As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, intense negotiations within opposition ranks have taken a new turn. Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, is reportedly being considered as a consensus presidential candidate in a proposed political coalition aiming to challenge the ruling party.
Although the coalition was originally expected to be led by either former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi of the Labour Party, sources within the alliance now reveal deep divisions. Both Atiku and Obi are holding tightly to their individual ambitions—especially Obi, who insists on running with his 2023 running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.
A member of the coalition’s steering committee disclosed that Amaechi is being prepared as a backup, should the talks between Atiku and Obi collapse. “We’ve resolved to keep Amaechi ready. After all, he came second in the APC presidential primary,” the source said.
Amaechi, who recently turned 60, used his birthday lecture themed “Weaponising Hunger” to test political waters. He openly distanced himself from President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating, “I informed him directly that I wouldn’t be part of his electioneering. Two years later, I feel vindicated.”
Support for Amaechi isn’t coming from the opposition alone. Insiders say key loyalists of former President Muhammadu Buhari also favour Amaechi over Atiku or Obi, praising his past performance and his position within the party.
It is believed that Atiku and Obi have both offered to serve a single term if elected, while zoning factors may require Amaechi to make a similar commitment.
Discussions are ongoing regarding the creation of a new political platform, tentatively named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). According to Dr. Umar Ardo, convenor of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), forming a new party is safer than joining existing ones like SDP or ADC, which he says could be legally vulnerable.
He denied reports that the new party is being built for Atiku’s benefit. “Atiku wants a merger into an existing party. I’m against that. That doesn’t mean I support him,” Ardo clarified.
Katch Ononuju, a prominent coalition figure, maintained that Peter Obi’s candidacy is non-negotiable. According to him, Obi has already decided to run with Datti Baba-Ahmed again in 2027.
If ADA is officially registered, insiders suggest Amaechi could lead it, while Atiku and Obi may seek tickets from SDP and ADC, respectively.
Meanwhile, former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson warned coalition leaders not to repeat the political tactics that toppled Jonathan’s government in 2015. “Now, 11 years later, poverty has been weaponised. Shine your eyes,” he cautioned.
As the political chessboard shifts, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether Nigeria’s opposition can unite behind a single candidate—or once again split the vote.
