Why Atiku's Coalition Isn't Ready To Take On APC In 2027, According To Shekarau

Shekarau's Take on the Opposition Coalition's Strengths

Let’s dive into what former Kano State Governor and Chairman of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, had to say about the current state of the opposition coalition. In his words, the alliance formed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and others just isn’t strong enough to take on the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections. Why? Because this coalition, according to Shekarau, is nothing more than a gathering of former presidential hopefuls, lacking the backing of any established opposition party.

Now, Shekarau isn’t against the idea of a united opposition coalition. In fact, he welcomes it. But he makes a strong point: the current coalition doesn’t have the real structure needed to challenge the ruling party in 2027. He explained, “The coming together of some senior members of opposition parties is a welcome development, as seen recently under what they call a ‘coalition’ of opposition parties. But here’s the catch—most people don’t realize that this so-called coalition has nothing to do with the major opposition parties; the PDP and LP.”

A Look Back at APC's Formation

Shekarau took a moment to remind everyone of how the APC came into existence in 2013, when four registered parties merged to create it: the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). This merger gave the APC a strong foundation, complete with elected state governors, state and National Assembly members, and significant grassroots support. In contrast, the present coalition announced by Atiku Abubakar doesn’t have the backing of a political party—it’s merely a group of individuals. Shekarau bluntly stated that this coalition isn’t currently capable of posing any real threat to the APC.

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APC vs. The Coalition in Rivers State

Shekarau pointed out another telling example: the inability of the opposition coalition to stop the National Assembly from endorsing the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State. If the coalition leaders had any real influence, he argued, the APC government wouldn’t have secured the necessary votes for the law’s passage. “What happened at the National Assembly on March 20, 2025, regarding the ‘State of Emergency’ in Rivers State has exposed the so-called coalition. It’s clear they have no control over opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly,” Shekarau remarked.

It’s Not Too Late to Reboot the Opposition Strategy

Shekarau reflected on the failure of a similar coalition for the 2019 elections. He urged opposition leaders to rethink their strategy ahead of the 2027 elections if they truly aim to unseat the APC and stem the tide of defections. “The 2019 ‘coalition’ was formally launched almost a year before the elections at the Yar’Adua Center, yet none of the then-elected PDP leaders were present. No amount of noise-making or informal alliances by individual politicians in the name of opposition will have any impact in elections unless the full leadership structure of opposition parties at all levels is involved,” he emphasized.

Shekarau also questioned why the so-called “big names” in the opposition can’t resist defection. “Why don’t they unite to properly fund and build their parties while mobilizing grassroots support? It is still not too late. I believe that with the right vision, mission, and focus, combined with a genuine sense of purpose, the opposition can change its narrative in 2025 and position itself for success in the 2027 elections,” he concluded.

So, the ball is in the opposition’s court. Can they come together, organize effectively, and challenge the APC in 2027? Only time will tell.