Atiku, Obi Camps Fire Back at Bode George, Shekarau Over Coalition Criticism
The political camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have hit back at former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, and ex-Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau over their criticism of the newly formed opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
George and Shekarau had dismissed the coalition as a self-serving venture driven by personal ambitions rather than a genuine effort to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). They also expressed concerns that opposition leaders were jockeying for presidential and vice-presidential positions instead of establishing a well-structured political front.
Their remarks come just days after Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other prominent opposition figures formally announced the coalition at a press conference in Abuja. The event ended weeks of speculation about a potential alliance aimed at unseating the APC in 2027.
The Coalition Gains Momentum Despite Criticism
The coalition has already started making waves, especially after El-Rufai defected from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on March 10. Other notable figures present at the Abuja meeting included:
Babachir Lawal – former Secretary to the Government of the Federation
Yunusa Tanko – Obi’s media aide and Coordinator of the Obidient Movement
Peter Ahmeh – National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP)
Segun Showunmi – Convener of The Alternative political movement
Additionally, some APC heavyweights who could not attend but sent apologies included:
Rotimi Amaechi (former Rivers Governor)
Kayode Fayemi (former Ekiti Governor)
Abdullahi Adamu (immediate past APC National Chairman)
Atiku’s Camp Dismisses George, Shekarau’s Concerns
Reacting to the criticisms, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, dismissed the remarks as irrelevant, saying the coalition was moving forward regardless.
“The coalition train has left the station. If Bode George and Shekarau want to join, they are welcome. Otherwise, they should remain silent. Bode George knows nothing about this coalition, so he cannot speak on what he does not understand,” Ibe said.
Obi’s Camp: “We Are Focused on Nation-Building”
Obi’s media aide, Yunusa Tanko, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the coalition’s goal was nation-building, not personal ambition.
“We have made our position clear. Those supporting the status quo are free to do so, but we stand against it. Our focus is on national progress, and our discussions have been transparent,” Tanko stated.
When asked about the possibility of forming a mega party, Tanko responded that any such decision would be made known at the appropriate time.
“We will announce any major development when the time is right. For now, discussions are ongoing,” he added.
Lukman Warns Against One-Party Domination
Former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Mallam Salihu Lukman, argued that the coalition was necessary to prevent Nigeria from becoming a one-party state.
He noted that many opposition parties were struggling with internal crises, which could leave the APC as the only viable contender in 2027.
“Bode George believes the PDP can be salvaged, while Shekarau seems to resent those leading the coalition. But the bigger issue is that most political parties are in crisis. If this continues, only the APC may be left standing in 2027,” Lukman warned.
He further clarified that while a mega party had not been officially launched, negotiations were ongoing to form a credible political platform for the opposition.
“The goal is to create a party that will inspire confidence, much like the APC did in 2014-2015. We are confident that we will achieve this,” Lukman added.
A Coalition to Watch?
Despite criticism from figures like George and Shekarau, the coalition appears to be gaining momentum with key opposition leaders aligning against the APC. However, questions remain over its structure, leadership, and viability as a political force strong enough to challenge the ruling party in 2027.
Reference
Atiku, Obi Camps Fire Back at Bode George, Shekarau Over Coalition Criticism