FORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar has clarified that the emerging political coalition seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections is not centered around any single individual. Rather, he said, it is a pro-Nigeria movement aimed at rescuing the country’s democracy from creeping authoritarianism and electoral manipulation.
Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, made the remarks through his media adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, during an interaction with journalists in Abuja on Monday.
His comments come amidst rising speculation about who will emerge as the presidential flagbearer from the coalition, which currently includes political heavyweights such as himself, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Responding to media speculation suggesting the coalition might become a battleground for personal ambition, Atiku stressed that the primary focus of the alliance is Nigeria’s stability and democratic survival.
“This is not an anti-Tinubu project; it is a pro-Nigerian movement. Nigerians must be the ultimate beneficiaries of this effort,” he stated.
Atiku warned that the country’s democracy is at risk under the APC administration, citing developments that, in his view, show the ruling party’s readiness to compromise future elections.
Specifically, he raised concerns over the recent appointment of a former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) official, who once headed the electoral body’s Information Technology department—as the APC’s national chairman.
“This is not just a routine appointment,” Atiku said. “This individual held a sensitive position within INEC. His move to the APC is a clear indication that the ruling party is preparing to rig the 2027 election not to win by merit, but by manipulation.”
He warned that unless opposition parties unify behind a common goal, the ruling party could exploit internal divisions to its advantage.
“Any cracks within our ranks will be turned into craters. The APC thrives on discord within the opposition. We cannot afford to hand them that opportunity. Our unity is our greatest weapon,” Atiku added.
Meanwhile, tensions flared within the opposition bloc as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) disassociated itself from El-Rufai, citing his lack of official registration with the party.
The SDP’s National Working Committee announced that El-Rufai had been “banished” for 30 years, accusing him of dragging the party into the coalition without due process.
Atiku, however, emphasized that the broader movement transcends individual ambitions or party affiliations.
“This is not about Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi, or Rotimi Amaechi. It is about Nigeria, its future, its people, and its democracy. This coalition is about giving Nigerians a chance to recover and rebuild their country,” he declared.
He concluded by urging restraint among coalition members, cautioning against premature jostling for candidacy positions.
“Let’s not count our chickens before they hatch. Our mission is national recovery, not self-promotion. If we keep that in focus, we’ll be doing justice to the millions of Nigerians looking up to us for real change.”