By Ayodele Oni
There are subtle moves to bring together opposition political parties as part of a strategy to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC), candidate, President Bola Tinubu during next year’s elections.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) a coalition of parties, which earlier rallied together with a view to present a common front to challenge the ruling party, has been scattered by ambitions with Peter Obi pulling out to pick the Presidential ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Even at that, opposition parties are still battling to manage crisis which trailed the conduct of the primary elections with notable figures like former Secretary to government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal withdrawing his support for Atiku Abubakar.
However, in a dramatic political twist that has sent shockwaves through the opposition camp, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and former Minister of Information, Prof Jerry Gana, has suggested a way forward, advising former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, to drop his 2027 presidential ambition and throw his full weight behind Labour Party leader and NDC candidate, Peter Obi.
Gana made the remarks while reviewing the fragmentation of the opposition alliance and the growing regional anxieties shaping the countdown to the next general elections.
The elder statesman declared that the ultimate sacrifice for the survival of the nation and the defeat of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) requires a selfless change of guard at the top of the opposition ticket.
“If I were Atiku, I would tell Obi: ‘Go for the Presidency! I will fully support you for the sake of Nigerians,” Gana stated flatly, putting public interest above party or personal loyalty.
According to the PDP veteran, the political realities in the country require a candidate who commands deep organic appeal and can serve as a unifying figure across diverse demographics.
By urging Atiku to step down from the frontline, Gana is advocating for a strategic retreat to save the opposition from another catastrophic electoral defeat.
Political analysts view Gana’s statement as a major validation of the enduring electoral appeal of Peter Obi, whose massive movement continues to dictate the terms of engagement for opposition coalitions ahead of 2027.
Shaking Up the Coalition Chessboard,
The former minister’s public stance exposes a widening ideological rift within the old guard of the main opposition structures.
While Atiku Abubakar has actively sought to construct an alternative opposition umbrella under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other regional coalitions, Gana’s remarks suggest that a segment of influential political elites believe a joint ticket must be built around Obi to achieve electoral viability.
The statement further complicates Atiku’s campaign roadmap, which has already suffered major setbacks following the withdrawal of high-profile political actors over regional balancing and running mate choices.
With a founding member of the modern PDP structure openly calling for an Atiku step-down, pressure is expected to mount on the former Vice President’s camp to clarify his next line of action.
Whether Atiku will heed the advice of the elder statesman or press forward with his multi-party coalition strategy remains the biggest question of the 2027 political season.
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