Former Vice president Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday said only a coalition can defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027 general elections
He made the remark in response to the position of PDP Governors Forum who said they were against coalition.
While reading a communiqué issued after the end of its meeting on Monday in Ibadan Oyo State capital, on behalf of 11 PDP governors, the Bauchi State governor who is chairman of the PDP Governors Forum said the party would not join any coalition, adding that, as a major opposition force, it would welcome any party, individuals, or groups willing to join it in the pursuit of reclaiming power and establishing good leadership in 2027.
He stated, “Noting the nationwide speculations about possible merger of political parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger.
“However, the PDP as a major opposition party welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join it with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”
Atiku, while describing the state helmsmen as key leaders of the PDP, emphasized that the movement already belongs to the people and is a pan-Nigerian initiative.
Speaking through his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, Atiku said the governors’ decision called for broader consultation.
He said “the governors are key stakeholders of any party, not just the PDP. They are important, as are all other stakeholders, including ordinary Nigerians. The coalition is a pan-Nigerian movement and project.
“At the start of this journey, we conducted internal polling, which indicated that this was the path we should take to redeem Nigeria and reclaim it from these marauders.
“Therefore, it was no coincidence that we are travelling this route. I believe it’s still early days, and there will be alignments and realignments. I believe that when the governors, or some of them, realize that this is a project with its own momentum and a time that has come, they will align properly.
“This is not a setback. It calls for dialogue, but it is not a setback at all. The project continues. As I mentioned, this is a pan-Nigerian movement – a Nigerian project with Nigerians at its heart. It’s difficult to derail something when the people have taken ownership of it.
“That doesn’t diminish the importance of the governors; they are still very important. But Nigerians are also critical, and this project means a great deal to them in their quest to save their country.”
