Atiku, Obi camps reply Bode George, Shekarau over coalition comments
The recent formation of a coalition among opposition figures in Nigeria, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has continued to attract controversy.
This coalition claims it aims to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 elections.
However, it has faced criticism from notable political figures such as Chief Bode George and Ibrahim Shekarau.
Both George and Shekarau have expressed skepticism regarding the coalition’s potential effectiveness. They argue that the coalition is primarily driven by personal ambitions rather than a structured political alliance capable of mounting a serious challenge against the APC.
Specifically, they have pointed out that the coalition lacks the necessary political structure and support from major opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP).
READ ALSO: Shekarau critiques Nigeria’s opposition coalition for lack of structure, influence
Shekarau emphasized that this gathering of prominent individuals does not equate to a unified political front, stating that without formal consultations with party leadership, their efforts are unlikely to yield significant results.
Responses from Atiku Abubakar’s camp
In response to these criticisms, representatives from Atiku’s camp have defended the coalition’s legitimacy and purpose. Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, stated that they are undeterred by the negative comments from George and Shekarau. He asserted that “the coalition train has left the station,” indicating that progress is being made regardless of external opinions2. Furthermore, Ibe suggested that those who wish to join or understand the coalition should do so rather than criticize it without knowledge of its workings.
Peter Obi’s position
Peter Obi’s camp also weighed in on the matter through Yunusa Tanko, who reiterated their commitment to nation-building. Tanko acknowledged differing opinions but maintained that their coalition is focused on addressing national issues rather than engaging in personal disputes3. He indicated that further announcements regarding their plans would be made when appropriate.
Salihu Lukman’s reaction
A former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the APC, Mallam Salihu Lukman, said the coalition was necessary to rally the opposition to ensure the country doesn’t fall into a one-party state.
Lukman said with the way many political parties were battling internal wrangling and leadership crisis, the ruling APC may end up being the only party to contest the 2027 election.
He said, “There are two sides to those statements. One, I can appreciate Bode George. George’s comment is coming from his optimism about believing that they can rescue the PDP. While in the case of Mallam Shekarau, on the other hand, it is simply contempt about the people who are part of the coalition.
“For many of us, I think it’s to appeal to everybody to understand that the country is at a critical stage because right now, where we are is that all the parties have been pushed into a state of oblivion, basically, a state of crisis that at the end, we may end up not having parties that will contest the election, except perhaps the APC.
“If it is about parties, the coalition has not yet been formed. What I think has been expressed is a reflection of the commitment of people to form the coalition and settle on a political party platform to contest the 2027 election. That is what is being negotiated now.”
When asked to confirm if there was a progression on the proposed mega party, Lukman replied, “Who is talking about mega party? My understanding of whatever is a mega party is a party that will be able to be attractive to Nigerians, just like the APC was attractive in 2014-2015. So, we are going to get there. We are confident that we will settle all of that and get there.
“What we are going to give Nigerians, I am very confident, will be something that is substantially different that will elicit the confidence of Nigerians that we are doing something new.”
