A high-powered opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is gathering steam ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections — but the Obidient Movement, led by Peter Obi’s supporters, says their loyalty isn’t unconditional.
- Coalition features heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, and Abubakar Malami
- Meetings held under the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG)
- Obidient Movement insists Obi must be the presidential candidate, not running mate
- Labour Party criticizes Obi’s involvement as “confusing” and “unacceptable”
- ADC’s Ralph Nwosu says party adoption decision coming soon
The push to unite Nigeria’s fragmented opposition is showing rare momentum, but unity isn’t guaranteed. The Obidient Movement, known for its grassroots energy, won’t back Obi in a vice-presidential role. Party insiders warn this could derail consensus.
Peter Obi remains caught in a balancing act: loyal to the Labor Party "for now," yet deeply embedded in coalition talks. Meanwhile, Labour Party officials are openly criticizing his dual-track strategy.
Analysts like Katchy Ononuju, an early Obi ally, say the coalition could pressure Tinubu into more inclusive governance if it learns from PDP's zoning missteps. But can egos and past wounds heal in time? With Nigeria at a political crossroads, the coalition’s direction and whether Peter Obi leads it may define the 2027 race. Will unity win over ambition?
