Abuja – Former Senator Elisha Abbo has made headlines with bold claims regarding a purported coalition between Northern political figures and their Southern counterparts, aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. Abbo, who represented Adamawa North Senatorial District until his removal by the Appeal Court in October 2023, asserted that this alliance is driven by a perception that President Tinubu is “anti-North.”
Speaking on the alleged outcome of a meeting involving prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, Abbo stated, “Tinubu is anti-north, and we Arewa, in collaboration with the south, will unseat him in 2027…..they don’t even know what is waiting for them.”
While Abbo’s pronouncements suggest a solidified plot, reports indicate a more nuanced reality surrounding the potential Atiku-Obi coalition. Both Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have publicly denied striking any firm joint ticket deal for 2027. Obi has maintained that his focus is on a broader “coalition against hunger, poverty, and ill health,” rather than a political deal for personal gain. However, Atiku’s camp has confirmed that coalition talks are indeed ongoing, with the PDP presidential candidate advocating for a broad opposition front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sources close to the ongoing discussions suggest that these talks are still in their nascent stages, with various permutations and possibilities being explored. The idea of a united opposition front against the ruling APC, echoing the successful coalition that led to the formation of the APC in 2013, has been gaining traction in some political circles.
Senator Abbo’s strong assertions, particularly his claim of Tinubu’s “anti-North” stance, could further fuel political discourse and potentially reshape alliances as the 2027 elections draw closer. His reference to “Arewa” (a term often used to refer to the northern Nigerian states) collaborating with the South highlights the regional dynamics that frequently play a significant role in Nigerian politics.
It remains to be seen how these alleged coalition efforts will evolve and whether they can indeed present a formidable challenge to the incumbent administration. The coming months are likely to witness increased political maneuvering and realignments as various stakeholders position themselves for the next electoral cycle.
