Members of the Peoples Democratic Part, PDP royal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed the stand of the PDP Governors Forum on coalition talks.
This is as the group are insisting that a coalition remains the only way to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Recall that the former presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election has argued against the position of 11 Peoples Democratic Party governors
The Governors’, through the Forum had distanced the party from the proposed coalition being championed by Atiku Abubakar.
The Governors’ made their stand known following their meeting in Ibadan on Monday.
Arising from the meeting, the Chairman of the Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed, announced that the party would not participate in any coalition or merger.
Recall that on March 20, Abubakar, had alongside the former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, announced the creation of a coalition aimed at defeating President Tinubu in the 2027 poll.
However, the announcement sparked growing debate, with stakeholders differing on the coalition’s viability.
The former Vice President is believed to be interested in running for president in 2027. Towards actualizing this ambition, he has been canvassing strong a opposition unity. Therefore, stressing the need for collaboration.
This is as he has shared his efforts to bring together opposition groups and form a coalition to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress.
But arising from their meeting in Ibadan, the PDP Governors’ Forum declared their stand against a coalition.
Reading the communiqué on behalf of the 11 PDP Governors’, the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed stated that would not go into any coalition.
He stated, instead of joining any coalition, the party, as a major opposition force, would welcome any party, individuals, or groups willing to join it in the pursuit of reclaiming power and establishing good leadership in 2027.
“Noting the nationwide speculations about possible merger of political parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger.
“However, the PDP as a major opposition party welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join it. With a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”
But in swift response, the Atiku Abubakar’ royalists dismissed the Governors’ Forum’ stand. Noting that the movement for the coalition belongs to the people and a pan- Nigerian initiative.
In a report in The PUNCH, the media aide to Abubakar, Paul Ibe, on Monday, noted that the governors’ decision highlighted the necessity for broader consultation.
“The Governors’ are key stakeholders of any party, not just the PDP. They are important, as are all other stakeholders, including ordinary Nigerians. The coalition is a pan-Nigerian movement and project.
“At the start of this journey, we conducted internal polling. Which indicated that this was the path we should take to redeem Nigeria. And to reclaim it from these marauders,” he said.