Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is in active discussions with other political heavyweights including Labour Party's Peter Obi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai about forming a coalition ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.

This confirmation came from Paul Ibe, Atiku's spokesman, during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today program on Thursday.

"Well, you and I know that there have been ongoing discussions between Atiku Abubakar and some opposition leaders: Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai," Ibe stated. "Yes, it's out there in the open. Discussion is still ongoing, and at the end of that discussion, they will come out with a position and the direction that we're going to follow based on the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians."

The potential coalition appears aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election. Political observers note that this development comes amid reported crises within major opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

When asked if Atiku and Obi might run on the same ticket as they did in 2019, Ibe responded: "What I'm saying, in effect, is that that ticket was viable in 2019, and it's still viable today. But it is left to the individuals to be able to come to a determination as to how they proceed. So, let us not go ahead of them. They are talking."

El-Rufai, who recently left the APC citing personal and political reasons, has joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which some political analysts suggest could become the platform for this emerging coalition.

Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has reportedly clarified his position on the coalition talks, stating that his primary interest is in forming a coalition against poverty and other challenges facing Nigeria rather than merely a political alliance.

The potential alliance represents a significant development in Nigeria's political landscape as opposition figures appear to be strategizing early for the next electoral cycle.