to any particular individual or party.”
This follows comments by Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, who suggested that Atiku and Obi could unite to end what he called APC’s “incompetent” governance. According to Ibe, a combined effort could prevent further hardship in Nigeria. Obi’s camp echoed these sentiments, emphasizing his readiness to collaborate with like-minded leaders to secure a better future for the country.
However, doubts remain about the feasibility of such an alliance. Critics, including PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, described the coalition as “illusionary,” citing unresolved tensions and ego clashes between the two leaders. Osadolor noted that if unity had been achieved in 2023, Nigeria might not be facing its current struggles.
Opposition parties under the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have also weighed in. They argued that beyond a coalition, ensuring free and fair elections is critical.
CUPP National Secretary Peter Ahmeh emphasized the need for credible leadership and transparency in the voting process, stating that coalitions alone cannot guarantee victory without electoral reforms.
He stated, “Our country has its ways. Atiku is a wonderful leader in Nigeria. That is very important. But the fact is there will be some sentiments that will come into play if you don’t put a person from southern Nigeria on the ballot. If you don’t do that, the idea that the northerners have taken over their eight years will now become part of the discussion across southwestern, southeastern, and South-South Nigeria.
“So, what we should do is believe that at the end of the day, these two leaders and other leaders will find common ground, where they will put the interest of Nigeria before their personal interests, allowing us to win this election and determine the future of Nigeria in a way that will benefit all Nigerians.”
Reacting to the possibility of a coalition between Atiku and Obi’s group to defeat the APC, he stated that in addition to a coalition, Nigerians must demand that elections be decided and concluded at the polling unit.
He added, “Yes, a coalition can help the opposition party defeat the APC. There’s no doubt about that. It will also facilitate the easy defeat of the APC.
“But the most important coalition we need at this moment is one that ensures elections are free and fair. Because if we do that, even when people form a coalition, we still face the problem of draconian leadership that can cause glitches in the server, or manipulate election results without proper authority behind it. The solution is that our elections should be decided by the polling unit.
“The Republic of Ghana has shown this. If you look at the commission chairperson, votes are cast at the polling unit, votes are recorded at the polling unit, and winners are announced at the polling unit. We should do away with these coalition centres, which are fraudulent centres for the manipulation of results.
“We still believe that when the people are determined and stay true to their convictions, the electorate will go to the polling unit and make their decision. But a coalition will only facilitate and make it easier for the opposition to reach the Presidency.”
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has signaled openness to collaboration, urging progressive forces to join hands in building a better Nigeria. APGA Chairman Sly Ezeokenwa highlighted the importance of unity among credible leaders rather than focusing solely on party alliances.
