Abuja, Nigeria – The Bureau News | A major political storm is brewing within Nigeria’s opposition coalition as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar firmly rejected calls to step down for a Southern presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The demand—championed by political leaders and stakeholders from Southern Nigeria—is rooted in the longstanding principle of power rotation between the North and South. Proponents argue that, in the interest of equity, justice, and national unity, the next president should emerge from the South.
However, following a strategic meeting with leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku declared he will not succumb to any pressure that undermines his democratic and constitutional right to contest.
“I will not be pressured into abandoning my constitutional right to aspire. Let every qualified member test their popularity through a credible primary. Zoning must not be used to silence competence,” Atiku said in a statement released shortly after the meeting.
Obidients Threaten Exit: “It’s Obi or Nothing”
The former Vice President’s remarks have not gone down well with members of the Obidient Movement, loyal to former Anambra Governor and Labour Party candidate Peter Obi. Tensions have escalated as Obidients issued a veiled threat to withdraw from the opposition alliance should Atiku persist in pushing his candidacy.
On social media, the message is clear:
“It’s Obi or we pull out.”
Obi’s supporters argue that Atiku’s insistence on contesting is a deliberate sabotage of the unity pact, which many believe was built on the understanding that the South would produce the consensus candidate.
Coalition on the Brink of Collapse
What began as a broad coalition to challenge the ruling party now faces serious internal fractures. Political analysts warn that if both sides continue to hold rigid positions, the alliance may collapse long before the 2027 elections.
While Atiku’s supporters maintain that meritocracy and internal democracy must prevail, critics accuse the former VP of attempting to hijack the movement’s momentum for personal ambition.
“The coalition risks losing credibility if it becomes a battlefield for ego and powerplay,” said Dr. Uche Oladipo, a political science lecturer at the University of Abuja. “A divided opposition is a gift to the ruling party.”
Zoning vs Competence: A Recurring Dilemma
This isn’t the first time zoning has sparked controversy within opposition politics. In 2022, similar tensions played out between Atiku and Southern aspirants, culminating in a fractured opposition field that arguably handed an advantage to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Observers say the current impasse reflects deeper issues about leadership structure, power dynamics, and public trust within the coalition. With the 2027 elections still over a year away, there remains time to salvage unity, but only if leaders from all factions embrace compromise and clarity of vision.
Stay updated on Nigeria’s political developments and opposition strategies ahead of 2027 only on The Bureau News – your reliable source for news updates in Nigeria today.