By Adenike Lawal
Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race is gathering steam as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Transportation Minister and Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi have unveiled plans to lead a new political coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The trio made their intentions clear during a high-powered public lecture in Abuja to mark Amaechi’s 60th birthday; a celebration that swiftly morphed into a platform for fierce political messaging and economic critique.
In their separate remarks, Atiku and El-Rufai lambasted President Tinubu’s economic policies, accusing his administration of deliberately “weaponizing poverty” through subsidy removals, inflationary pressure, and what they described as anti-people fiscal measures.
Amaechi, the birthday celebrant, echoed their sentiments, criticizing the federal government’s economic direction and aligning himself with growing opposition voices calling for change.
The gathering attracted prominent figures, including Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, who lent intellectual weight to the emerging movement.
Former Bayelsa Governor Senator Seriake Dickson offered a word of caution, urging the coalition leaders to prioritize national unity and responsible political engagement as they regroup for 2027.
The alliance, though unofficial, marks a potential political shake-up.
Atiku, El-Rufai, and Amaechi were pivotal to the 2015 merger that dislodged the then-ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP); a feat that installed the All Progressives Congress (APC). Now, a decade later, they appear ready to turn against the system they once built.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, their renewed alliance signals a turbulent season ahead in Nigerian politics and a possible rematch with the political establishment under Tinubu.
