The internal turmoil within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensified yesterday as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar advanced his coalition initiative, disregarding opposition from PDP governors, who are now facing accusations of supporting President Tinubu’s re-election campaign for 2027.
Salihu Lukman, the former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing a coalition of opposition figures, stated that the PDP governors’ refusal to endorse the coalition indicates their complicity in what he termed the ruling party’s extensive re-election strategy.
Lukman asserted that no Nigerian genuinely committed to authentic democratic reform and effective governance should take the PDP Governors’ Forum seriously, given their unwillingness to present a united front against the APC.
In a statement released yesterday, he claimed that the ruling party has compromised the PDP, with several prominent members acting as either appointees or covert supporters of Tinubu’s administration. He specifically mentioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, alleging that Wike’s true purpose is to undermine the PDP’s presidential aspirations for 2027. “The governors are aware that the affliction plaguing the PDP is incurable. They are simply putting on a show,” Lukman remarked. “The new strategy is to revitalize the PDP just enough to fragment the opposition vote and facilitate Tinubu’s success.”
He disclosed that the coalition is in the final stages of negotiations to unveil its structure and action plan aimed at “rescuing Nigerian democracy.”
Despite the PDP’s uncooperative stance, Lukman emphasized that the coalition remains receptive to collaboration and called on political leaders to prioritize the nation’s collective interests over personal ambitions.
“We extend our hand of fellowship to all democrats who recognize the urgent need to rebuild our democracy,” he stated.
IN THE MEANTIME, Atiku Abubakar is continuing his efforts to establish a comprehensive political coalition designed to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account yesterday, Atiku announced that he had engaged with two distinct delegations—one representing the PDP in Nasarawa State and the other comprising national opinion leaders—to discuss what he termed a “pan-Nigerian coalition” aimed at restoring the nation.
“Yesterday, I convened with representatives from two groups, during which I provided them with an update on the progress of the pan-Nigerian coalition that I am developing alongside other leaders and stakeholders from various political backgrounds and regions,” he stated.
Atiku emphasized that the coalition aims to embody national unity and political inclusiveness, uniting Nigerians from diverse backgrounds. “The coalition train has departed and will make several stops to welcome Nigerians of all perspectives,” he remarked.
The former vice president characterized the initiative as one driven by citizens eager to reclaim and rebuild their country from every corner.
However, the Arewa Joint Action Movement (AJAM) expressed its endorsement of the PDP Governors’ Forum’s stance, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, in distancing the party from what it referred to as “opportunistic office seekers,” including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.\
In a statement released by its Coordinator, Barnabas Musa, AJAM characterized the governors’ initiative as a “bold and commendable step” aimed at preserving political integrity in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
The organization cautioned that Nigeria’s political environment should not be shaped by the aspirations of “transient political actors” lacking a genuine dedication to national progress.
Musa criticized certain members of the opposition alliance for placing personal interests above the welfare of Nigerians, asserting that they “exploit the goodwill of the public while delivering little more than hollow promises and misleading rhetoric.”
He remarked, “The political arena should be approached with integrity and purpose. Regrettably, these individuals have shown themselves to be little more than job seekers pursuing power at any cost.”
He cautioned against what he termed attempts to manipulate public expectations ahead of 2027 and urged Nigerians to reject “the politics of deception and self-interest.”
In praising Governor Mohammed and his fellow governors, Musa encouraged the PDP governors to concentrate on policies that prioritize the welfare of Nigerians, while affirming AJAM’s commitment to support any initiative that fosters unity, progress, and democratic principles.
This announcement coincided with Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe being re-elected unopposed as the South West Zonal Chairman of the PDP during a peaceful congress held yesterday in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Ajisafe, who previously occupied the role, received 661 votes in a process that party leaders described as consensus-driven and indicative of internal unity. Delegates from all six South West states—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti—took part in the well-attended and orderly event.
Other zonal officers elected, many through consensus, include Obagunwa Muyiwa (Zonal Secretary), Alhaja Bose Adedibu (Women Leader), Bamidele Seyi Abiola (Youth Leader), Chief Sanya Atofarati (Publicity Secretary), Amuwa Benson (Organising Secretary), and Adeyela Adeleke Yahaya (Financial Secretary),Adeyemo Adetunji served as the Treasurer, while Ojetunde Azeez held the position of Zonal Ex-Officio for Oyo.
The event was attended by prominent party figures, including Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Ademola Adeleke of Osun, who praised the maturity and unity exhibited during the congress.
Adeleke expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I am thrilled today for the South-West. We give thanks to God Almighty. We aim to send a message to other regions to take note of our example. The past four years were not as harmonious, but today we are on the right path once more.”
Former Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Bode George, along with Congress Chairman Emmanuel Udom, a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, also recognized the congress as a benchmark for a peaceful transition of party leadership.
In his acceptance address, Ajisafe expressed gratitude to the delegates for their trust and committed to fostering inclusivity and engaging with grassroots communities.
Observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) characterized the process as transparent and praiseworthy.
