Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that a strong coalition aimed at defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election is quickly gaining ground across the country.
Atiku made this known on Wednesday during a meeting with a delegation of National Opinion Leaders who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
He also posted about the development on his verified X handle (formerly Twitter), where he described the movement as a “fast-moving train” that welcomes all Nigerians interested in building a better nation.
Atiku wrote, “The coalition is like a fast-moving train with multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades.”
He added that the mission is focused not just on winning elections but on ensuring good governance.
The former Vice President, who is a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the group is open to members from different political backgrounds, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Labour Party, and other smaller parties.
“A number of us, leaders from the APC, PDP, Labour, and others, have come together to say we are going to take a new path—a new pathway to a new Nigeria,” Atiku stated.
He referred to the coalition as “Sabo Tafiya,” which means “New Path” in Hausa.
He stressed that the priority of the coalition is the future of Nigeria, especially for the children and grandchildren of today’s citizens.
Atiku said, “Whatever vehicle that will give us good governance in the future of our children and grandchildren, that is the vehicle we are going to ride on.”
Calls for Voter Awareness
During the meeting, Atiku warned Nigerians not to be deceived by politicians who offer small amounts of money in exchange for votes. He encouraged voters to look beyond short-term gains and focus on the long-term well-being of the country.
“Don’t be disrupted by people giving you pennies or kobos here and there, and then abandon your future and your children’s future,” he cautioned.
His message appeared to target the common practice of vote-buying and other forms of electoral manipulation that have plagued past Nigerian elections.
However, is currently a member of the Peoples Democratic Party where the governors elected on party’s platform claim the party is still strong.
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PDP Governors Say Party Is Still Strong
Atiku’s coalition idea comes at a time when governors elected under the PDP platform have insisted that the party remains a strong force and should not be seen as one desperately seeking alliances.
The governors reportedly believe that the PDP is still the “beautiful bride” in Nigerian politics and that other parties or coalitions should align with the PDP rather than the other way around.
However, Atiku’s statements suggest he is open to working with a wide range of political figures, even those currently in the ruling APC. His openness to form alliances with politicians from all parties has sparked political discussions across the country, especially as Nigerians prepare for another crucial election in 2027.
Building a Broad Alliance
In recent months, Atiku has continued to reach out to key political figures to strengthen the coalition. Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and publisher Dele Momodu are among those reportedly involved in the growing political movement.
With more than two years to go before the next presidential election, Atiku and his allies are laying the groundwork for what could be a powerful political challenge to President Tinubu’s leadership.
Political analysts believe that if the coalition succeeds in bringing together opposition voices and discontented leaders from different parties, it could become a serious threat to Tinubu’s re-election hopes.
As the political landscape begins to shift, all eyes will be on how this coalition shapes the months and years ahead—and whether it can truly deliver the “new path” that Atiku and his allies are promising Nigerians.