Key opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Labour Party's former vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed convened for a high-level political meeting in Abuja on Saturday.
The gathering, held at Continental Hotel under the banner of the National Political Consultative Group, North, has sparked widespread speculation about a potential coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Political analysts suggest the meeting represents a significant step in ongoing discussions among opposition leaders to form a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). While reports have circulated that Atiku may have selected Obi as his running mate for 2027, the platform under which such a coalition would contest remains unclear.
In a video that has since gone viral, Peter Obi stated his intention to contest the 2027 election under the Labour Party banner, potentially complicating coalition arrangements.
The meeting comes amid growing political realignments as opposition figures seek to consolidate their bases ahead of the next electoral cycle. Other notable political figures reportedly in attendance included former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, suggesting a broad-based approach to the coalition-building efforts.
Meanwhile, the ruling APC has reportedly expressed concern over the potential alliance of these heavyweight politicians against President Tinubu's anticipated re-election bid.
As political activities intensify ahead of 2027, this meeting marks one of the first major public moves by opposition leaders to potentially create a formidable coalition capable of challenging the incumbent administration.
