By Abaire Olanlesi
Opposition parties and defectors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), are intensifying efforts to form a coalition capable of unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Consultations are underway among key figures from the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and civil society groups, with notable northern politicians expressing dissatisfaction with the current administration.
A national summit of political leaders is scheduled for May, with a broader coalition expected to launch by July. Olawale Okunniyi, Director General of the National Consultative Front, emphasized that the alliance aims to safeguard democracy and establish a viable political alternative, citing weaknesses in the APC-led government.
He hinted that Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are among those involved in discussions.
The coalition may either adopt an existing party like the PDP or restructure another platform to lead the opposition.
Okunniyi likened the movement to the Third Force that boosted the Labour Party in 2023 but with wider support.
The APC has dismissed the initiative as political desperation.
Presidential aide Sunday Dare challenged the opposition to test its strength at the polls in 2027, while critics accuse the ruling party of using state institutions to suppress emerging alternatives.
