Northern Political Leaders Set to Form Mega Party to Challenge Tinubu in 2027 Election

Key political leaders across Nigeria, particularly from the northern region, have reportedly concluded plans to create a new mega party to contest the 2027 general election, with the aim of challenging the incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Investigations by the press have revealed that after months of deliberations, these stakeholders have decided that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is no longer a viable option for leading the opposition in the 2027 race. According to sources familiar with the ongoing discussions, governors within the PDP have lost their influence and are seen as too beholden to President Tinubu, making the PDP less reliable in the fight for the presidency.

A committee formed in December 2024 to finalize plans for the new party has set a deadline for late February to unveil the new political vehicle. While no final decision has been made on who will lead the opposition coalition, several names are being considered, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal. There’s also speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan might be brought into the mix as a southern candidate.

Sources also indicated that the North has already identified its preferred candidate, who is believed to pose a strong challenge to President Tinubu in the upcoming election. The coalition is also said to be considering several smaller political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), but the PDP’s involvement is viewed as increasingly unlikely due to internal divisions.

Peter Obi, who was a key figure in the 2023 election, is reportedly being seen as an essential part of the coalition, with advocates of the coalition insisting that a successful opposition bid would not be possible without him. However, Atiku remains a key figure in the ongoing talks, even as concerns about his age for the 2027 race persist. Proponents of his candidacy argue that his experience is critical, citing examples of other global leaders, like former U.S. President Donald Trump, who made successful bids later in life.

The recently held democracy summit in Abuja is said to be part of efforts to consolidate support for the new coalition, with political figures like former Kano State Governor Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau playing an instrumental role in coordinating the discussions.

As the political landscape shifts ahead of 2027, Nigeria’s opposition forces are working hard to present a united front, with hopes of dethroning the APC after President Tinubu’s first term.