Former Kano State governor and Chairman of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has revealed that the recent formation of a coalition of opposition figures led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is not strong enough to topple the ruling AP.C government.
He stated that as far as the coalition stand, they lack the political structure needed to challenge or defeat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
Shekarau made the assertion in a recent statement after the announcement of the formation of a Coalition of Opposition Political Parties (CNPP) by Atiku, former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi and immediate past Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, stated categorically that no opposition coalition can unseat Tinubu and the APC in 2027.
Shekarau said the emerging coalition of opposition figures in the country was only a partnership of individuals that want to be president or vice president rather than a structured political coalition.
He noted that having prominent names in an alliance does not automatically translate to a unified political front as what is needed to form such a coalition is a strong political structure which they currently lack.
He argued further that the coalition does not have the support of the leadership of major opposition parties, especially the PDP and the LP as it is only backed by individuals rather than established political structures, making it unlikely to pose a serious threat to the APC’s dominance.
He said: “This is just a gathering of certain individuals with political ambitions; none of them has officially consulted their party leadership.
“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 unfortunately, most people do not realize that this so-called coalition has nothing to do with the major opposition parties; PDP and LP.
“The first political merger in Nigeria happened in 2013 when four registered parties merged to form the APC. So, technically, the APC is not a ‘new party.’
“It was an alliance of registered opposition political parties that were already well-established, with elected state governors, state and National Assembly members, and significant grassroots support.
“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 is clear they have no control over opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly.
“If the coalition leaders had any real influence, the APC government would not have secured the required votes for the law’s passage.
“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 was in attendance.
“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.
“It is however, 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.
“The coalition of opposition figures is a good development, as seen in their recent meeting under what they call an opposition alliance. However, none of the key figures involved represents their party leadership,” Shekarau added.
