The camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have fired back at criticisms from ex-PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, and former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, over the newly formed coalition ahead of the 2027 election.
George and Shekarau opposed the coalition and the idea of a mega party to challenge the ruling APC in 2027, arguing that it was driven by personal ambitions rather than a structured political alliance.
They also expressed concerns that the opposition figures forming the alliance were more focused on securing presidential and vice-presidential positions rather than building a solid political framework.
The criticism came just three days after Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others announced the coalition at a press conference in Abuja.
The official unveiling of the coalition put an end to weeks of speculation and uncertainty about its existence.
It also followed Nasir El-Rufai’s defection from the APC to the Social Democratic Party on March 10.
Among other opposition figures present at the press conference were former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; Obi’s media aide and Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko; National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh; and Convener of The Alternative, Segun Showunmi.
Several key figures from the ruling APC were also part of the coalition but were absent, with their apologies noted. These included former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), as well as the immediate past APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, among others.
In response to the criticisms, Atiku Abubakar dismissed the remarks from Shekarau and George, stating that the coalition remained unshaken.
Speaking through his media aide, Paul Ibe, in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, the former Vice President emphasized that the coalition was already making progress and would not be distracted.
The coalition train has left the station. It will make stops, and people will get on board. If Bode George and Shekarau wish to join, they are free to do so. Otherwise, they should remain silent.
Bode George knows nothing about the coalition, so he cannot speak on what he doesn’t understand, Atiku stated.
Speaking on behalf of Peter Obi, Yunusa Tanko stated, “We have united and made our stance clear. Regarding the issue in Rivers State, we have voiced our position. Our focus is on nation-building. If others have a different perspective and choose to support what is happening, Nigerians can see that for themselves. However, we stand firmly against it.”
“As evident from our discussions during the presentation, we are actively engaging in dialogue. We are talking to each other and working together.”
