As coalition talks to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections gain traction, northern stakeholders are pushing for southern aspirants to commit to a single-term agreement.
A source involved in the coalition negotiations, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak on the issue, told The KUKURUKU that northern stakeholders are urging former Vice President Atiku Abubakar not to run.
The source added that most stakeholders believe that if all coalition leaders unite behind a southern candidate, President Tinubu can be defeated.
On March 20, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, announced the formation of a coalition aimed at removing President Tinubu in 2027.
The debate about whether opposition parties should unite to challenge President Tinubu’s administration has been intensifying, with various political figures sharing different opinions.
Former Vice President Atiku has been a strong advocate for opposition unity, emphasising the importance of collaboration.
On March 8, he revealed his efforts to unite opposition groups and form a coalition to oust the APC.
Following El-Rufai’s switch from the APC to the Social Democratic Party on March 10, discussions among opposition leaders gained significant momentum.
Atiku and other opposition figures declared that the March 20 meeting marked the official launch of the coalition.
It was previously reported by Sunday KUKURUKU on March 23 that the negotiations among political leaders are being delayed due to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s ambitions and the zoning dispute.
The source mentioned that the stakeholders have multiple options to resolve all the concerns.
He stated, “There are numerous concerns among all stakeholders involved in the coalition negotiations, with the North-South issue being the primary concern.
“Most of us understand that if we field a competent and credible southern candidate, defeating President Tinubu would be much easier. Therefore, many stakeholders, especially those from the North, are urging Atiku to step down and allow the coalition to support a southern candidate who will serve a single term if elected.
“In fact, some of these stakeholders are insisting that any southern aspirant the coalition will support must agree to a single-term commitment.
These issues are emerging, but we are committed to addressing them as they arise and accommodating the many Nigerians who are fed up with the APC’s maladministration. Our goal is to ensure a fair process that represents the interests of the people and strengthens the unity of the coalition.”
When reached for comment, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, confirmed that the proposal for southern aspirants to sign a single-term agreement, along with other options, is under consideration by the stakeholders.
In an interview with our correspondent, Ahmeh stated that the opposition forces against President Tinubu are greater than those faced by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014.
He stated, “The signing of a single-term agreement by a southerner is part of what is on the table, but this has not been concluded yet. It has not reached a conclusion.
“Peter Obi and some other southern aspirants are involved. I believe that the decision will be reached in the next few weeks.
“There are many options on the table. People are bringing different permutations, but the fact still remains that you can’t put the cart before the horse. As soon as the agreement is reached, we will communicate it to the public.
“It is very obvious that more Nigerians have realised that this government is doing us more harm than good. So, quite a lot of Nigerians are joining the coalition. There are more opposition forces against this government than there were against former President Jonathan in 2014.
“So, I urge all coalition stakeholders and other opposition leaders to sustain this commitment so that we can come together to rescue this country from the failed APC.”
When reached for comment, former Vice President Atiku cautioned against speculation that could undermine the coalition negotiations.
In an exclusive interview with The KUKURUKU, Atiku, through his media aide, Paul Ibe, emphasised that any agreement made will be binding for all parties involved.
He stated, “The agreement must be between the stakeholders, and we cannot speculate about it because discussions are still ongoing. We don’t need to reach conclusions while discussions are still ongoing. Once an agreement is reached, it will be binding, but until then, we must refrain from drawing conclusions about the ongoing process.
“Yes, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar is committed. What’s important for him is not to put the cart before the horse. His Excellency, like other leaders, believes that the only way to remove those who don’t mean well for our people and our country is by having a strong, united coalition.
“That coalition must be robust and strong enough to push forward. That is what they are working towards, and it is the most important goal, above all else.”
The National Chairman of the SDP, Shehu Gabam, corroborated that nationwide consultation is ongoing.
