2027: PDP Governors Playing Spoiler Role for Tinubu — Atiku’s Coalition
The coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of sabotaging the opposition by aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s interests ahead of the 2027 general election. In a statement by spokesman Salihu Moh. Lukman, the coalition criticized the PDP Governors Forum for rejecting efforts to form a broad-based alliance of opposition parties. Lukman described the PDP as a weakened force, alleging that it had failed Nigerians by not offering credible opposition since losing power over a decade ago. He claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had effectively hijacked the PDP, using actors like Minister Nyesom Wike to ensure the party cannot mount a serious challenge in 2027. He further accused the PDP governors of hijacking the party’s organs and undermining internal democracy. Lukman noted that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP had not met in two years, illustrating the party’s dysfunction. He warned that the governors were now playing into Tinubu’s hands by opposing the formation of a united opposition front. According to Lukman, the coalition’s core mission is to rescue Nigerian democracy by restoring political negotiation, trust, and competitive democratic values. He emphasized that both APC and PDP had failed in this regard, often disrespecting agreements and sidelining democratic institutions. Despite resistance from PDP leaders, the coalition, which includes figures like Peter Obi, Nasir el-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, and other disenchanted APC leaders, remains committed to uniting patriotic Nigerians. Lukman extended a call to all political actors to join forces in rebuilding Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the future of the country depends on it.